Former Everton manager Keith Wyness claims Newcastle United’s new fan zone will offer the club with a “amazing” financial boost.
Speaking on the latest episode of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 66-year-old, who was CEO at Goodison Park from 2004 to 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs, suggested that other top-flight sides will be unable to match the Magpies due to their central location and large fanbase.
Newcastle hopes to launch their St James’ Stack fan zone in June, after starting building in January.
The complex, which will be open seven days a week, will feature bars, cuisine, giant screens, and a music stage, with a capacity of up to 3,000.
Despite making a £73.4 million deficit for the 2022-23 season, Newcastle boosted income by 39% over the previous year, earning £250.3 million.
Newcastle to bank ‘amazing’ revenue boost from St James’ Park development
Wyness predicted that the Magpies’ income would climb even more after the new fan zone opened, and that other teams would want to imitate the project.
He told Football Insider’s Insider Track podcast, “The fan zone Newcastle are building is supposed to be open seven days a week.”
“If that is the case, it would be a fantastic method for the club to make cash.
“Everyone in football has been trying to figure out how to profit from the stadium every day of the week.
“Not every club can accomplish that. Newcastle is unique in that the stadium is located in the city center, and the team has a large supporter base.
“Many teams will be doing something similar in the coming months and years.
“I believe football still has a lot to learn in terms of improving the fan experience. I’m interested to explore what Newcastle has to offer.”
In other news, Newcastle are preparing to make a new midfield signing.
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