Magpies unveil Darsley Park upgrade plans
NEWCASTLE United’s grand plan is still to build a new training centre on par with Manchester City, Liverpool and Leicester.
United sources have confirmed to the Chronicle plans submitted to North Tyneside Council are very much to ensure the facilities are up to scratch in the short term.
However, the long-term aim is for Amanda Staveley and company to bring one of the best training grounds in Europe to the region.
A United source said: “The plan is still to move to a new training ground moving forward.”
The club’s Benton base was built in 2002 and still boasts top-quality Premier League pitches which are kept in excellent condition.
A synthetic pitch - of FIFA standard - was fitted at Benton in November while Rafa Benitez had a new indoor training surface rolled out in 2018.
Since Eddie Howe has taken over he has also asked for and been granted facility improvements including new lightning and digital screens around the building which display data, training plans and statistical leaderboards.
Howe said the training ground was already “brighter and lighter” since the day he walked in.
Newcastle’s planning application to the council includes a state-ofthe-art kitchen being installed ‘so fresh and nutritious meals are served.
The dining room would be extended ‘to be able to deal with the number of players and staff working and dining on the daily basis on site.’
A new presentation room and players’ lounge will be situated directly next door to the players and coaching areas.
Four outdoor areas of the training ground would be upgraded with ‘hard and soft landscapes’ to be added outside.
A doctor and physio rooms and an improved ‘war room’ for tactical meetings are also on the cards.
The work has already started at Benton with club staff hoping it will be ready for pre-season.
The front entrance will receive a makeover with the addition of a new glazed door.
Staveley has spoken openly about plans to improve the facilities since day one of her arrival.
She said earlier this year: “We all want the best for the club and that is to grow and help us develop.
“What that means is a new training ground and academy.
“We have also had other facilities go up at other football clubs so we have looked at other clubs’ facilities quite enviously.”
Possible sites for a new training ground included the Gosforth Park area but no sites have been confirmed at this stage.
The reality is Newcastle were always likely to have an extended stay at Benton.
The application read: “As part of the continued efforts of NUFC to improve the facilities and environment for its players, and staff working on site, in the short term the club is looking to invest in redeveloping the current first-team training ground by bringing it into line with other Premier League clubs and standards.”
“Modern professional football demands the provision of bespoke dedicated training facilities to enable teams to compete successfully at the highest levels nationally and internationally.
“The current training facilities available to NUFC fall significantly below the Premier League and perhaps even Championship standards.”