Newcastle United are set to engage architects to lead the redesign of St James’ Park or a new build on nearby Leazes Park, and Confidential can reveal the proposed capacities and the industry-leading experts in the running.
London-based KSS have been working with Tyneside architects Ryder and have met with the club. Drawings of how the two options would look have been produced and seen by staff inside St James’.
We understand the plans the club are currently working to would see St James’ expanded to a capacity of 60,300, while a new stadium would hold 70,000 fans.
Some of the drawings for a new build are said to have a ‘bubble wrap’ style design around them.
If the club announce they are staying at St James’, we have been told it would mean an increase in capacity of around 8,000.
Some parts of the stadium would not change dramatically in terms of looks – even though there would be extensive work throughout – and the extra seating would be accommodated in a redeveloped Gallowgate End.
Newcastle are deciding whether to develop St James’ Park or build a new stadium
Architects KSS, the brains behind the Anfield Main Stand upgrade, are in talks over the project
We understand a formal announcement regarding the direction the club will take could yet be delayed until closer to the end of the season.
But the involvement of KSS would be another coup for the club, following the news that world-renowned architects Populous will design a new training ground, as revealed by Confidential last week.
KSS were the brains behind the redevelopment of Anfield’s Main Stand in 2016 and won awards on the back of it. They then led the work on the Anfield Road End last year, with Liverpool’s capacity rising from 42,000 in 2016 to 61,300 now.
The firm are also training ground specialists and designed the state-of-the-art complexes used by Leicester, Tottenham and Brighton.
Their work on stadiums includes the Ahmed bin Ali Stadium in Qatar, which was used during the 2022 World Cup and was where England beat Wales 3-0 in the group stage.
They also designed Le Havre’s Stade Oceane, which has the ‘bubble wrap’ exterior similar to descriptions of how a new stadium for Newcastle could look.
KSS said: ‘The pixelated ETFE shell cladding imitates the two core elements of sea and sky and acts as a shining beacon for the city, day and night.’
And of their work on Anfield, KSS state: ‘The architectural design reflects the owners’ request to maintain the traditional four-stand configuration, capture the unique spirit of the venue using club and historical references, and reinforce the intense Anfield spectator experience.’
KSS designed Le Havre’s Stade Oceane, which opened in 2012 and has a 25,178 capacity
They also worked on the Ahmed bin Ali Stadium in Qatar, where England beat Wales in 2022
KSS did not comment when approached by Mail Sport.
LONG GAME FOR SEAN
Sean Longstaff is set to rebuff Premier League interest and fight for his place at Newcastle.
Confidential revealed in December that the club would listen to offers for the midfielder after exercising the option to extend his contract to 2026. That protected the value of a player who could have left for free this summer.
Everton have a longstanding interest and there has been talk of an approach before Monday’s transfer deadline.
However, Confidential understands Longstaff has told Newcastle chiefs he wants to stay at his hometown club.
With the prospect of a Carabao Cup final on the horizon, the 27-year-old will know he has the chance to make history and secure his legacy on Tyneside.
He is currently out of the side but could be one injury or suspension away from returning to Eddie Howe’s starting XI.
Sean Longstaff wants to stay at his boyhood club despite interest from Everton
Beyond this season his future is uncertain and a summer transfer would appear likely, especially if the club hierarchy do not extend his contract further.
Any sale would register as profit in PSR terms given his graduation through the academy.
But, for now, Longstaff is set to remain at St James’ Park and be part of the squad competing for both domestic cups and a return to the Champions League.
CLOSED FOR BUSINESS?
Newcastle are very unlikely to do any transfer business before Monday night’s deadline, beyond the £10million sale of Miguel Almiron to Atlanta United.
There continues to be talk of possible exits for the likes of Matt Targett, Lloyd Kelly and Kieran Trippier.
But we understand that after Almiron’s move was confirmed on Thursday, no more departures are expected.
As it stands, there are no other viable offers on the table for any of Newcastle’s players.
Miguel Almiron’s departure back to Atlanta United is set to be the last of Newcastle’s business
On incomings, I asked Eddie Howe following the 3-1 win at Southampton last weekend about the potential for loan signings, and he did not categorically rule out such a move.
The news that Bayern Munich forward Mathys Tel is available for transfer in the coming days led some supporters to wonder if Newcastle would be interested, especially if a loan-to-buy deal was an option.
However, nothing I have heard this week would suggest the Magpies are in the running for the 19-year-old and, while loan deals have been looked at elsewhere, the cost and quality of player on offer means that is unlikely to happen.
HALL OF FAME
A nice moment in the concourse at St Mary’s Stadium last weekend.
With the Toon Army performing a rendition of their new Lewis Hall song, to the tune of Estelle’s American Boy, the defender’s family were present before taking their seats in the away end.
So moved were they, I’m told that Hall’s mum was even reduced to tears by the recognition and tribute to her son.
And if the words to the song prove prophetic – I really want to, get Europe with you, you’re my super Lewis Hall – then the Halls could well be enjoying the terrace ditty in the likes of Milan and Paris next season.
Lewis Hall shone again at Southampton and Newcastle fans brought his mum to tears
MITCH PITCH FOR SUPPORT
Sporting director Paul Mitchell is set to employ an assistant to help organise his schedule and workload.
The ‘executive assistant to the sporting director’, as the role has been advertised, will provide ‘organisational, operational, administration and communication support’.
Sources say this is not an assistant sporting director, but more a secretarial position to aid Mitchell as he sets about implementing his ideas and structures.
Meanwhile, the club will also appoint a director of football for Newcastle United Women.
Development of the women’s team is seen as key given its benefits from a PSR perspective – money spent on developing a women’s team is discounted from the PSR calculations.
COLD SHOULDER ON PRICE FREEZE?
It would appear fans do not hold too much hope of a price freeze on season tickets after Darren Eales responded to a request by the Newcastle United Supporters’ Trust.
Sporting director Paul Mitchell is on the hunt for an assistant to handle his schedule
The NUST wrote to the chief executive last week, saying: ‘At a time when supporters are already feeling the financial strain of the rising cost of living, such an increase would place an even greater burden on those who have been loyal to the club for years.
‘We anticipate that over 10,000 supporters will see their long-term deals come to an end during the 2024-2025 season.
‘The additional income generated from these renewals alone should see revenue increase to a level that means increases elsewhere are unnecessary.
‘And with the Premier League television and commercial revenue up 17 per cent to £12.25billion for the 2025-2028 cycle, many supporters will question why they need to be out of pocket when presented with such staggering figures.
‘We ask that the club put the welfare of its fanbase first, ensuring that attending matches remains affordable and accessible to all who wish to be part of the St James’ Park experience.’
Eales replied this week and said the club had yet to make a decision on ticket prices ahead of next season.
However, the following excerpt has led supporters to believe that price increases are likely.
‘We are committed to developing teams that everyone connected with the club can be proud of – by investing in our talent pathway and by going up against fierce global competition to find, attract and retain top talent who will drive us forward,’ wrote Eales.
Chief executive Darren Eales’ reply to the supporters’ trust has caused concern
‘That is especially challenging within the parameters of profit and sustainability rules, and we have continued to grow and optimise our commercial incomes to fuel our progress.
‘It is incumbent on the club to strike the right balance that keeps Newcastle United growing and competing on and off the pitch while ensuring tickets are as affordable and accessible as possible, and that is a challenge we will always approach with great care and consideration.’
TOON TEASER
It’s Toon Teaser time! Last week’s puzzler was… can you name the EIGHTEEN players to have played for Newcastle and Norwich since 1992.
Did you get them all?
The answers were; Sebastien Bassong, Craig Bellamy, Garry Brady, Carl Cort, Paul Dalglish, Ruel Fox, Jonas Gutierrez, Des Hamilton, Grant Hanley, Isaac Hayden, Darren Huckerby, Tim Krul, Jamal Lewis, Jacob Murphy, Scott Parker, Matty Pattison, Kevin Scott, Antoine Sibierski.
This week’s question is: can you name the TEN players to have played for Newcastle and Derby since 1992? Good luck!
