Newcastle United fans await PIF’s decision over the future of St James’ Park.
Yasir Al-Rumayyan was recently on Tyneside, as the Toon chairman watched Newcastle United’s win over Nottingham Forest.
During that visit, Al-Rumayyan was shown stadium proposals, as the club weigh up whether to expand St James’ Park or build a new stadium.
It has been reported that PIF are anticipated to approve a new Newcastle stadium, which would set them back more than £1billion.
Darren Eales makes PIF admission at Newcastle United
That would be a real statement of intent from PIF, who remain completely committed to the Newcastle United project in the eyes of Darren Eales.
The Newcastle United chief executive officer has spoken to the i Paper after the Magpies released their latest set of accounts, reaffirming PIF’s ‘commitment’ to the club.
“From my perspective, and I deal with them day to day, [PIF] are 100 per cent committed to Newcastle,” he said.
“That’s the exciting part, there is no change in terms of where we want to get to. We are talking about a stadium project, we have to define what that looks like but whichever path we go down, that is huge investment that is going in. So the fact the ownership are taking that very seriously and looking to invest considerable sums shows their ambition.
“As for the training ground, we’re still making ongoing investments in the short term to our current spot [and] we are looking to the medium term for a new training ground. That again speaks to their commitment. Since the takeover, the rate that we have grown is unprecedented in football.”
Newcastle United officials favour leaving St James’ Park
When talking about the stadium project, Eales has not given much away. In truth, that is not a major surprise.
However, it has been reported that Newcastle officials prefer a new stadium over expanding St James’ Park. That would be a very controversial decision, as St James’ Park and its atmosphere is a big reason why the club is so special.
If they do go down that route, Newcastle’s new stadium will be in the city centre rather than on the outskirts. That is good news, with the club looking to build over part of Leazes Park.
If PIF are as committed as Eales says they are, the cost of building a new stadium should not be an issue. Instead, it will boil down to whether it is a good use of funds and whether or not it is the right decision for Newcastle United in the long run.
The likes of Darren Eales will argue that it is, as a new ground will majorly enhance the club’s revenue. In the world of PSR, that is essential.
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