The under-the-radar Newcastle United development references by Saudi minister that should have fans excited

Every man and his dog picked up on the separation argument references from Saudi minister of finance Mohammed Al-Jadaan from his CNBC International interview this week.

The ‘they’ and ‘we’ intermingled throughout the US TV exclusive, which had particular focus on the excitement around the PIF majority purchase.

One thing missed the jealousy and outrage driven coverage of the interview, was the small fact that Al-Jadaan has a foot in both camps. He’s also a board member for the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia. The wording could always be interpreted a number of different ways.

However, two words that should have piqued the interest of United fans, but seems to have flown under the radar, are the use of “stadium” and “investing” so close together.

What Al-Jadaan actually said

Al-Jadaan, in full, said: “This is a PIF investment. They are investing the club, the community, in the academy and the stadium itself. But it is also touching the people, reaching out to the people.

“As I said, this is one investment in many. I don’t know the technicalities of the association in the UK but I would say, if people are worried about competition amongst clubs now that we have invested in one of them. I would say that is a good sign, that we are a serious contender. This is good for the whole football community.

“Sponsorship. We do sponsorship not only with clubs that we own. We do sponsorship with different clubs, different events and different forums. There will be plenty of opportunities for sponsors and plenty of opportunities for the club.”

When asked whether United would win their next game, he added: “I hope they will. I do not follow football. But I do with that they would see the ambition come through and I am really confident that with investments coming their way, and the community, and the stadium, we will see an enhanced club.”

Mike Ashley neglect

The infrastructure at St James’ Park has been neglected for so long under the previous owner, Mike Ashley. That fact was only amplified by the celebratory reaction on social media to the sight of contractors cleaning windows at the Gallowgate End this week.

Waiting lists for season tickets at SJP are growing by the day, with the want to watch the start of a new era at United high. And calls will inevitably come for an expanded ground, either on the current site, or elsewhere.