Wayne Veysey

Sun 28 April 2024 8:00, UK

Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness has claimed Newcastle United’s new fan zone will provide an “amazing” revenue boost to the club.

Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 66-year-old – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – suggested other top-flight sides will be unable to match the Magpies – due to their central location and huge fanbase.

Newcastle are hoping to open their St James’ Stack fan zone in June after beginning construction in January.

The development – which will be open seven days a week – will have bars, food, large screens and a music stage and has been billed as hosting up to 3,000 people.

Despite posting a loss of £73.4 million for the 2022-23 campaign, Newcastle increased their revenue 39% on the previous year – raking in £250.3million for the season.

Newcastle to bank ‘amazing’ revenue boost from St James’ Park development

Wyness backed the Magpies’ income to increase even further when the new fan zone opens – and claimed other sides will look to match the project.

He told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “The fan zone Newcastle are building is supposed to be a seven-day-a-week business.

“If that is the case, it is an amazing way for the club to generate revenue.

“Everyone in football has been trying to figure out how to make money out of the stadium every day of the week.

“Not every club can do that. Newcastle are unique as the stadium is in the city centre and they have a huge fanbase.

“There will be lots of clubs doing something similar in the coming months and years.

“I think football has got a lot to learn in terms of making the fan experience better. I’m keen to see what Newcastle have to offer.”

In other news, Newcastle ready new midfielder swoop.

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