Newcastle United chiefs are still weighing up whether to expand St James’ Park or build a new state-of-the-art stadium.
It has become the talking point at Newcastle United in recent weeks. After the close of the summer transfer window, it has been full steam ahead with the stadium plans.
Ever since the PiF takeover in 2021, it became blindingly clear that the club’s new owners want to expand beyond the 52,000 capacity of St James’ Park.
It has been narrowed down to two options, a £1bn project to expand St James’ Park or to build a new stadium altogether.
Should the owners choose to expand St James’ Park, it has been reported that capacity could grow to 65,000. However, there would be no cap on the potential capacity for a new stadium.
The Newcastle hierarchy are expected to make an official announcement in early 2025 after concluding a feasibility study and holding talks with the fan advisory board.
Newcastle United announce new boardroom appointment
Newcastle made it public that there would be a new addition to the club’s boardroom, and it has now been confirmed.
The club published a statement on Monday revealing that Roger Thornton has been appointed to the club’s Board of Directors.
Thornton, who is born in South Shields, has a close connection to Newcastle co-owner Jamie Reuben having headed an asset management company that works with his family.
The announcement adds that Thornton has “played a key role in recent developments in Newcastle city centre” including the Pilgrims Quarter project and the Newcastle Racecourse.
Crucially, Thornton has also played a key role in ground improvements at St James’ Park, including securing funding for the East Stand structure.
Everything points towards Thornton being a key appointment to accelerate the club’s stadium project.
Newcastle must stick or twist
The Newcastle hierarchy are facing an incredibly hard decision – to stick or twist. St James’ Park is a second home for Toon fans and waving goodbye would be heart-wrenching.
It is, however, obvious that the club needs to expand and a new stadium build appears to be the most cost-effective method.
Newcastle fans have made their thoughts clear on the stadium decision, and even though Newcastle chiefs said they would prefer to expand St James’ Park, it seems the odds are now swaying towards a new stadium.
PiF are now seriously considering a new stadium, but the location will be key. Alan Shearer insisted a new stadium must be built nearby the original St James’ Park area in the heart of Newcastle.
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