‘Newcastle could rip up new stadium plan as issues emerge’ – boardroom source
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness has claimed he expects Newcastle to redevelop St James’ Park rather than build a new stadium.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 67-year-old – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – insisted the £1.2billion price tag may prove “too rich”, and warned building a new structure will “throw up all sorts of issues” for the Magpies.
The Telegraph has claimed (4 February) Newcastle are “leaning towards” building a new home adjacent to St James’ Park and overlapping the current stadium’s blueprint.
The report claims redeveloping the club’s current home remains an option for the Saudi Public Investment Fund, who bought the club in 2021 and have not yet made a final decision.
Wyness has previously told Football Insider (November 2024) that Newcastle face being “left behind” without a solution to their stadium problem.
St James’ Park currently holds 52,000 fans but is no longer considered fit for purpose in terms of capacity or facilities.
On the pitch, Eddie Howe‘s side are fighting for a return to the Champions League next season and are in the final of the League Cup after dispatching Arsenal 4-0 in a two-legged semi-final.
Newcastle tipped to stay at St James’ Park instead of building new stadium
Wyness told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “It’s a fascinating situation that has cropped up.
“This new report claims they’re going to try and build on some of the existing space at St James’ Park.
“That throws up all sorts of issues with having to play a season with building works going on at the stadium.
“Personally, I think they’re going to go back to just improving St James’ Park – no matter how tempting a new stadium is.
“At a cost of £1.2billion for a new stadium – I think it will prove to be just a little bit too rich.
“It would have to be a big statement from PIF and the Saudis for it to happen.
“I do believe it makes more sense to try and rebuild the Gallowgate end and increase capacity slightly.
“The cost will be a lot less, disruption will be a lot less. But the Saudis have made big statements before, and £1.2billion is not out of the realms of their ability.
“Let’s wait and see, but I think Newcastle will end up with an improved St James’ Park – which is not the worst option for football heritage.”
In other news, Newcastle denied Eddie Howe two January signings he tried to finalise.
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