In an interview with reporters on Friday morning of the English Premier League’s MD7, Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe voiced his strong opinion about the team’s chances of leaving St. James’ Park, their only home to far.
Howe saw this as potentially amounting to a “betrayal.”
This remark follows the club’s declaration that a choice about the Magpies’ new home will be made in the first quarter of 2025. In the end, NUFC would have to decide between creating a new SJP elsewhere in the city and enlarging and updating the existing one.
Howe highlighted St. James’ Park’s special location in the heart of Newcastle, stating that it has a significant impact on the neighborhood, the game, and the atmosphere that develops within the stadium on game days.
The location of St. James’ Park within the city is what gives it such character. It is really unique because of that. I would detest seeing the stadium relocated,” he remarked. “The stadium’s appearance and atmosphere are stunning when you’re there. I adore being in that place.
Howe recognized that the decision might be influenced by financial realities, even if he had a strong emotional affinity to the stadium. Howe emphasized the need of raising club revenue and how that will contribute to Newcastle’s long-term success.
Howe remarked, “As a club, we are well aware that we need to increase our revenue.” “The choice about the club’s long-term future will be made by those with more brain cells than me.”
The team is thinking about raising the stadium’s capacity from its present 52,305 seats to about 65,000. This project is projected to cost at least £800 million, and it’s likely closer to £1 billion. However, the organization is looking into other options, such as constructing a new stadium somewhere in Newcastle, due to St. James’ Park’s close proximity to historic structures, the club’s lack of complete ownership of the stadium’s surrounding lands, and other difficulties.
Howe implied that he might be convinced by the advantages of a new stadium, acknowledging that the team needs to keep changing, and, come to think of it, maybe even the notion that he won’t be around long and might be watching NUFC play from a distance by the time the expansion/new stadium is finished.
Howe stated, “You can’t just look at what you’re going to lose.” “The club needs to move forward, and what you could gain could be equally as special.”
Early in 2025 is when a definitive decision about the club’s new home is anticipated, however there are still a lot of logistical and financial factors to be resolved.