David Hopkinson has directly responded to talk of Newcastle United moving away from St James’ Park and into a new stadium.
The 54-year-old only started his role as CEO on Friday, but he has already been faced with some tough questions.
David Hopkinson has joined Newcastle United following his departure from the Madison Square Garden group, where he oversaw commercial strategies for iconic American sports teams like the New York Knicks. The Canadian has experience working in football, having spent two years with La Liga giants Real Madrid.
Yasir Al-Rumayyan thinks Newcastle have struck gold with Hopkinson, expressing his delight that an executive of his quality has moved to the North East.
Elsewhere, Hopkinson believes Newcastle can make magic with him on board. One major decision which needs to be made is the future of St James’ Park. Talk of a new stadium has made the rounds in recent months, and Hopkinson has now directly addressed the speculation.
Newcastle United CEO David Hopkinson speaks to head coach Eddie Howe.
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
David Hopkinson says Newcastle United need time to make new stadium call
Newcastle were waiting to appoint Hopkinson before the stadium call, but fans have been left waiting for a long time for the decision to come. News of Darren Eales’ departure has been known since September 2024, with the former Atlanta United chief working his notice before going on medical leave.
However, some movement on a decision can be expected soon now that Hopkinson has taken up the role.
Reporters stated that Newcastle promised a stadium announcement in April, but that deadline has been and gone with no word, but Hopkinson has now addressed talk of a new ground.
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“That’s something we’re thinking about really hard,” he told newcastleunited.com.
“Higher ambitions are going to require some investments. St James’ Park, this is iconic, this is special, it’s a special place.
“Are our ambitions best served here? Might our ambitions be best served even better as we create a new stadium? We’ll figure that out.
“I don’t think we’re ready to make that decision today, but these are nice choices to be thinking about, nice options to be creating for ourselves.”
David Hopkinson must be patient with PIF at Newcastle United
PIF are not known for their efficiency in decision-making at Newcastle. Several big decisions still need to be made, which will completely change the future of the club.
As well as new stadium plans, Newcastle want to build a new training ground away from Darsley Park, and there is still no word on a training ground sponsor.
Additionally, there are possibly tens of millions to be made on naming rights, so whether that is for St James’ Park or a new ground, a decision needs to be made.
Reports in June suggested that Newcastle insiders are frustrated with PIF, for how long it takes them to come to conclusions at the club. They are methodical in their approach, and the appointment of Hopkinson is evidence of that.
Big decisions are coming, but PIF’s silence means fans must be patient for now.