Newcastle's new stadium plans are moving forward, and whether a new stadium is built or St James' Park is redeveloped, Newcastle might be forced to play at local rivals.
In a report by The Guardian, while it continues to stress that news will come out by mid-March about whether Newcastle will build a new stadium, The article reveals a worrying update that might concern fans.
It seems that regardless of whether the stadium is built new or redeveloped, Newcastle United might be forced to play a number of games at Sunderland's Stadium of Light.
Newcastle new stadium plans could force Stadium of Light plans
It's probably not the story many Newcastle fans want to read, but it could be a reality. Louise Taylor of the Guardian had this to say about the reality of the situation, ‘Either option [expansion of SJP or new stadium] will almost certainly prompt months of planning wrangles, not to mention the likely need to share the Stadium of Light with Sunderland while a potential rebuild takes place. That would be unpopular in some quarters, but there seems no realistic alternative. Moreover, if Milan and Inter can share San Siro, the two north-east rivals can surely cohabit for a while.'
Taylor never really elaborates beyond this point, so we take it as it is. She does, however, once again mention the club's new training ground, which was also promised when the PIF took over the club. For now, the club has made big improvements to the current training ground, but a new, larger home is expected to also be announced in the near future. The man in charge of all of this, Brad Miller, was previously in charge of Stansted and Manchester Airport expansion, so they've got the right person for the job.
The real issue will be with the local police. We suspect that the police, who have previously criticized the two clubs, would have something to say about the plans.
Would Sunderland even allow it
Fan outcry aside, Sunderland has a recent history of making Newcastle feel a little too welcome at their stadium. It's just gone the year anniversary of the club's FA Cup meeting, where Sunderland infamously changed one of their lounge areas to the black and white bar. It was a weird move at the time, made worse by the eventual defeat.
So maybe with their palms being greased by Newcastle, or simply the idea of so many extra fixtures at the stadium of light, Sunderland might be willing hosts despite obvious fan backlash.
Sunderland have issued a statement after images circulated of the Black Cats bar being re-decorated with Newcastle signage ?#SAFC | #NUFC | #FACup pic.twitter.com/U8jozoASdm
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) January 4, 2024
FGG says: A move to upset all fans
We've followed the updates around St James' Park a lot of late. While it does seem like a new stadium is the likely outcome, the prospect of playing at the Stadium of Light doesn't sit well. While the decent capacity of the stadium makes it an obvious option, the reality is there are other options. Middlesbrough is an obvious option, and honestly, with the recent issue around Gateshead's stadium, I think that poses another option.
Gateshead was recently denied promotion because the local council would not increase the club's lease. So, why does Newcastle not buy the stadium from the council, lease it to Gateshead for the required time, and then use it for its own women's team? In the short term, it can be used as a makeshift stadium before the work at St James' Park or the new stadium is complete.
This does add a prominent issue, and it's the capacity one again. The Stadium of Light stands at 48,700, and Middlesbrough's Riverside is at 34,000; meanwhile, the Gateshead stadium is just 11,800. That's a major drop from the current capacity at St James' Park. However, it might just be a necessary sacrifice.
For our park, we're not sure we believe the story in the first place. While Louise rightly points out the Milan situation, it's entirely different when those two clubs share a City. Newcastle and Sunderland do not, and it's also possible that by the time this happens, Sunderland might find themselves in the Premier League alongside Newcastle United.
share a City. Newcastle and Sunderland do not, and it's also possible that by the time this happens, Sunderland might find themselves in the Premier League alongside Newcastle United.