Behind-the-scenes photos show Newcastle United training ground upgrade — Bruno Guimaraes loves it

Newcastle United’s training ground revamp is nearing completion, with its latest addition delighting star midfielder Bruno Guimaraes.

Construction work at the club’s Benton training base has been ongoing since last summer after the club’s PIF-led owners moved to upgrade the current facility that “fell significantly below the Premier League and perhaps even Championship standards”.

A purpose-built single-story building - including a hydrotherapy pool and new player changing rooms - has been completed, while an extended dining area is also available to the players. The newest feature has been revealed by Premier Pitches, who have installed artificial grass and a head tennis/ footvolley court.

The addition has been welcomed by Guimaraes and Brazilian teammate Joelinton. Footvolley - a mix between football and volleyball– originated in Brazil and is one of the country’s most popular sports behind football. Posting about it recently, Guimaraes said: “If one day I was sad, I forgot it! Thanks for it @NUFC. Bora jogar futvolei [let’s play footvolley].”

From the photos, supporters may notice new panelling. Previously, the building displaying the lettering ‘Newcastle United Training Centre’ was a cream colour, however it now boasts a more modernised dark colour.

Currently, assigned workers are working on the east side of the building, which will host a new reception area. The full revamp is expected to be completed by the end of the campaign in May.

Speaking in December, United head coach Eddie Howe said: I’m really, really pleased with the outcome of that and the difference it makes to our working environment has been incredible.

“I’m really, really pleased with how the training ground is now taking shape. We’re still very early stages with a changing room and a place to eat so we’re still adding bits and pieces to that. But that will be transformative, that will change a lot in terms of how we feel and how we work there today.

“We’re enjoying preparing now for the competitive games which is what it’s all about.”

The upgrade to United’s current training complex is a short to medium term fix, with the club’s owners pledging to invest in building a new state-of-the-art facility elsewhere.

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