The Political Economy of Football V2

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 a...

Decision time is finally approaching over whether the iconic (and expanded) St James’ Park will remain Newcastle United’s ground, or whether they take the bold, contentious step of venturing away from their previously ever-present home.   The considerations on either side are very complex. “Early 2025” is when Newcastle state a resolution will be reached for what Brad Miller, their chief commercial officer (COO), describes as a “once-in-a-generation” opportunity. In Miller’s words, staying or leaving is like comparing “apples and pears, not apples and apples”, and the complexities involved explain why this process has already taken 18 months. “We only want to write that cheque once,” he admitted. The Athletic  has spent weeks speaking to stakeholders, insiders and those affected to outline just how complicated this decision is and has learnt: Talks have yet to commence officially between the club and key stakeholders There are ...