Newcastle United announced a new boardroom appointment on the third anniversary of the PiF takeover.
It was made public that Newcastle were looking to add to their boardroom, and the club announced on Monday that Roger Thornton had joined the Board of Directors.
The appointment is the latest part of Newcastle’s re-shuffle behind the scenes, and the Tyneside outfit are continuing their search for a new CEO after the unfortunate news about Darren Eales stepping down from his position due to health reasons.
Newcastle also made a change to their sporting director over the summer, with Paul Mitchell replacing Dan Ashworth after he left to join Manchester United.
At ownership level, Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi also left the club despite having played a key role in the 2021 takeover.
Roger Thornton can be ‘crucial’ for Newcastle United
Thornton is now the latest change to Newcastle’s boardroom, and the South Shields-born director could play a pivotal part in the club’s infrastructure investment.
Newcastle chiefs are currently discussing whether to execute a £1bn St James’ Park expansion project or build a new stadium nearby.
According to The Athletic‘s Chris Waugh, Thornton could be “crucial” to Newcastle’s infrastructure plans with not only the stadium project, but also the training ground.
“Property is Thornton’s background and his expertise could be crucial, given infrastructure investments — the stadium and training ground — are viewed internally as the “medium-term” projects which require attention,” Waugh wrote.
“The feasibility study into what is possible at St James’ Park has been going on for more than 12 months, and the “decision stage” of the process is due to start early next year.
“Thornton is described by those who know him as experienced and knowledgeable in the property world. One well-placed figure describes him as being ‘at the top’ of his field.”
Newcastle United stadium plans
Expanding capacity has been a priority for the owners ever since the takeover three years ago.
It has boiled down to two choices – expand St James’ Park to a capacity of 65,000, or invest in a new state-of-the-art venue for the club elsewhere.
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After conducting a feasibility study and holding talks with Newcastle’s fan advisory board this month, the club’s hierarchy are expected to make an official decision in early 2025.
Eddie Howe have given his thoughts on the stadium project, while Alan Shearer warned PiF about a new stadium insisting it must remain at the heart of Newcastle.
Whatever Newcastle choose to do, expect new director Thornton to be at the heart of it all.
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