Newcastle United have secured a major breakthrough in their plans to expand St James’ Park after buying back the land directly behind the stadium.
Sportsmail can reveal that the Strawberry Place site is now under the ownership of the club and long-term options will be explored to see if they can increase the 52,300 capacity.
The news will be greeted with excitement by supporters, given the demand for tickets has reached unprecedented levels since the Saudi-led takeover in 2021.
However, we understand that the immediate plan is to transform the area behind the Gallowgate End into a fan zone, with the longer-term goal being a development that co-exists with the stadium.
It could yet be that Strawberry Place is not needed for a ground expansion if modern technology allows for otherwise.
Either way, the club’s owners were determined to buy the land that was sold by Mike Ashley to private developers Helios Real Estate and Marrico for £9million four years ago.
Ashley’s move led to concerns among fans that the site would be lost to offices and residential apartment.
Co-owner Mehrdad Ghodoussi has led negotiations over the past 12 months to purchase the key plot, and a deal – said to be ‘good for both parties’ – was finalised this week.
Sources have stressed the importance of taking back the land that is historically part of the club and can now be used to improve the fan experience.
The ultimate aim, though, remains to get as many supporters as possible inside St James’, which has sold out for every game this season.
Fans are currently waiting to discover if they have been successful in their attempts to secure tickets for the Carabao Cup final at Wembley later this month.
Such is the buzz around Eddie Howe’s team, it is expected that thousands of supporters without tickets will still travel to the capital to enjoy the build-up and watch the game against Manchester United, the club’s first final since 1999.