Newcastle United owners' decision to buy back the Strawberry Place is not a sign that the expansion of St James' Park is imminent. That is the view of football finance expert Kieran Maguire, who reckons the move is a 'protective exercise' to ensure the redevelopment of the stadium could be considered in the future.
The land which had once belonged to the club was controversially sold by former owner Mike Ashley in 2019, with Newcastle City Council then granting permission for a £120 million development. However, following more than three years of limbo, the land is back in the club's hands once more.
The news earlier this month was greeted with near universal acclaim from supporters, with attention almost immediately turning to the prospective expansion of St James' Park. Ashley's era saw 10,000 half-season tickets offered for free in response to dwindling attendances, but the revitalised mood on Tyneside now means every home match this season has been a sellout.
