Chelsea handed stadium alternative that PIF don’t have as Newcastle United fans await £1.2bn decision

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Newcastle United are not the only Premier League club that are considering a major stadium change.

Manchester United are building a new stadium, while Aston Villa are redeveloping Villa Park.

All the while, Newcastle United fans are waiting to discover the fate of St James’ Park.

PIF are expected to sanction a new Newcastle United stadium, which could cost £1.2billion.

The alternative is to redevelop and expand St James’ Park. That is still an option for Newcastle United, but the preference is to build a completely new ground over Leazes Park.

Chelsea offered temporary Stamford Bridge alternative

Chelsea are another club that is considering a change to their home. Like Newcastle, they could expand Stamford Bridge or build a new stadium in Earl’s Court.

Depending on what the Blues decide to do, they might need a temporary home – similar to when Tottenham Hotspur played at Wembley.

For Chelsea, they could be allowed to play at Twickenham. That is according to RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney, who has spoken to the Guardian about the possibility of Chelsea temporarily playing at the home of English rugby.

“It [the RFU’s licence] would allow it to happen,” he said.

“There have been conversations previously about possible Premiership clubs coming here.

“Richmond council, Richmond borough is more concerned about that. I just think in terms of impact on local residents, numbers of fans and so on they’re a little bit more sensitive. It may depend on which club it is. It would be a big financial number, I know Richmond borough would definitely have a conversation about that though.”

No alternative stadium for Newcastle United

Allowing Chelsea to play at Twickenham would be very lucrative for the RFU, while it would also help Enzo Maresca’s side achieve their stadium ambitions.

While it would be dependent on the local council, it is a nice option for Chelsea to have.

In contrast, it is a luxury that Newcastle United cannot be afforded.

Whatever PIF decide to do, Newcastle must still be able to continue playing at St James’ Park.

There is no alternative stadium that the Magpies could call home on a temporary basis.

Murrayfield in Edinburgh is too far away, while speculation over Newcastle playing at the Stadium of Light has been laughed off – and rightly so.