The big questions were thrown our way in a Q and A at Chronicle Live - and here's some of the biggest talking points
Newcastle United's lack of a stadium and training ground sponsor has emerged as one of the answers supporters want from club chiefs.
With the transfer window wide open, it showed that Newcastle's global fanbase are just as interested in the big ticket off-field movements as well as the recruitment scene. St James' Park has not had a sponsorship since the days of Sports Direct when Mike Ashley tried to rename the stadium The Sports Direct Arena which went down like a lead balloon.
He was spared further abuse from fans when Wonga came in as club sponsors and opted to go back to St James' Park rather than what would have been a disastrous move to call Newcastle's home 'Wonga Park' or 'Wonga Arena'.
As a guide, Man City's long-term deal with Etihad is worth £400m according to Forbes with £15m pocketed per season for stadium naming rights. Liverpool also pick up £20m for a five-year deal with AXA for training ground naming rights.
Over at Barcelona, Spotify have a deal with the Catalan giants worth £235m for stadium naming rights. That could be a game changer for Newcastle if they could pull something similar off and it's not impossible as United grow in stature.
Here are some of the big talking points from the Q and A:
Q) Lee, Why has there been little happening in regard to training kit sponsorship or stadium sponsorship, I thought these would be ideal for boosting revenue - Slumberland
The training ground and stadium sponsorship are two big-ticket items that Newcastle must get right. They need to make sure that the fans see the figures.
If they get a £300m deal for the stadium sponsorship, you'd have to be happy with that as a fan. Man City's Etihad deal is worth £400m, so you get the picture.
What I will say is, enjoy the journey too. Newcastle were going nowhere fast five years ago. Now the picture has changed.
Q) Can you see Isak pushing for an exit if the club don’t strengthen this summer and the contract offered isn’t big enough? - Greg R
We are sitting in what is usually a dry month for transfers. This year has been different because of the FIFA World Club Cup and teams making the market move a little differently.
I don't think he will push for a move. I think his head could be turned if Liverpool started bandying £350k a week his way though.
It is a short career for a player. If he keeps banging goals in at this rate, he will get more and more interest. Liverpool have not bid yet but nobody at Anfield is shutting this story down either.
Q) Are the names that appeared in the media — like Kudus and Bakayoko — being used as pressure on Nottingham regarding the Elanga deal? - Saaed
It may be a tactic in some ways but I don't think it will trouble Nottingham Forest. The only thing that changes things on Elanga will be a bid that is the tipping point for their player.
In any case, Kudus has a release clause of £85m. Maybe Newcastle may have to think about making one big signing and making other things work.
Q) How many years left on Eddie Howe contract with the club?
I would say Eddie Howe is halfway through a deal that could be around eight years in terms of contract. It was signed in 2022 and had lots of conditions.
Remember last year it was extended on the quiet and may have been boosted again. It is a long-term deal that protects the head coach and the club from anybody who is eyeing a raid.
Newcastle United's new Chief Operating Officer, Brad Miller, at St James' Park
(Image: NEWCASTLE UNITED FC)
Q) What are the reasons behind the delay in announcing the new stadium? - Abdulaziz
I think Newcastle have some plans they are keen to show the public but they have not had sign off yet. They remain in talks with various bodies and I think that staff are keen to get the news out there.
That can't come soon enough but yes we are already delayed after a big interview and some vows from Brad Miller.