talkSPORT pundit Simon Jordanplaceholder image
talkSPORT pundit Simon Jordan | Screenshot
Newcastle United are yet to make an official announcement on St James’ Park’s future.
Simon Jordan has admitted to being surprised at Newcastle United’s owners not pushing the boat on financial measures since the Saudi-backed takeover.
The Public Investment Fund bought the Magpies in October 2021 and fear immediately rippled around the Premier League. Just two months later, top-flight clubs introduced Associated Party Transaction rules to prevent “juiced up” commercial deals with Saudi-backed companies.
Newcastle have been wary of overstepping the mark given the glaring spotlight that would inevitably come their way. However, legitimate methods of boosting revenues - like the mooted stadium expansion - have yet to be finalised.
Simon Jordan message to Newcastle United owners
Speaking to talkSPORT, former Crystal Palace owner Jordan has questioned why Newcastle’s owners have not “pushed the envelope” since the takeover. He said: “The Saudis have played nicely with the football establishments, have played by the rules in terms of not pushed the envelope or created any issues about their ownership model and how they should be able to do precisely what they wanted in the same way that they did when they tried to influence government to influence the purchase in the first place, which we all know happened with Boris Johnson.
“So the one thing they can do to enhance Newcastle United and give them the opportunity to be at the top table, which doesn't take anything away from PSR, is build a new stadium. Get on with it. Build a new stadium. Simple as.”
David Hopkinson’s fresh St James’ Park update
Ahead of the win over Qarabag on Tuesday, new Toon CEO David Hopkinson insisted plans are under construction “every day” regarding the St James’ Park decision. He said: "The truth is that if the ambition is to drive higher revenues, then we need to look at the support we get - which is amazing from the local community, and the fact that we could sell more than that.
"More capacity is a big option for us, and whether that’s here at St James’ Park or somewhere else, we don’t know. We’re working on it every day but do not have a timescale for that just yet.”
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