This evening two of the north’s greatest football clubs meet when Leeds play Newcastle United. Both represent regional capitals (Manchester is not capital of the whole north). Even the Everton supporting prime minister had to come to the north-east for the Great North Run.
It will be a curious walk to Elland Road for Newcastle United fans
on Monday evening. The caged tunnel down which away supporters were funnelled
has gone. The Norman Hunter Suite that sat next to the entrance to the visiting
section has been demolished.
Instead, amid what will probably feel more claustrophobic
for the 2,960 supporters from Tyneside, will be the white walls of a building
site, housing the cranes, diggers and machinery that have already started the
transformation of one of English football’s most atmospheric grounds.
That main stand development, which could be finished by 2028
and will increase the capacity of Elland Road to 48,000, is the most visual
display of ambition yet under 49ers Enterprises at Leeds United.
The Don Revie Stand will be next. When it is all done, the
ground’s capacity will have risen by 40 per cent, from 38,000 to beyond 53,000,
and the cost will be in excess of £200million. There is a long-term plan to run
a tram system to the ground from the centre of Leeds.
Newcastle already have a near-53,000 capacity stadium. The
club found space for an additional 600 seats during the close season, and there
remains the ambition either to move or to undertake development of what has
recently been called “a wholly renovated St James’ Park” with a capacity of at
least 65,000. Newcastle have spent £25 million purchasing houses around the
stadium that could otherwise have affected what they can do to expand their
home of 135 years.
Yet, nearly five years after Saudi Arabia’s Public
Investment Fund took over the club, nothing has really changed, beyond a summer
upgrade when three new screens were added to the ground.
The development that Newcastle fans will see on Monday night
will be a reminder that it is not just those clubs with the financial power and
clout at the top of the Premier League that they have to worry about. Closer to
home, Leeds are starting to fulfil a potential that has been left dormant for a
quarter of a century. On Newcastle’s doorstep, rivals Sunderland will kick off
a European campaign this week for the first time in 53 years.
One should not underestimate the boost that Newcastle receive
from their fans, some of the most dedicated in football. For many of them St. James’ Park is their
true and accessible home, even if revenues have to be shared with city centre
venues.
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