Online creator's St James' Park concept images look insane as David Hopkinson sends Newcastle United message

January is upon us yet Newcastle United supporters are still in the dark about St James’ Park’s future. That is despite being promised an update in “early 2025” by Brad Miller, the club’s Chief Operating Officer.

Debates have raged across Tyneside in recent years as Newcastle consider whether to revamp the current ground - an icon of North East football - or propel themselves into the 21st century with a state-of-the-art venue. Those on either side of the argument can create a compelling case.

New CEO David Hopkinson addressed supporters at the St James Park to reveal that the stadium outcome remains up in the air. He told fans: “I want to be really clear on this. We have not taken a decision on what we’re going to do. We’re modelling a multitude of different scenarios.

“But even if we were to make a decision tomorrow, which we’re not going to do, it still takes years of permits, planning, finance, construction etc. That’s the case whatever we choose – reimagining St James’ Park or building a new stadium. Either takes years and years. I lived through the total transformation of the Bernabeu. I was around through years of work. I love what they’ve built – I think we’ve learned a lot from studying what they’ve built – but these projects are years long.”

Other recent updates St James’ Park was rubber-stamped as a host venue for Euro 2028 last month - guaranteeing the stadium’s future for the foreseeable. However, as NewcastleWorld wrote, fans deserve better than outside forces like UEFA determining 145 years of Tyneside history. Communication from the club is key.

Pressures from Save Newcastle Wildlife, who petitioned against a new stadium being built on Leazes Park, have also risen in recent times. Newcastle City Council were keen to stress that no final decision has been made.

Every Toon fan appears to be having their say on social media about what the ultimate decision should be. David Hopkinson - appointed as Newcastle’s CEO earlier this month - dropped a big hint on St James’ Park’s direction.

"Each team I worked for was the most important thing in that community,” he told supporters. “And the arena or stadium is situated in the centre of the city. I haven't worked for one where it was in a suburb, 15 miles from downtown.

“That is really important. Where ScotiaBank Arena is in Toronto, or where the Bernabeu is in Madrid, right on Castellana. Where Madison Square Garden is, the absolute heart of Manhattan. Where St James' Park is in Newcastle. Location matters.

"What’s clear to me is how much the pride people in Newcastle have for their community is expressed as love for Newcastle United. That's awesome. That's energising. That's exciting. That's what matters. Not every team in every community can claim that."

The Daily Mail reported a controversial fresh update last month, claiming PIF will not fully finance any proposal. It is suggested that any rebuild would be half-funded by the owners, with the rest leveraged against the club as a loan.

While not the same as the Glazers’ controversial takeover of Manchester United, the nature of the plans draws parallels. Newcastle would be plunged into enormous debt overnight - a possible hindrance in the transfer market.

Amid the drama, stadium concept designer and 3D animator Damian Bosio produced several breathtaking suggestions to solve the conundrum via his YouTube channel, Bondibot. The first option sees the Gallowgate End increased to the same height as the Milburn and Leazes stands.

Secondly, Bosio proposes moving the pitch altogether, allowing for further wiggle room in the Gallowgate and East Stand. The final design shows how a new stadium could be built that encroaches into Leazes Park - a possible nightmare for local preservation groups. Check out all three propositions below.