The future of St James’ Park is dividing Newcastle United fans, and now Alan Shearer has given his verdict.
The club continue to ponder what to do with St James’ Park, with Toon officials keen to get more fans through the door given the increased demand to watch Newcastle United.
Since the change of ownership and arrival of Eddie Howe, it is almost impossible to get a ticket for a home game, unless you are a season ticket holder, such is the demand.
That has led to suggestions that the club should expand St James’ Park and increase its capacity, but that is easier said than done.
St James’ Park is surrounded by listed buildings, which means it would be incredibly difficult to raise the East Stand and the Gallowgate End so that it was as high as the Leazes and the Milburn.
Therefore, a move away from St James’ Park and to a new stadium has been floated, which has divided fans. The majority want to remain at St James’ Park, and that is also the priority of the club.
Building a new ground would be a contentious decision, and Alan Shearer has shared one thing the club must do if they decide to leave St James’ Park.
Alan Shearer raises a concern over a new St James’ Park
Shearer has been speaking about the Newcastle owners possibly building a new stadium on the latest episode of The Rest Is Football podcast, and shared one of his concerns.
“I think one of the best things about St James’ Park is its position, that it is so close to the city centre,” he said.
“If they are going to extend it fine, but if they were going to build a new one I think it has to be pretty much next door or really close because I think that’s why we generate such a good atmosphere and it’s so iconic so if it is going to be a new stadium then it has to be pretty much next door to where it is.”
Newcastle owners have a tough decision to make about St James’ Park
I agree with Shearer. Newcastle have something special right now. St James’ Park is in the heart of the city. Its iconic location makes it somewhat unique, and it is not something we should throw away for a few extra seats.
There is a huge debate about the atmosphere at Newcastle games right now. Fans are concerned that the ground is not loud enough at times, despite it being thunderous on nights like the one against Paris Saint-Germain back in October.
While not every game can be like that, some of the smaller fixtures this season have been incredibly quiet. I wonder if that is a result of doing so well last season, with some supporters suddenly expecting to win certain games.
Personally, I think there will be even more issues with the atmosphere if the club builds a shiny new state of the art stadium that could hold 70,000+ people. But that is a debate for another day.
In an ideal world, Newcastle officials find a way to make St James’ Park bigger. But if it is not feasible and increasing the capacity is deemed essential, then they must find a way to build a new ground as close as the current one as possible.
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