Hemmed in on all sides

Our voice of the North

THERE are 108 pubs within half a mile of St James’ Park.

It is the dominant structure in Newcastle, in more ways than one. A focal point of city life, and a place where dreams are stirring.

Two decades ago the size of St James’ Park, and the revenue advantage it gave, was a weapon against rivals.

These days St James’ Park has fallen down the capacity rankings.

It’s still a great venue and one which will host an England international in June before the Euros, and a fortress for the Toon.

But it is only the seventh biggest stadium in the league table – topped by 74,000 Old Trafford, followed by Spurs (62,850), West Ham’s London Stadium (62,500), Anfield (61,276), The Emirates (60,704) and The Etihad (53,400).

And Newcastle’s ambition to become an elite club challenging for trophies domestically and in Europe is bound up with the future of the stadium.

It needs to be 65,000 at least to accommodate current demand.

If they start winning trophies, and genuinely want to price tickets well to get the next generation of young fans in, they could probably do with 80,000 seats.

I believe one essential is keeping St James’ Park IN Newcastle. It’s accessible by public transport and essential for the city centre economy, including those pubs and restaurants.

The East Stand needs extending but is hemmed in by Leazes Terrace, in the Leazes Conservation Area, described by the council as “the most imposing Georgian development in the city”.

Could these be taken down and rebuilt elsewhere? It would be controversial, but surely not out of the question. The Gallowgate End also has potential to go up and over Strawberry Place, but Metro lines lie below. More complications.

The club has planning leverage, specifically the threat of moving to a new site. It’s going to take imagination and compromise to keep up with the stadium elite.

The last word...

EDDIE HOWE’S declaration that Newcastle have “no advantage” in being owned by the PIF, who also own FOUR Saudi clubs who spent £700m on top players last summer, will be met with a laugh from rivals.

The Saudi state investment fund could exploit their multi-club ownership and give Newcastle cut-price loan help by negotiating loan deals with themselves, and playing hardball with others. Maybe Howe doesn’t want any Saudi-based players, but you can see why the likes of Liverpool are rattled.