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Kev Connolly's avatar

Spot on Mick. Staying where we are denies the same opportunity for unrealised hopes to the next generation of lads and lasses. A new stadium could be revolutionary for the city, and still have more than double the pubs in walking distance than anywhere in the world. A proud boast.

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Mick Gray's avatar

Michael, thanks for the guided tour down memory lane! I'd parked so many of those memories that it was an enjoyable read thanks to your research. I even found myself remembering rather too vividly the pong from the toilets - but moving swiftly on!

I started going in 1962 with my dad in the popular side - if it started to chuck down you got could get wet or transfer into the leazes through a little turnstile - think it cost a shilling.

I think fans need to accept that these decisions are for the business (NUFC) owners to make taking into account the drivers which are important to them. It's their money & their risk. Every individual fan will come and go, the business will need to grow and succeed.

I

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Andrew Bell's avatar

Interesting comment re your maternal great-grandfather coming over from Armagh - same here.

(My mother's maiden name was McGill), he was Irish Catholic from Armagh and my mother a long standing member of the Irish Club opposite Rosie's Bar.

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Michael Martin's avatar

So many people in the NE of Irish heritage are from the rural north of Ireland - same on my Dad’s side too - originally Louth - Monaghan 👍

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George Brown's avatar

There's so much conflict through your own article Mick. I'm not sure you even believe what you've written.

Here's a couple of points to consider.

Does the city want to lose Leazes Park?

Away fans absolutely love SJP and especially it's location.

The money coming into a club from increased seating is small in comparison to other sources.

What happens when performances drop off or as in the past, plummett?

As you can see, I can't make my mind up either.

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Michael Martin's avatar

I’m in favour of a new stadium - within certain parameters which I hope I’ve set out here.

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Mike's avatar

Wonderful read. “Geordie wall like Dortmund”. Absolutely. One success to a new stadium is designing it so the acoustics are magnified by the atmosphere. Yes, we need a new stadium. But let’s not fool ourselves. Whatever the capacity, that will not translate into cheaper access. Quite the reverse. I have no view over that, as it is unfortunately inevitable. Paying to get into the Leazes End in 1974 et al, was a completely different world and “business model”. Heyho

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Kenny's avatar

Couldn't agree more Mick. The current Millburn is built around the one that was built in the late 80's. Like a stand wrapped around a stand. A carbuncle indeed. Only thing I don't agree with is only 70k. Go at least 75, if West ham can jump from 30 odd k to the high 50's then I know we will fill a huge new fit for purpose home.

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Michael Martin's avatar

I think maybe having the potential to go to 75k within the design rather than go to that capacity immediately Kenny👍

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mark's avatar

Agreed. Been going to SJP since 72 or so. Have a look at Everton's new stadium. Stunning.

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Paul Wilkinson's avatar

A new stadium as close to SJP as possible is the right choice for all the reasons you have so eloquently stated, great to remember the open Gallowgate end and the wooden stand - I remember it shaking when Beardsley scored - but time to move on

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Darren's avatar

I really can’t see any negatives to Leazes Park as long as they build for football as you stated. Gallowgate for safe standing and cheap seats for all the young uns with it vertically built as allowed, the other 3 sides pretty plush for families, oldies and corporates..this will also fit for concerts etc where the stage is infront of the Gallowgate..no brainer for cash, atmosphere, aesthetics and sustainability of future, young and currently locked out supporters.

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Alan Haley's avatar

I did come over all innovative after reading the article on SJP in the Times today which will probably get filed under the Lead Balloon section of ideas, but I suggested this…

“I’m as sentimental as the next Geordie, but the ground ‘needs work’. Whether that means a rebuild of one stand or a shift to Leazes Park which is nothing more than a short walk - no more than it would take you to finish your burger from the van on Gallowgate.

However, why don't the owners think laterally? Or vertically if you're looking at a map…. build a satellite stadium in the South for the thousands of exiled Geordies - and their families who also wear the black and white.

To my knowledge, no club’s ever tried that. Tap into the wider fan base. Save on outrageous train fares and fuel. Scare the shite out of the London elites.

Reading’s a good option. Hanwell Town? Maidenhead already play in the magpie colours and are in need of a new ground…let’s be creative!”

Big screen on matchdays. Not sure the PL would allow it but get the lawyers on it!

Just sayin’…

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Chris Waite's avatar

Think you been on the gear mate. Thats not a lead balloon idea, it's a completely half-arsed and stupid one.

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