'A joke' - Newcastle United told their new stadium 'plans' are not fit for purpose

It’s emotive, it’s about the history, the heritage, the future. It’s something that splits opinion among the Newcastle United fanbase, but a decision on the future of St James’ Park is expected in the not too distant future. Will they, won’t they? That’s the question on the lips of supporters everywhere.

As reported by writer Jordan Cronin in this piece, it’s edging closer and closer to what looks like a new build in Leazes Park, instead of an expansion of St James’ Park.

Newcastle United stadium expansion plans

The story states: “Newcastle United appear to have dropped their biggest hint yet regarding the future of St James’ Park. Magpies chiefs have been weighing up whether to extend St James’ Park after completing a feasibility study last year or build a new stadium close by on Leazes Park. A decision is expected to be made public in the coming months.

“Sources close to the club insist a final decision has not been made, but a report by The Guardian strongly suggests a new state-of-the-art stadium is the preferred choice. Yasir Al-Rumayyan - the club’s chairman and governor of the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia - was in attendance for Newcastle’s 4-3 victory over Nottingham Forest on February 23. The next day, Al-Rumayyan hosted a meeting with the club’s top brass at Matfen Hall in Northumberland.

“The future of St James’ Park was top of the agenda and it’s claimed Al-Rumayyan was presented with a promotional video showing what a new 65,000-seater stadium on Leazes Park would look like. As reported by Mail Online, United favour a ‘bubble-wrap-type’ exterior like Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena. The video is said to begin with an aerial shot of the green space surrounding the Grade II-listed Leazes Park before homing in on the new stadium. Its location would retain the city centre location without impeding on Newcastle’s current home and ability to play there.”

Supporters give their views

We posted the story to our Facebook page - which can be found here - and it’s fair to say fans weren’t totally sold on the size of any new stadium, particularly after the club’s Carabao Cup celebrations, which drew around 300,000 people to the streets of the city last weekend. Here’s a selection of some of the most emotive comments from the post.

Damon Blight: “65 thousand is a joke considering the turn out on Saturday we had. ‘Im sure we could fill 90 thousand every week no problems at all.”

Danny Campbell: “Just build up on the Gallowgate end and add 10k we all know what our crowds were like back in the late 70s.”

Sean Lynch: “I wonder how far from Leazes Terrace they’d have to be, to build the same height as the main stands. Is it feasible to create an 85k stadium within 50 yards of its current footprint.”

John Rochford: “Well another day another old story or fable. This is taking longer than building the pyramids. Lost interest now!!! It was going to be this time last year, then by Christmas then by end Feb then by April perhaps a decision will be made by the turn of this decade?”

John Jennings: “It has to be 85 just look at it yesterday just proves it give us the team they will be there in there thousands

Paul Chollerton: “Its taking longer to make the announcement than it will to build the thing.”

John W Langston: “After the 300,000 attended I hope it convinces the owners that a 65,000 stadium will is no where near big enough.”

Gerry Croney: “Hopefully a new 85k stadium.”

Chris Richardson: “Extention of SJP 🖤🤍.”

Steve Meikle: “I reckon they should build a Stadium that can be expanded through time, that ALL stands can take MORE decks, start with a Stadium that holds 65/70 thousand, then over time add on what's needed, the last thing you want is empty seats.”

Alan Hubbucks: “It's coming sense 65,000 isn’t enough.”

Mohammad Ayaz Khan: “I reckon we should have an adjustable stadium that reduces and expands based on demand. Dunno how and it’s always impossible until it’s done.”

Craig Orchard: “I would love a 85k stadium but don't think we be that lucky but even 75k I be happy with need bigger than stupid 65k that don't seem any point for moving for that small of a size.”