Newcastle United release St James’ Park rebuild update as ‘more capacity’ promised
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St James’ Park has been home to Newcastle United since 1892 and supporters remain divided on its future.
David Hopkinson has denied the St James’ Park plans having a “timescale” as supporters eagerly await an official announcement.
In another frustrating update, the Newcastle United CEO has played down suggestions that an ultimate decision has been made. Brad Miller, the club’s Chief Operating Officer, promised an outcome by early 2025.
Over a year has passed but fans remain on tenterhooks over St James’ Park’s future. The club are yet to decide whether the iconic ground will be revamped or rebuilt on the adjacent Leazes Park.
David Hopkinson gives vague St James’ Park update
Speaking to Amazon Prime Video, Toon chief Hopkinson promised “more capacity” but could not offer guarantees on the highly anticipated announcement. He said: "The truth is that if the ambition is to drive higher revenues, then we need to look at the support we get - which is amazing from the local community, and the fact that we could sell more than that.
"More capacity is a big option for us, and whether that’s here at St James’ Park or somewhere else, we don’t know. We’re working on it every day but do not have a timescale for that just yet.”
David Hopkinson on 2030 vision
Hopkinson hit the headlines earlier this month when he doubled down on plans to make Newcastle a global force by 2030. He told talkSPORT: “The No.1 thing I talk to the ownership about is ambition. That’s the magic word here, having the correct ambition.
“We have total alignment on that. This is a club that, by 2030, will be consistently contending for the top prizes in global football. We have a lot of wood to chop between here and there. When I see Newcastle United, everywhere I look, I see opportunity.”
“It’s my job to help the club unlock that and deliver that. My job is to get a bigger bag (of money). And invest that with Ross (Wilson) appropriately to give Eddie Howe more chance of success on the pitch.”