‘Newcastle face agonising six-year wait for new stadium’ – boardroom source
Newcastle are inching closer to making public their stadium plans as they look to boost revenue and bring the club in line with their Premier League rivals.
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 stadium remains an option for the Saudi ownership, who bought the club in 2021 and have not yet made a final decision.
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – has handed a stark warning to Newcastle fans about the project.
Newcastle must brace for huge losses if they build new stadium, says Wyness
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness warned any new stadium would likely not be finished until 2030 or 2031.
St James’ Park currently holds 52,000 fans but is no longer considered fit for purpose for Newcastle in terms of capacity or facilities.
Wyness claimed a new stadium will be “very tempting” – but insisted rebuilding the current ground “could be the best option”.
He told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “If they build a new stadium, it won’t be finished until around 2030 or 2031.
“It’s a three-year difference, probably, to rebuilding St James’ Park in areas.
“You’ve got to take into account the difference in revenue. The overall cost is not only what you pay for a new stadium, but also the loss in ticketing revenue for that time.
“It’s very tempting. It’s a great vision, a great new beginning in a wonderful new stadium – but I think there’s a lot to be said for St James’ Park in history and heritage.
“If they can improve that, I think that could be the best option.”
Eddie Howe denied two January signings at Newcastle
Newcastle failed to make a senior signing in the January transfer window as they chase a return to the Champions League next season.
Football Insider revealed on Tuesday (4 February) that Eddie Howe wanted a right winger and centre-back in January.
The Magpies boss wanted addition in the key positions even before Miguel Almiron and Lloyd Kelly departed St James’ Park for Atlanta United and Juventus respectively.
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