Newcastle United owners’ £400m investment promise plus St James’ Park & training ground improvements

Two years ago today, Amanda Staveley, just hours after finally brokering Newcastle United’s game-changing takeover, sat down with the local and national media to discuss her exciting plans for the club.

And in that conversation, Staveley promised investment on every level. She, of course, stuck to her word as NewcastleWorld takes a look at five main areas of investment:

Eddie Howe and the transfer window

Since Howe’s life-changing decision to become Newcastle’s head coach in November 2021, the Magpies’ owners have backed him to the hilt.

The obvious area is the transfer market and around £400million has been supplied over four windows, firstly recruiting the likes of Kieran Trippier, Bruno Guimaraes and Dan Burn in January 2022 and then Nick Pope, Alexander Isak and Sven Botman six months later.

The beginning of 2023 saw the arrival of Anthony Gordon before Sandro Tonali, Harvey Barnes, Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall signed in the summer. With every addition, Newcastle have got stronger and it’s fair to say neither side has barely put a foot wrong.

Howe has been given the platform to sign who he sees fit and he’s repaid the faith (and more) by overachieving and overperforming. No one expected Champions League football just two years in, never mind marking its return by thrashing French champions Paris Saint-Germain.

Newcastle United’s Benton training ground

Wheelie-bin ice baths. Paddling pools.

Newcastle’s Benton training centre wasn’t fit for purpose when the owners arrived. Former owner Mike Ashley did nothing but give it a lick of paint during his 14 years, and even that was a stretch.

Fast forward to now and the differences are stark. Gone is the doctor’s surgery look and in is the modern look following an extensive renovation.

The installation of hydrotherapy and plunge pool are the main features, but little things such as improved changing rooms, an updated presentation room, a modern players’ lounge and a new, bigger dining area make a huge difference.

It feels and looks like a training ground, and work is still ongoing. That said, it is still only a short to medium-term fix amid plans to build a multi-million-pound state-of-the-art training facility on a site elsewhere.

St James’ Park improvements

In truth, the refurbishment at St James’ Park has been far from major but a bit of TLC has meant the world to Newcastle fans, and understandably so.

Murals of Newcastle’s history and landmarks are displayed proudly on the concourse, while things such as TVs, flooring and toilet areas have also been replaced. New hospitality lounges have also been added in the Leazes End and Gallowgate Corner, as have new offices as the club expands its commercial team.

Shearer’s Bar, designated at the Gallowgate End, has returned after Ashley changed the name to NINE Bar out of spite. And the statue of Newcastle United’s record goalscorer is finally where it belongs on club ground, instead of bizarrely sitting metres outside.

Newcastle United’s academy

A major recruitment drive - led by sporting director Dan Ashworth - has seen the club recruit a huge number of coaches and scouts who are based across different regions of the United Kingdom and abroad, too.

In the last 12 months alone, Newcastle, as well as pick up the best talent around the North East, have gone to the likes of Scotland and the Republic of Ireland to bring top talent such as Charlie McArthur from Kilmarnock, or Alex Murphy from Galway United.

Other parts of England have been utilised too with Leo Shahar and Trevor Sanusi signed from Wolves and Birmingham City, respectively. And if you go further down the age group, you’ll have heard of the likes of Kacey Wooster, Michael Mills and Sam Alabi joining.

The academy is still playing catch up from years of no investment but the wheels are certainly turning.

Newcastle United Women

There have been two major milestones for Newcastle United Women during the last 12 months or so.

Led by Amanda Staveley, first was the news last year that the Women’s team would come under the wing of Newcastle United and therefore receive full funding and support.

And earlier this summer, it was announced Becky Langley’s side were be switching from part-time to full-time status, which has allowed the Ladies to recruit players arguably playing below their level.

The ambition is just as big as the men’s. After promotion from the fourth-tier last season, NUFC Women have set their eyes on another as they aim to reach the Women’s Super League as quickly as possible.