Expert: Newcastle United set for ‘elite’ transfer boost as work gets underway
Newcastle United’s “elite” training ground upgrade could play a bigger role than finances in attracting new players to the club this summer.
That is the view of medical expert Ben Dinnery, who runs the Premier Injuries site and has a background in medicine data analysis.
According to Chronicle Live (1 June), Newcastle have started to make changes to their Darsley Park training base – with work underway on state-of-the-art pitches.
However, the Magpies continue to wait for the green light from the authorities after submitting their plans for an extension to their existing buildings.
The plans include proposals to introduce hydrotherapy and plunge pools, a player lounge, as well as new doctor and physio rooms.
Dinnery insisted the upgrades “can’t come a moment too soon”.
“For years and years the facilities at Newcastle have been referred to as a bit of a blind spot,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“You need to create a welcoming environment. It’s all well and good going out and playing at St James’ Park on a matchday, in front of 52,000 supporters and with brilliant facilities – but most of the players’ time is spent on the training ground.
“You need to create that elite environment, and even more so now. Money was a lure for a lot of players coming into Newcastle – but I don’t think that has much of a bearing anymore.
“Facilities and how the players are working day-in, day-out will definitely come into play. Not only new players, it will also help develop a real team culture and spirit.
“You want to keep the players at the training ground for as long as possible, to monitor them. You can look at what they’re eating, what they’re doing.
“The only way you’re going to do that is by creating a nice, accommodating, high-tech environment.
“They need to upgrade these facilities – it can’t come a moment too soon.”
In other news, Newcastle United star in talks to join Championship club.