Earlier this month, it was reported that plans were quietly accelerating regarding a new training ground for the club, but with plenty still left to consider.
That includes picking the right location, with a site near Seaton Burn the preferred option, as well potential sponsorship opportunities that could arise from it.
But after a recent near-miss incident with a fan, the club may have to consider higher security measures for any new training ground and club facilities moving forward.
Near-miss forces Newcastle into action
According to The Mail’s Craig Hope, an incident that occurred outside the club’s Benton training ground has prompted a swift and strict response.
A young fan, trying to get an autograph from one of the players in their car, was almost hit by the moving vehicle, with the unnamed ‘senior’ Newcastle star left alarmed by the near-miss.
As a result, Newcastle have immediately announced new measures and ordered fans to stop gathering near the training ground entrance.
A snippet from Hope’s piece for The Mail shared some of the details, which you can read below:
‘A near-miss involving a Newcastle player and a young fan this week has led to the club telling supporters to stop gathering near the training ground entrance.
‘Confidential can reveal that a senior star was alarmed when he nearly hit an autograph-hunter while driving his car. The scare was raised with staff and the club have acted swiftly.
‘The narrow lane leading to the Benton base is used by Newcastle staff, players, pedestrians and construction vehicles working on the training ground expansion. Those wanting selfies and shirts signed often jump into the road, causing players to stop. Fans have also started waiting at nearby traffic lights and approaching the driver’s window while they’re on red.’
It seems to have been just the latest concern the club have had with fans trying to get photos and autographs from the players.
While understanding it’s a very positive experience and the players do appreciate it, the potential danger to a fan isn’t worth the risk if young fans are putting themselves at risk and acting recklessly.
Club statement
In a statement confirming the request to fans, the club released the following message on Thursday afternoon:
To ensure the safety of all supporters, players, staff and members of the public, we are asking people to avoid gathering at our Training Centre entrance and surrounding roadways.
Why are we asking this?
The only entrance for players, staff, deliveries and construction vehicles to the current Training Centre site is a narrow, single public lane that is shared by vehicles and pedestrians.
As the number of people gathering at the Training Centre increases, so too does the risk of serious injury with so many vehicles and people sharing a small space.
As crowds gather, people are stepping into in the lane and creating a risk to their own safety and to road users. Individuals also continued to pose a risk to themselves and others by entering busy roads to approach players’ vehicles while at traffic lights up to a kilometre away.
Please avoid the Training Centre entrance
To support public safety, we have instructed players and coaches not to stop their vehicles upon entry or exit.
We do not take this step lightly.
We value the incredibly strong connection that exists between supporters and our players and coaches. But safety must come first, and we trust our fans will support the club, players and staff by adhering to this request.
We will continue to organise opportunities for supporters to meet the players through the season, which will be communicated through newcastleunited.com and official channels.
Charity policy
We appreciate some supporters seek signed items on behalf of charitable organisations. Our charity policy can be found here.
