Newcastle to U-turn on new stadium plan – ‘big, big logistical issues’
Newcastle United’s St James’ Park home currently holds 52,000 fans but is no longer considered fit for purpose by the Saudi ownership in terms of capacity or facilities.
The Magpies are close to making an announcement on their stadium development plans as they look to boost revenue and bring the club in line with their Premier League rivals.
As per The Telegraph (4 February), Newcastle are “leaning towards” building a new home adjacent to St James’ Park and overlapping its blueprint, while redeveloping the current ground remains an option.
However, it is stressed a final decision has not been made – with the Daily Mail claiming (13 February) PIF decision-makers are set to fly over to the UK in the coming weeks.
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 warned of “big, big logistical issues” for Newcastle.
Wyness names ‘best possibility’ for in Newcastle stadium plans
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness has insisted remaining at St James’ Park and refurbishing the stadium is the “best possibility”.
Magpies fans have clashed over staying at the ground that has been home of Newcastle since 1892.
Wyness claimed a new stadium would be “magnificent” but backed the club to rebuild their “football gem”.
He told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “There will be big, big logistical issues if they go ahead with this.
“Things never go smoothly in a construction of this scale, no matter how well you plan – there will always be issues.
“These new stadium plans mean for part of a season they’ll have to close down one end of St James’ Park, which means reduced revenues, health and safety, reduced atmosphere.
“That is one area I think will go against a new stadium when they’re making this decision – the disruption it will cause.
“There have been some artist’s impressions which show a magnificent stadium, but I still think a revamped St James’ Park is where we are going to end up.
“Money-wise and disruption wise, I think it’s still the best possibility.
“Most of the building in that project, they’d try and do in the summer to give a long window to get it done.
“I think a lot of the fans would be happy if they revamped the current stadium. It’s a football gem.”
Newcastle ‘confident’ of securing defender agreement
On the pitch, Newcastle are “confident” defender Fabian Schar will sign another contract extension at the club.
Football Insider revealed on 10 February that the Magpies are set to step up contract talks with Schar – whose current deal is up in June.
The 33-year-old is entering his twilight years but the Switzerland international could be offered a 12 or 24-month extension by Eddie Howe‘s side.
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