Newcastle United's Fan Advisory Board received 'update' on St James' Park plans at last meeting
It has been so long since we got an update on the plans for St James' Park that Newcastle United supporters are feeling very much like that Titanic meme ... 'It has been 84 years.'
It's been almost a year since we last got anything resembling an update on the plans to either redevelop St James' Park or build a new purpose-built stadium.
Speculation has continued to grow over the decision, with many outlets reporting that the general feeling is that the club are leaning towards building a new stadium on the Leazes parkland behind the current stadium.
However, that's all just guesswork based on little bits of information from club insiders rather than anything really concrete from those in the know.
Newcastle fans are still waiting for news on St James' Park's future
Two update deadlines have come and gone without a word as the 'early 2025' update got pushed to 'end of the season'. Now we're well underway in the new season and we still have no further information.
That is, except for what was said in the latest Fan Advisory Board meeting, where the subject was broached as confirmed via the official minutes of the meeting. Don't get too excited, though.
“The Board continues to assess all stadium development options and has not yet reached a final decision,” the minutes read. “This remains a complex and long-term strategic consideration, with potential benefits for the Club, city and wider region. The priority is to ensure any decision is the right one - both in terms of feasibility and long-term impact.
“The process is ongoing and will be approached with the necessary rigour. Supporter Services has received 10 direct emails on the topic over the past six months.
“While volumes remain relatively low, it was acknowledged that the subject continues to generate interest and sentiment across the wider fanbase.
“MM [Michael McCarthy, FAB chair] said it would be positive for fans to receive an update at the appropriate time, as nothing has been communicated since February.
“LM [Lee Marshall, communications director] reiterated that no decision has been made, and this remains the genuine position. MM thanked BM [Brad Miller] for the update.”
The update is ... there is no update
So, the official update is that there is no update.
We absolutely understand that this is a huge decision, and obviously, the changes in the boardroom will have knocked things back somewhat, but other clubs have managed to announce new stadiums, reveal plans and set in motion the process of building said stadium in the time we've taken to just think about it.
How much longer are they going to make us wait?
