‘Newcastle United’s new stadium may not open until 2030’
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness has backed Newcastle to “go for the big one” and build a new PIF-funded stadium to replace St James’ Park.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 66-year-old – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – admitted fans may not be able to take their seats in the new development until 2030.
St James’ Park currently holds 52,000 but has been earmarked for improvement by the club’s ambitious Saudi Arabian ownership.
Newcastle have conducted a stadium feasibility study, and Wyness has previously told Football Insider (20 November) that the club are likely to announce their stadium redevelopment plans at the start of 2025.
A redevelopment at St James’ is under consideration while moving to a new location has not yet been ruled out.
Newcastle new stadium could take five years to build and open, says Wyness
Wyness suggested a new stadium would make the Saudi ownership “look great” to the rest of the world.
He told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “I’d go for the big one, the big new stadium.
“It would be a great story. You’d end up with not only a great stadium, but a showpiece for the north east.
“It would attract inward investment to the club and city, and that would be great for the Saudis – to be able to show that to the rest of the world.
“We could be looking at five years, 2030, by the time you factor in planning permission.
“It’s not a short, quick measure. They may also have to close sides of the stadium during construction.
“There are many different factors. I’ve been through five or six stadium projects, so I can only give my sympathy to Newcastle – because it’s difficult.
“I’m hoping for the very best for Newcastle as a city and a club.”
In other news, Newcastle owners bankroll £35m injection – official documents reveal.
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