'If it was up to me' Alan Shearer gives St James' Park new stadium verdict

Shearer during his testimonial game at St James' Park in 2006
-Credit: (Image: NEwcastle Chronicle)


Alan Shearer says he understands the need to consider a potential move away from St James' Park, but is hoping the club can remain at their beloved home for the long term. Conversations over the future of club's historic home have been taking place for years and stepped up recently with a feasibility study into the future of the ground and the club's long term future due to be delivered to fans early next year.

In recent days, it has been speculated expanding St James' Park to increase the capacity to north of 60,000 could cost the club up to £1billion, a fee that has led some to suggest the money would be better spent on a new stadium. A new stadium could be delivered for the same fee, with Everton's new 52,000-seater expected to cost £800m in total, while Tottenham Hotspur recently unveiled one of the most lavish and ambitious grounds in the world for a little over £1billion.

While some fans are split on whether a move to a new stadium and leaving behind a spiritual home and centre-piece of the city centre would be a good thing, Shearer has made it clear what his preference is. Unsurprisingly the club's record scorer who enjoyed so many incredible occasions at St James' Park, would like to see the club stay there.

READ MORE:What Newcastle United insiders have said about stadium plan that will give fans 'wow factor'

READ MORE:Newcastle rivals' 'very lucrative' fear and the move needed to reveal Man City legal result

Speaking to The Magpie Channel TV at the Alan Shearer Foundation golf day at Close House, Shearer said; "I think in an ideal world they'd stay at St James' Park. Where it is works, it's in the middle of the city. If they can extend, great and that would be the ideal. It has so much history behind it.

"Everyone would understand and listen to whatever is put forward, but for me in an ideal world we'd stay at St James'."

And as for talk of an all-singing and dancing fancy new 80,000 seater stadium which some have suggested, hearer aded; "I wouldn't even entertain an 80,000 stadium.

"I don't know what size they would need, whether that is 65,000 or a bit more. We have to look at every idea. We all want Newcastle to get better and to do that they have to look at other sources of revenue. St James' Park holds so many memories for everyone, so if it was up to me I'd stay there."