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Howe sees stadium decision as key to Newcastle's progress

Eddie Howe has called on Newcastle United to end their “limbo” and show ambition by announcing plans for a new stadium in 2026 — despite being 99.9 per cent sure he will not be around to manage the team there.   The head coach wants to drive the club into the world’s elite, a target set by the new chief executive, David Hopkinson, and he says that means their 52,000-seat St James’ Park stadium in the city centre must be redeveloped or replaced along with the training ground and academy.

Discussing how he can guide the club to new heights after wnining the Carabao Cup and qualifying for the Champions League in 2025, Howe told The Times “You look at the training ground, the stadium… that part of the club is in limbo at the moment. In terms of which direction the club is going to take, that would be a big step forward to get clarity on that and take everything into the future in a really positive way. It would have a game-changing effect on everything.

“I am also talking about the academy in that. If we can move everything forward in terms of facilities — not that I believe facilities are the be-all and end-all — they are a great way of setting standards higher and showing your ambition in a clear and strong way.That would be a game-changer, when that happens. The ambition is there from everyone to make that happen."

Under fire from some supporters who doubt whether he is the man to secure a regular top six spot for the club, Howe recognises that he may not be in charge when the project comes to fruition, but it would be a lasting legacy.

For neutrals and opposition fans, St. James' Park is an iconic and intimidating stadium, not least because the away fans are in the gods.   Whether a replacement would have the same atmosphere is an open question.    Howe emphasises the need to be patient and get the right solution, but football fans rarely are patient, not least the Toon Army.   Whether there is some miracle manager who would do better than Howe is an interesting question.
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