Newcastle United watched on with interest as Everton held the first test event at their new Bramley Dock Stadium this week. The Under-18 friendly with Wigan was the first time fans had been allowed into the new state-of-the-art arena, which will replace Goodison Park as their new home venue next season.
United, of course, are close to making an announcement on their intentions for St James’ Park after a lengthy consultation period. The Newcastle hierarchy are weighing up plans to extend the famous stadium to around 60,000 capacity, or building a new ground, ideally close to the current site.
Listed buildings behind the East Stand make redevelopment difficult, but there are options to increase the Gallowgate End, while United have seen the benefits brought to clubs such as Tottenham and Arsenal by new stadia. We don’t yet know what sort of capacity a new stadium would hold, although there has been talk of the 65,000-70,000 mark, which would rank as second to only Manchester United’s Old Trafford in the list of biggest football grounds.
An extended St James’ Park could be nearer the 60,000 mark, which is roughly at the level of Anfield and the Emirates, but well ahead of Manchester City’s Etihad in its current state – although they are redeveloping their North Stand – and the new Everton ground. There are many Premier League ground significantly smaller, of course, and the likes of Brighton and Brentford haven’t been unduly hampered by their capacities. Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium only holds 17.250, but the Bees have a strong home record.
We’ve complied a list of the top 35 football stadiums in the English leagues right now – excluding Wembley – to see where Newcastle United rank, and how any improvements or new stadium would feature.
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