No changes to stadium name without consultation

Newcastle co-owner Amanda Staveley arriving at the London’s Rolls Building yesterday for the judgment

NEWCASTLE United have vowed to consult supporters if the club receive ‘relevant proposals’ to rename St James’ Park.

Newcastle are exploring ways to boost revenues through the ground. The initial results from the club’s stadium feasibility study are due back next month after world-leading architects looked at what could be possible when it comes to expanding on the complicated city centre site, while work is also progressing on the construction of a new sevenday-a-week fan zone outside St James’.

Another avenue open to Newcastle in the years to come is a stadium naming rights deal as, say, Barcelona have done with the Spotify Camp Nou. However, this is not currently at the forefront of the club’s thoughts like securing a training kit partner is, for instance.

Darren Eales previously vowed to speak to supporters if the opportunity ever arose and the CEO said ‘we’re very sensitive in respect to that’ after former owner Mike Ashley previously renamed the stadium the Sports Direct Arena without giving the fans a second thought and with no discernible benefit to the club.

A Newcastle spokesman reiterated the current regime’s stance in the hierarchy’s first meeting with the fan advisory board (FAB) at St James’.

“In line with commitments in the club’s fan engagement standard, the club would consult with the FAB and its wider fan base should relevant proposals be received in the future,” he said.

Newcastle’s commercial and match day revenues rose last season to £43.9m and £37.9m respectively, but the club’s turnover still pales in comparison to the Premier League’s established order. Spurs, in contrast, took home £183.5m in commercial revenue and £106.1m in match day income in the club’s most recently published accounts from 2022-22.