'Next chapter' - Have Newcastle United's owners just dropped major stadium hint?

Newcastle United are expected to make an announcement on their stadium plans at the end of the month, according to The Telegraph. And a recent social media post by one half of the club’s ownership group has also convinced some fans that something is close.

RB Sports & Media, i.e. the Reuben brothers, were part of the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia-led consortium that purchased Newcastle from Mike Ashley for £305million in October 2021. PIF took up an 80% stake, while RB Sports & Media and PCP Partners got a 10% stake each.

Both PIF and RB Sports & Media have gradually increased their stake to the point where Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi left the club last July. That saw PCP’s shares acquired by PIF and RB Sports & Media at a 85%/15% split.

Reuben brothers social media post gets Newcastle United fans talking

Jamie Reuben, who fronts up RB Sports & Media at Newcastle United, is a regular attender of matches and takes to social media every now and then to show his support for Eddie Howe’s team and gratitude to supporters, whose loyalty sees them travel to all different parts of the country - and Europe.

But in terms of the Reuben brothers as a whole, they don’t often comment on Newcastle. So, after seeing their latest social media post, supporters are speculating what, if anything, it could mean.

The Reuben brothers launched a new Instagram account five weeks ago and in the weeks since have highlighted several of their real estate, hospitality and private equity investments. On Tuesday, it was Newcastle United’s turn.

“Newcastle United is a symbol of resilience, passion, and community,” the post read. “Reuben Brothers is proud to stand alongside this historic institution as it writes its next chapter, building on legacy, driving ambition and uniting generations of supporters.

“Representing the hopes and dreams of our city and of supporters everywhere is something we never take for granted. It is a constant motivator for us, and we will be doing everything within our power to achieve something special together – with you and for you. Eddie Howe.”

It is the phrase “next chapter” that has got Newcastle fans talking online. And given the Reuben’s busines background, as mentioned above, the easiest assumption is stadium plans.

One fan wrote: “Does this mean we get the stadium announcement this week? We never hear from the Reuben brothers , just Jamie.. they are construction experts, so to put 2 & 2 together?? Is this their time to take centre stage”.

Is the post new stadium-related?

What does the post mean? Well, it is difficult to say anything for certain. It could be - and this is probably the most likely explanation - the Reuben brothers are just promoting the Magpies as part of their portfolio to help gain followers on the account.

But if it is stadium-related, then an announcement is overdue. Newcastle said last year that an update on whether to expand St James’ Park or build a new stadium would be available in “early 2025”.

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