Pundit reacts to ‘crazy’ Newcastle stadium development – ‘It’s just incredible’
Demolishing the “incredible” St James’ Park and building a new stadium for Newcastle United would be “crazy”.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former West Ham and Celtic striker Frank McAvennie waxed lyrical about the Magpies’ historic ground and claimed its removal could “ruin” the city.
The club sent surveys to season ticket holders regarding whether they’d be in favour of developing a new stadium amid plans for a proposed multi-million redevelopment of the current ground.
While Newcastle reportedly favours improving the current site, they are exploring every option which emphasises the club’s fresh ambitions following their 2021 by the Saudi Public Investment Fund.
McAvennie admitted that a new ground could benefit the club’s finances, but is no fan of any plan that would see Geordies moved from St James’ Park.
“It’s got to be renovated, you can’t move – it’d be crazy,” he told Football Insider.
“That’s what the site is all about. You come in off of Gateshead and you see it – it’s like some of the buildings in Rome!
“You can’t miss it, it’s like the Colosseum. Why would you want to move somewhere else?
“It’s right in the centre of the city, they’ve never had any problems getting the crowds in and it’s just incredible.
“It’s a beautiful stadium so if they’re going to do anything to it, just make it better, don’t move.
“It might be great for the football and money side but it will be bad for the city.
“Honestly, if St James’ Park wasn’t there it would ruin the city.”
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