The Mehrdad Ghodoussi declaration that Newcastle fans will love – opinion

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Mehrdad Ghodoussi has made it clear that Newcastle United will not be leaving St James’ Park.

Ghodoussi and Amanda Staveley spoke at length to the Athletic recently, detailing their start to life with Newcastle following last October’s shocking takeover.

In the interview, the co-owners discussed some of their plans for the future of the Magpies, and addressed what could be happening to St James’ Park – and it’s good news.

“St James’ Park is unique, special, the cathedral of the city, sitting on its hill,” Ghodoussi told the Athletic.

“We will definitely look at expanding it, working with the city and council to see what we can do. There are a lot of things that need to happen first, but that’s the way forward.

“If we can get it to 60 or 65,000 thousand, amazing, and we will look at every possibility.

“But are we going to build a new stadium? No. It would be like tearing your soul out.”

Newcastle moving out of St James’ Park would be heartbreaking

Moving stadiums would be a bold and potentially dangerous decision by the new owners. It could alienate a lot of people who have supported the club through thick and thin.

That’s why it’s excellent to hear that the consortium have no plans to build a new stadium. Their riches could take Newcastle to the top, but the club must remain rooted in its history.

The atmosphere inside SJP can be special. It’s been just that since the takeover went through. Wor Flags are back and creating incredible displays every home game, while there is once again a rush to get tickets.

Newcastle are a team fans want to watch again. Don’t forget, it wasn’t too long ago that the club had to give away 10,000 free season tickets.

Expanding SJP is the best course of action – if it is possible, of course.

There is clearly the demand following the change of ownership, and that demand will only increase as the club hopefully grows further.

But St James’ Park is special. It is unique in its location, and the atmosphere inside can often give the Magpies an edge.

Leaving for a bigger and fancier stadium in a less central location would be soul-destroying. The Toon owners know they have something special with St James’ Park and the Toon fanbase. They must continue to lean into it – something Mike Ashley never did.