Newcastle chiefs have held meetings with supporters and explained the lengthy silence on their plans for St James' Park
Newcastle United chief operating officer is overseeing the St James' Park development
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Newcastle United stadium supremo Brad Miller has admitted the Magpies are yet to make up their mind on whether to stay at St James' Park.
But what is now abundantly clear at St James' is that a stadium move or revamp will take years to complete. That's in contrast to the 1990s when the Leazes Stand was constructed over the space of the close season in 1993 and then the Gallowgate End shot up a year later.
An update on whether Newcastle stay or leave St James' was expected in "early 2025" but Toon chiefs insist that extra time and care in making the correct decision is required. The two options on the table are increasing the capacity of St James' to around 65,000 - with a new Gallowgate End the main feature - or moving to a new stadium with Leazes Park believed to be the potential destination.
Moves to other locations, such as Gosforth Park, have been ruled out by Newcastle insiders in the last 12 months while the prospect of ground sharing with local rivals Sunderland during construction was also instantly rubbished by the club.
After the latest Fan Advisory Board meeting took place recently, the club have now released the minutes. New CEO David Hopkinson was also in attendance and the Canadian spoke of the 'energy, passion, and responsibility' he will bring to his new role.
Newcastle United CEO David Hopkinson in front of the Sir Bobby Robson Statue at St James' Park
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However, the stadium issue was the main talking point with the club insisting the priority was to make the right decision, not a rushed one.
Quotes from the meeting that were paraphrased and attributed to chief operating officer Miller read: "The Board continues to assess all stadium development options and has not yet reached a final decision. This remains a complex and long-term strategic consideration, with potential benefits for the club, city and wider region.
"The priority is to ensure any decision is the right one - both in terms of feasibility and long-term impact. The process is ongoing and will be approached with the necessary rigour.
"Supporter Services has received 10 direct emails on the topic over the past six months. While volumes remain relatively low, it was acknowledged that the subject continues to generate interest and sentiment across the wider fanbase.
"Michael McCarthy (fan advisory board chair) said it would be positive for fans to receive an update at the appropriate time, as nothing has been communicated since February.
"Lee Marshall (communication director) reiterated that no decision has been made, and this remains the genuine position."
With Hopkinson stating the stadium's location as the most important factor - favouring a home in the city - in his opening round of club interviews, he spoke about his enthusiasm on his new position.
The meeting notes read: "David Hopkinson expressed his enthusiasm for being part of the wider NUFC family, recognising the significance of the current moment for the club and its supporters. DH spoke of the energy, passion, and responsibility that comes with this role, and acknowledged - with 33 years’ industry experience - that he’s still learning and adapting."