Newcastle United will NOT make any decision on expanding or leaving St James’ Park until next year.
This comes from a club statement and fresh quotes from chief operating officer (COO) Brad Miller, who has said: ”We aren’t quite at a decision-making stage yet, but we are targeting the early part of 2025 to complete the next essential tasks.”
The club have confirmed that the latest Newcastle United Fan Advisory Board (FAB) meeting took place between supporters and senior club executives on Monday, where a key topic was what is next for our stadium plans; are we staying an expanding or building a new ground elsewhere?
It’s believed Miller delivered an ‘in-depth update on the club’s stadium feasibility work’ during that meeting and he’s also issued an update via the club’s official site today, discussing the “extremely complex project”, when a decision will be made and the “several risks” associated with building on the current site:
Miller said: “This is an exciting but extremely complex project, and I’d like to thank supporters for their patience as we conduct this key phase of the feasibility process.
“We aren’t quite at a decision-making stage yet, but we are targeting the early part of 2025 to complete the next essential tasks.
“We know what a transformed St. James’ Park would give us and we now have a significant amount of data and feedback on our stadium footprint and surrounding area, so we are several steps forward.
“But it is also clear that this option has several risks associated with it, so we need to fully analyse those risks against the opportunities to reach truly informed and intelligent outcomes.
“We are challenging our appointed design team, and ourselves, to make sure our eventual chosen route delivers a fantastic fan experience – one that represents the fans, city, region and club, and aligns with the long-term ambitions of our ownership group.
“But it must provide an investable return, and not least deliver strong revenue growth to increase our PSR headroom, which, as everyone knows, means we can invest more in football.
“Part of the process is also to understand alternative options so that we see the bigger picture and, again, find the right balance between risk and opportunity. This is a once-in-a-generation investment, so we don’t want to look back in years to come, as a club or as a city, and regret an opportunity missed.
“Our objective is to select a scheme that is deliverable, affordable, and sustainable, so we are investing this time to make sure we are only going to spend money on the project where it will make the biggest difference – to fan experience, revenue, competitiveness, investment in football and operational efficiency. All this requires a robust process that leaves no stone unturned.”
Having read the most recent and previous statements,I believe we’ll be moving home in the not too distant future. I hope what I’m reading between the lines is wrong,but I believe the club are preparing us for what they know will not be a popular decision
Dave Maughan(Quote)
Spot on, Dave. We’re moving on, for sure. Can’t wait!
davewallace(Quote)
Imminent decision, so early 2025, not leaving much time for Europe 28 competition at St James? Hwtl
Kiddafromthetoon(Quote)
I hope we move to a new stadium of 75k .. our current match day revenue is only £33 million a year .. spurs before the new stadium was £42 million now with 63k seats its £125 million .. it will create jobs, tourism , prestige and a winning team With more revenue.., ST James is not fit for purpose time to renew
Mike(Quote)