... will Newcastle be next. Both clubs are in a difficult predicament in that they don't own the land they play on. Newcastle have to pretend they love their weird ground, because they can't improve it or move, and call it 'The cathedral on the hill' ... ... in reality it's more like a Mosque on a slight incline. If they left SJP they'd have to demolish the stadium and return it as it was when they first rented it. The cost of demolition would be huge, although Sunderland supporters would probably do it for nothing, and they'd have to buy the new land then pay for a brand new stadium. The Saudis are unlikely to commit to that while they weigh up whether or not Newcastle are worth the bother. Forest are bluffing and threatening to leave the City Ground ... ... in reality they're backing themselves into a really shiity corner. Nottingham Forest could quit City Ground over council rent row https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-nottinghamshire-68439547
. Of course they will, it's just bluster ... ... Forest have always been a weird club, they were owned by a committee of the Women's Institute not so long back
The whole thing about Newcastle having to pay demolition costs etc on the st James site is a bit of a moot point really. Any developer buying this valuable site will have to commit to the demolition to win the bid, so it will all get swallowed up in the fine print, the land belongs to the City Freemen and ultimately the council, demolition costs will be a tiny fraction of the budget on this very valuable piece of real estate. Step forward Mr.Jamie Reuben , how fortunate that NUFC have on their board of directors, a property development magnate who is deeply involved with Newcastle Council on a number of major developments within the local area, his expertise will be invaluable in the sale of Gallowgate, and the relocation of the club to a new site, even possibly one of the numerous sites that the Reuben brothers have been aquiring around the vicinity in recent years. How bloody lucky is that eh?
I don't believe it's within the gift of the Freemen to sell the land. Having said that you're right that there are some corrupt, powerful and wealthy people involved with NUFC ... ... and Newcastle Council have a history of backhanders going back to the 60's.
Good information that. Also, when we Sunderland feel the benefit from the Saudi takeover? After all it was going to be food for the reeejun, to the banks of the tees.
Just look at the plot of land that the Seaburn Inn is built on. Prime land in a developing area deemed to be worth by an independent, and bought for.... £1000... to build a hotel on.
