A number of Newcastle United supporters have been reacting to the reported plans from PIF to invest in St James’ Park were they to take over the club.
The proposed £300m takeover of the Magpies is still up in the air at the moment, with Newcastle undergoing a legal arbitration process with the Premier League over the halting of the sale to the Saudi Arabian-based consortium over the summer.
It has been reported that Newcastle’s intentions from the arbitration process are to get it declared that PIF is separate to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia system of government. Another key objective is to get the Premier League to reapply the Owners’ and Directors’ Test (ODT) to PIF, per Chronicle Live.
That process remains ongoing, but it is still thought that the consortium remains keen on getting the chance to complete the takeover and they are continuing to monitor the club’s legal challenges with the Premier League. Therefore, they are prepared to resurrect the deal should the chance arise for them to do so, per Chronicle Live.
It has now been reported by Chronicle Live that PIF would have investment in St James’ Park on the agenda were they to purchase the club. Former Newcastle chairman Sir John Hall has suggested that the new owners could look to add another 5,000 to 6,000 extra seats onto the Gallowgate End as part of their stadium plans.
Newcastle fans react to potential St James’ Park investment
Many Newcastle fans were excited over the prospect of seeing investment being put into the stadium. However, some have reacted with a degree of scepticism, with one believing it would be better to invest that money in the squad first.
Would be some stadium if that did happen.
— Kevin71 (@kevba1971) December 8, 2020
Not just increasing the capacity, the club should look to modernise the facilities inside.
— Tommy (@tomcowey) December 8, 2020
Get it done!
— Ian Atkinson (@ian_atki) December 8, 2020
Invest in the team first if you don't want to be hammered in front of 70k at home to brighton …
— TedSky10 (@GallowgateXI) December 8, 2020
Only thing I read was Staveley mentioned speaking to an architect who recommended the best option would be to knock down existing stands and rotate the pitch 90 degrees.
— c00sto (@c00sto) December 8, 2020
Can’t see them buying the land back and closing the road and metro all for 7,000 more seats that could in all honesty ruin the atmosphere
— ben (@Forbsey6200) December 8, 2020
