Newcastle MP voices strong concern of Newcastle United stadium move as debate rumbles on without answers

When Newcastle United started talking about whether to remain at St James' Park or build a brand-new purpose-built stadium, I didn't have a single grey hair in my beard, but now I could pass for Santa Claus' fatter cousin.

My point being, it's taking an eternity to get any kind of forthright answer from the club on what the next steps are likely to be, and as such the debate rages on amongst fans over whether to remain where we are and increase the capacity at St James' Park and give the current stadium a makeover, or build a more modern arena.

The fanbase is very divided on the issue, with good points made for both cases. Someone is going to have to make the decision, and it's those guys within the corridors of power at St James' Park who get paid fortunes to do just that.

Yes, fans would like a say on what's to happen next, of course they would, but at the end of the day it's those who get paid the big bucks who need to step up and make the call, and then we can move on trying to convince the other half of the fanbase of why their decision is a good one, and of course, getting all the required permissions to press on.

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Local MP Chi Onwurah has voiced her opinion on the St James' Park debate

Newcastle Central and West MP, Chi Onwurah has been talking about the idea of moving, and while Newcastle World have reported it as she opposes the move to a new stadium, that's not actually what she says, at least that's now how we read it.

“For me, it's (the stadium debate) really important. I'm the MP for Newcastle Central and West now. Having St James' Park in the centre of my constituency is something I'm very proud of.

“I'm a big fan of St James' Park. Having it on the hill dominating the centre of the city is absolutely unique among Premier League clubs. It makes the whole city part of every match. Having St James' Park in the centre of our city is very important to many fans and it's important to me.

“The club has to make the right decisions for the club but it needs to be done in consultation with the fans and we've got to be also aware of the economic impact on Newcastle. It does make a big difference to the economy in terms of people coming into the city. What I'm trying to say is that we don't want a stadium in the middle of nowhere that everyone has to drive to."

Her point is more that she hopes that if a new stadium is built, it remains within the city, so she's not actually opposed to the idea of building a new ground on Leazes Park behind the existing stadium.

A decision still sounds like it's a long way off

That being said, Onwurah does obviously have some concerns about building on the greenbelt land.

“Social media isn't really a good measure. You get so many keyboard warriors. I think the vast majority of fans like St James' Park where it is.

“I do think though, obviously the challenges of expanding St James' Park in its location and the role of Leazes Park, which is also really important in our city, might be driving some people to think that a move is the only way.

“I know there's a Leazes Park residents group and I think it might be right to say Leazes Park is listed. I'm not aware of discussions (regarding the stadium) but I would hope that Newcastle United would be keeping the council in step with its decision-making process.”

What's worrying for us is that she's the local MP for the area, and is claiming that the council knows nothing of any discussions with Leazes Park residents group, which does suggest that we're still so far away from hearing anything definitive.

Is that Just For Men good on beards? Asking for a friend.