Newcastle’s St James’ Park plan & released Sunderland man’s next move
Newcastle, Sunderland and Middlesbrough all feature in our latest helping of North East Notes.
We’ll start with the Magpies and the latest in the future of St James’ Park.
ST JAMES’ PARK PLANS
Newcastle United’s plans for St James’ Park will become clearer in the near future, with chief executive Darren Eales revealing this week that the final report from the club’s feasibility study is “imminent”.
Club chiefs want to stay at the club’s much-loved current home but Eales admits the situation is “difficult” as they look at ways to get more fans through the door on a matchday. World-leading experts have been drafted in over the course of the last 12 months or so as United assess all their options.
Eales said this week: “We’re waiting for the final report. I think it’s imminent.
“It’s complicated because where we are is a difficult spot in terms of building so we want to make sure that we do that diligent process and look at all the options.
“That will come in. It will go to ownership and we will also speak to the fan advisory board when we get that final report. Then we will look at what our next steps are going to be.”
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DACK’S NEXT MOVE
Bradley Dack is still a free agent after his Sunderland release earlier this summer – and has held talks with his former club Gillingham.
It would be a surprise if the 30-year-old was to drop to League Two, but Dack is a huge favourite at Gillingham having played more than 150 times for the club before his hugely successful move to Blackburn.
Gillingham boss Mark Bonner admitted: “I have spoken to him, but I have spoken to a lot of players in the last 10 days, so nothing other than some conversations. There is no more than that at the moment.
He added: “We are looking to add in attacking positions, we are looking to add potentially in midfield because at the moment we are light.
“Those conversations go on all the time, and he (Dack) is one of many that I have met in recent weeks.”
NEWCASTLE SCOUTING OPPORTUNITY
Newcastle United are on the lookout for a new scout to scour the London grassroots and non-league scene.
The job, a permanent role, was only published in recent days, with the Magpies saying: “We’re looking for an experienced scout to assist with the implementation of and delivery of the club’s talent identification process specifically focusing on non-league and London based grassroots young players.
“The role will be focussed on enhancing the club’s knowledge of grassroots players in London who we feel would have the potential to reach our high standards. The identification of non-League youth and emerging talent players will also be critical to the success of this role.”
Candidates, who must have FA Talent ID Level 2, will “develop a detailed and thorough knowledge of grassroots players within the London area and identify talent that is of the standard for Newcastle United”.
North East neighbours Middlesbrough have had success in London in recent years, with Djed Spence – now at Tottenham – and Isaiah Jones – a key first team player – two examples of several players who have been plucked from the capital.
