‘Even Boris’ - Newcastle United reaction to Richard Keys comments

Newcastle United supporters have hit out at Richard Keys’ ludicrous comments suggesting the Magpies should move their training ground to London in order to attract top players.

United’s current Darsley Park site is undergoing a revamp as the club’s owners look to move on from 13 years of non-existent investment under former owner Mike Ashley. Magpies CEO Darren Eales recently confirmed that a move to a new purpose-built site is part of a ‘long-term vision’ for the club and Keys has suggested this should mean a switch to the capital should be considered.

Speaking alongside Andy Gray and Jason McAteer on BeIN Sports, Keys said: “Everything connected with that football club (stadium) stays on Tyneside. But you don’t see the first 25 (first-team squad) out on the town these days, so what difference would it (moving to London) make?

‘They’re in a plane probably two, three days a week, travelling to different places. For the family, it (London) offers enormously more. The capital is a place where players could lose themselves… where there is a lot more privacy. There’s so much more. Entertainment, meals, restaurants… Outside of the capital city, the facilities aren’t perhaps as grand or appealing.”

United manager Eddie Howe described the suggestion as ‘a non-starter’ in his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday’s home game with Aston Villa and the Magpies boss has been backed by supporters.

Taking to social media, Twitter user @UncleJeffThinks said: “If this isn't a bloke (Keys) who's lost it I don't know what is! Even Boris Johnson made more sense!”

He was far from alone in suggesting the former Sky Sports presenter was incorrect to make the suggestion. @JSHudson tweeted: “Absolute rubbish! Bruno, Isak, Trippier, Botman have all joined in the last year! Big players who have moved to the North East. Man City signed Haaland and have some of the best players in the world, but they aren’t suggesting many city train in London.”

@JohnSpeedyU defended the North East, saying: “Richard I think you’re completely delusional, our North East is fast returning to the greatest place in the country to live. From our vibrant city to the flowing hills of Northumberland. People embrace everyone else in the North. Unlike the South. London is not what it once was.”

@AJTallantyre also hit out at Keys by tweeting: “The amount of utter garbage that man talks never ceases to amaze! It’s insulting to the city, fans and every player who’s ever worn the black and white at St James Park.”