Newcastle United could start work on upgrading the club's training ground in the coming months - if planning permission is granted following further bat survey work.
The Magpies submitted plans to North Tyneside Council to revamp their Benton base earlier this month after acknowledging that the current facilities 'fall significantly below the Premier League and perhaps even Championship standards'. Although Newcastle do still plan to build a new state of the art training ground in the long-term, and sites have already been looked at, the club's owners are keen to ensure that Eddie Howe and his players have the best possible facilities in the interim.
Howe has had an input on the proposals in an effort to create an environment that flows better and enables players and staff to interact easier. As a result, new doctor and physio rooms would be located next to the players' area and the coaching staff's offices; the sports science team would be based beside the existing gym; and a new presentation room and players' lounge would be situated between the dining room and the players and coaching areas. Among the other new features the club hope to introduce as part of the revamp of the dated 2002 facility are hydrotherapy and plunge pools, an extended dining area and improved changing rooms.
