Newcastle United are set to announce plans for a new training ground in the near future, and a new report has shared a major preference for PIF.
The 2021 takeover from Mike Ashley has brought a lot of change to the club, most of it welcome, while other things have been met with a frosty reception.
One example is Newcastle United’s desire to update the existing club crest to bring its iconic design into the modern era. The news was met with a lot of backlash from the fanbase, though it does not appear that the club’s decision will change.
Elsewhere, Newcastle could soon announce plans to build a new stadium, with a spot just a stone’s throw away from St James’ Park being touted. New CEO David Hopkinson says Newcastle need time to confirm stadium plans following his arrival, but a decision is long overdue.
In recent months, it has been revealed that Newcastle are exploring two possible sites to build a new training ground, with a spot by Newcastle airport and Gosforth racecourse the frontrunners. No word on a final decision has been made, but a new report has shared some small insight into what fans can expect from the new training complex.
David Hopkinson meets Jason Tindall at Newcastle United's training ground.
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Newcastle United want to house men’s, women’s and academy teams at a new training ground
While a site for the new training ground is found, Newcastle are making improvements to Darsley Park, which is set to be completed in summer 2026.
Darsley Park has already had a major makeover since the 2021 takeover, giving the complex some much-needed work which was not done while Ashley was in charge.
However, according to Chris Waugh of The Athletic, Newcastle may permanently close Darsley Park once a new training complex is ready to move into.
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In his weekly Q&A, Waugh stated that Newcastle want the new site to be large enough to accommodate all of the men’s, women’s and academy teams, meaning there is no need for Darsley Park to exist any more.
Despite that, a final decision is yet to be made on whether the club will house all groups in one facility or if a group will remain at Darsley Park.
Head coach Eddie Howe will have no say in training ground plans, despite being a big part of Bournemouth’s recent new training ground project while he was manager there.
Newcastle United still yet to make a final decision on a new stadium
Hopkinson has a big job on his hands as CEO. The 54-year-old joins Newcastle in a big transition period, which he will lead.
However, the Canadian will need a lot of patience working with PIF, who are not known to rush into decisions. Reports earlier this year said Newcastle insiders were frustrated with PIF’s decision-making process due to how long it takes.
That same sentiment can be said when talking about Newcastle’s stadium plans. Fans were promised an update in April, but there is still no word on a final decision in September.
From the same Athletic report, some Newcastle executives have expressed their desire for a new, state-of-the-art stadium, while PIF are also exploring the opportunity to stay at St James’ Park.
The likelihood is that a new stadium is approved, but with the project being so big and many things to consider, this decision is the longest of them all.