· December 18 2024, 09:27
Newcastle United fans have been on tenterhooks for months now waiting for an update on what the PIF plans to do with St James' Park, whether that's a complicated expansion of the current ground or an entirely new stadium.
The last official update we had was that we'd hear more on the proposals in 'early 2025'. Those of us with very little patience and a touch of ADHD, probably read that as 'January 1st 2025' but let's be honest, it was never going to be that early.
There seems to be a change in the general perception of what's best with more and more fans leaning towards the idea of a brand new stadium, although there's a strong belief that a new ground should remain within the city.
Ideally, Newcastle would build a new stadium at Leazes Park right behind the current ground, that way the club retains its unique selling point of having an inner-city ground which dominates the skyline.
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Joel Bland has shared when we can expect the next stadium update
While we (im)patiently await updates, we now seem to have more clarification on that 'early 2025' promise, with an update now expected in March, according to local journalist, Joel Bland.
The update is expected to follow the next Fan Advisory Board meeting where we expect the board will be briefed fully on the options and what the club plans to do before putting it to the wider fanbase.
It has been a lengthy process already owing to all the complications presented along with the idea of expanding St James' Park, which has often been the preferred option despite its complexities.
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We aren't convinced we'll get a definitive answer in March
We probably aren't expecting a definitive plan to be shared in March, but rather a couple of options, one likely an expansion plan and the other a new stadium. Fans will be asked their opinion as there's always been a promise from the club that fans will be consulted.
Although, they could technically claim that they've done that by talking to the Fan Advisory Board who have been chosen to be the voice of the people.
Answers are coming ... slowly. It definitely feels like the fanbase is being primed to accept a new stadium plan, which I'm not against personally, but like most people, I'd definitely prefer the club to remain in the city.