Newcastle United

A Guide to the Newcastle United Ground

Newcastle United’s home stadium is St. James’ Park. Constructed during the late 19th century, it is one of the oldest football stadiums of its size in North East England. St. James’ Park can seat some 52,387 spectators and the pitch measures 105 metres by 68 metres. All of this makes Newcastle United’s home stadium the third largest Premier League venue after Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium and Manchester United’s Old Trafford.

St. James’ Park is expected to host a number of football matches during the 2012 Olympic Games and is likely to be named as a host stadium should England succeed in its bid to stage the 2018 Football World Cup.

In recent years, however, the stadium has seen a lot more than football matches. It regularly hosts everything from conferences to rock concerts. In addition, the recently-constructed Shearer’s Bar has become a popular destination for Newcastle partygoers.

Stands and Seating Arrangements

There are four stands at St. James’ Park. Here’s the lowdown on what you can expect at each.

Newcastle Brown Ale Stand

This stand is also known as the Gallowgate End. It is located to the south of the stadium and is the preferred seating spot for the Magpies’ most vocal fans. In 2005, the stand was renovated. New additions included Shearer’s Bar, named in honour of the legendary Newcastle striker, Alan Shearer. The Gallowgate End also houses a new and improved club shop, which Newcastle United Football Club (NUFC) runs in partnership with the team’s key sponsor, Adidas, and a larger club museum. The Gallowgate Stand is expected to see further extensions in the future. Planned expansions to the End should see St James’ Park’s seating capacity rise to over 60,000.

Sir John Hall Stand

This is also known as the Leazes End and is the stadium’s northernmost stand. It consists of two tiers and is home to a special Family Enclosure, located on Level 6. Seating for disabled fans is available here as well as on the lower levels. During upcoming seasons, club officials hope to use the far end of the stand’s upper tier to seat supporters of opposing clubs. However, these plans have been met with considerable criticism from those who allege that these seats are difficult to access and offer a below-average view of the pitch.

Milburn Stand

This is the main stand at St. James’ Park and is named after Newcastle United’s star 1950s centre forward, Jackie Milburn. The Milburn Stand offers some of the best views of the pitch and as a consequence, the media tends to locate itself here. In addition, the dugouts and players’ tunnels are situated in the middle of the stand. The Milburn Stand is also home to a number of executive lounges and bars, including The Platinum Club, Bar 1892, the Sovereign Club and the Black and White Club. The club’s main Box Office can also be found here.

East Stand

The East Stand is the smallest of the stadium’s stands. It was recently refurbished and now boasts similar facilities to the Sir John Hall Stand. Disabled seating is also available here.

How to Get to St. James’ Park

St. James’ Park is easily accessible by car and is well-served by public transport services.

By Car

From the North

If you are travelling into Newcastle from the North, you will need to leave the A1 at the A167 junction. This is also known as the City Centre junction. Switch to the left lane and keep driving for about three miles, crossing two roundabouts and following the signs for the City Centre. Travel along the dual carriageway for another mile. Continue past the first sign for the City Centre (North and West). Exit the A167 once you see a sign saying City Centre (North). You will now be travelling along the B1318. Once on the slip road, take a right turn and then a left. Take another left at the next roundabout and keep driving past the Royal Victoria Infirmary which you should now be able to spot on your right. Bear left and maintain your course through two sets of traffic lights. Continue straight on and take a right after you’ve gone past Baker and Stonehouse. You should now be able to see St. James’ Park on your right.

From the South

First, get on to the A1(M). After Washington Services and Junction 65, you will find that the motorway has divided. Keep to the central or the right lane and maintain a course which should see you following signs for the city of Newcastle and its Airport. Before long, you will be able to spot the Angel of the North on the right hand side of the road. Drive on for another three miles and take a left, turning off the road when you see signs for Gateshead/Newcastle (Centre). Follow this route for about 1.5 miles and then switch over to the right lane which will be signed as the A189 to Newcastle. Cross the Redheugh Bridge. You are entering St. James’ Boulevard. Drive for another 0.5 miles and then take a left when you get to the Gallowgate roundabout. The stadium is on your right.

From the East

Take the A1058 into Newcastle. Pass through Cradlewell and keep following signs which direct you towards the City Centre. Continue through two roundabouts and then filter to the right of the road. Follow the signs for the A167(M), the A686 and the A1(M) to Jedburgh and Morpeth. Switch over to the left lane and now that you’re on the left side of the road, exit the motorway at the first slip road on the left. You should see a sign here for the City Centre (North). Once you’ve reached the Haymarket, turn right when you spot the first set of lights. Drive past the University, on your left, and continue to the next roundabout and take a left. Drive past the Royal Victoria Infirmary which you’ll be able to see on your right. Bear left and maintain your course through two sets of traffic lights. Continue straight on and take a right after you’ve gone past Baker and Stonehouse. The stadium is on your right.

From the West

Take the A69 to Newcastle and cross the A1 roundabout. You will then need to take the A168 (West). Follow this route for about two miles, past the General Hospital. You should now see a sign for Arthurs Hill and the Royal Victoria Infirmary. Take a left here and continue for two hundred yards until you reach a set of traffic lights. Take a right here. Continue down Arthurs Hill and into Stanhope Street. Maintain this route for another half mile. Once you get to the roundabout, take a right. You will now be on Barrack Road with St. James’ Park located on your left.

Please note that parking for visitors is not available at the club grounds. However, it is possible to park in the City Centre which is situated only a short walk away from the NUFC grounds. Do remember that roads are likely to be very busy on match-days. On such occasions, public transport can be a reliable and affordable alternative to travelling by car.

By Bus

The nearest bus stations, at Gallowgate and Haymarket, are both just a few minutes walk from St. James’ Park

By Rail

The city of Newcastle is situated on the East Coast Main Line and is served by both the Great Northern Railway and Virgin Railways. For information on booking rail tickets and for up-to-date timetabling information, please consult the National Rail Enquiries website. St. James’ Park is located about 0.5 miles away from Newcastle Central Station. The stadium is also located on Newcastle’s Metro line and St James’ Metro station is located next to the NUFC grounds. Other central Metro stops, such as the Haymarket and Monument stations, are located only a short distance from St. James’ Park.

By Air

Travel to the stadium from Newcastle International Airport takes roughly 25 minutes. Regular train and bus services operate from the airport to the stadium and its surrounding area. Taxi ranks are located outside the airport building.

How to Book Tickets

Tickets may be bought in a variety of ways.

In Person

It is possible to purchase tickets in person by visiting the club’s Box Office which is located in the south-west corner of the stadium. If you happen to visit at a time when the ticket office is not open, you can drop off ticket applications in the post box by the entrance.

Current Box Office timings are as follows:

Monday to Friday: 8 AM to 8 PM
Saturdays: 9 AM to 6 PM
Sundays: 11 AM to 5PM

Tickets may be also bought by visiting official NUFC stores located in St. James’ Park, Eldon Square, Monument Mall and the MetroCentre.

Over the Phone

It is also possible to purchase tickets over the phone. You can do so by ringing the Box Office on 0191 261 1571.

Online

Click here to buy tickets online. If you have not previously purchased tickets via the club’s website, you will need to register beforehand.

Ticket Prices

NUFC is yet to provide fans with comprehensive information concerning ticket prices for the 2008-2009 season. However, you are advised to consult the aforementioned webpage as updates should be posted soon.

The club has, however, issued ticket prices for a number of pre-season home and away ties. Details of these may be found here

A list of all upcoming fixtures is available here.

A Guide to Who’s Who in the First Team Squad

First Team

1. Shay Green

Date of Birth: 20 April 1976
Position: Goalkeeper

Green, a Republic of Ireland international, began his career with the Scottish side Celtic. He joined Newcastle United in 1997. Since then he has established himself as one of the team’s toughest and most talented players. He has received more international caps than any other Newcastle United player. In recent years, he has won numerous Player of the Season awards and remains a constant favourite with supporters.

3. Sanchez Jose Enrique

Date of Birth: 23 January 1986
Position: Defender

Jose Enrique, also known as “The Bull,” was signed on by Newcastle United in August 2007 for a fee of ₤6.3 million. He is a powerful left back and is known on the pitch for his attacking style. He is, however, no stranger to St. James’ Park. He first played at the Newcastle United grounds in August 2006 – this whilst still a member of his former team, Villareal.

6. Claudio Capaca

Date of Birth: 29 May 1976
Position: Defender

Capaca joined Newcastle United in August 2007 as a free transfer from the French side, Lyon. He made his debut for Newcastle United in August 2007 and, in doing so, became the 1000th player to pull on the club’s black and white jersey. Since then, he has become very popular with fans at St. James’ Park. He is regularly praised not only for his fierce tackling skills, but also for his good conduct on and off the pitch.

7. Joey Barton

Date of Birth: 2 September 1982
Position: Midfielder

Barton moved to Newcastle United from Manchester City during the summer of 2007. His career with The Magpies has, however, been marred by injury. He suffered a broken metatarsal during a July 2007 tie with Carlisle. He eventually made his Premier League debut in October 2007.

Barton has also been the subject of considerable controversy in recent years. His aggressive behaviour on the pitch during the 2007 Tyne-Wear Derby led the News of the World to demand that he be banned from future play. In May 2008, Barton was also convicted of assault and sentenced to six months in jail.

9. Obafemi Martins

Date of Birth: 28 October 1984
Position: Striker

Martins joined Newcastle United in August 2006, signing a five year contract with the side. He has a keen eye for the goal and is one of the Magpies’ most powerful players. Often referred to as “Obagoal,” he finished the 2006-2007 as Newcastle United’s top scorer. He is also known for his flamboyance on the pitch – he regularly celebrates his successes with a series of highly entertaining somersaults.

10. Michael Owen

Date of Birth: 14 December 1979
Position: Striker

Michael Owen is certainly one of Newcastle United’s most famous players. The Chester-born striker joined the side in August 2005, having previously played for the likes of Real Madrid and Liverpool. Owen’s pace, skill and sheer determination have made him the envy of many other clubs and he has been described as the “jewel” in England’s footballing crown. He is the current captain of Newcastle United.

Owen scored his first hat-trick for the Magpies in October 2005 against West Ham. Yet despite this promising start, his recent career has been disrupted by injury. Damage to his foot prevented him from making regular appearances during the 2005-2006 season. His participation in England’s 2006 World Cup campaign came to an abrupt end after he ruptured a ligament. However, Owen worked hard to regain his fitness. His successful goal-scoring run early this year – six goals from six appearances – was instrumental in ensuring that his side avoided relegation.

11. Damien Duff

Date of Birth: 2 March 1979
Position: Midfielder

Damien Duff made the move to Newcastle United in July 2006, having previously played for Premiership giants, Chelsea. A Republic of Ireland international, Duff has established himself as one of the team’s most formidable wingers. He regularly combines accurate crossing with striking finishes. He is also able to adapt himself to different positions ranging from right wing to second striker.

13. Steve Harper

Date of Birth: 14 March 1975
Position: Goalkeeper

Harper signed up with Newcastle United in 1993. However, it was not until 1999 that he was presented with the opportunity to make his debut with the NUFC first team. Since then, he has established himself as a reliable back-up goalkeeper for the first team. He also briefly captained the Magpies during the 2003-2004 season. He is described by club officials as an “all round sportsman.” Harper is not only a top-notch footballer, but also possesses professional referee qualifications and a degree from the Open University.

14. Charles N’Zogbia

Date of Birth: 28 May 1986
Position: Midfielder

A French international, N’Zogbia joined Newcastle United in 2004. Injury prevented him from making the most of his first season with his new club. However, in recent years, he has delivered many reassuring performances. He is expected to remain with the Magpies for another five years.

16. James Milner

Date of Birth: 4 January 1986
Position: Midfielder

Despite his age, Milner is a very talented sportsman who has previously played for the likes of Leeds United and Aston Villa. It was whilst playing for Leeds United that Milner became the youngest player to score a Premiership goal, a title which had previously been held by Wayne Rooney. He is a formidable left-sided midfielder but is equally comfortable taking on the role of winger when the need arises. He is expected to remain with Newcastle United until 2011.

17. Alan Smith

Date of Birth: 28 October 1980
Position: Striker

Alan Smith is generally regarded as an extremely determined player who is able to produce goals with regularity and flair. As such, he was an important acquisition for the Magpies. He is also a highly versatile player and is quite comfortable acting as a midfielder when necessary. Smith captained Newcastle United for part of the 2007-2008 campaign. He was eventually relieved of the role, with the captaincy being handed over to Michael Owen.

20. Geremi Sorele Njitap Fotso

Date of Birth: 20 December 1978
Position: Midfielder

Geremi, who is a native Cameroonian, is a veteran defender and midfielder. He was signed on by Newcastle United during the summer of 2007. He has previously played for some of the football’s finest clubs and holds a Premier League Winners’ medal from his time at Chelsea and a Champions League Winners’ medal from when he played for Real Madrid. He is also an Olympic Gold medallist.

At the start of the 2007-2008 season, Geremi was appointed captain of the Newcastle United first team. However, he was soon forced to give up this position, as he was required to join his national squad for the African Cup of Nations.

21. Habib Beye

Date of Birth: 19 October 1977
Position: Defender

Beye, a Senegalese international, is a superb defender. He joined Newcastle United in August 2007 for a relatively modest fee of ₤2 million. Since his first team debut in September 2007, Beye has consistently played to a very high standard. His first goal for the side came against Birmingham City in December. His performance against Reading in April 2008 was especially impressive, with one prominent commentator describing Beye as the “the most skillful right back in the Premiership.” Soon after, he was named Newcastle United’s Player of the Season.

22. Nicky Butt

Date of Birth: 21 January 1975
Position: Midfielder

Nicky Butt is a “skillful, ball-winning” player who combines determination on the pitch with the ability to produce strong results on a regular basis. In recent years, he has truly excelled at his game. He was a crucial part of the 2002 England World Cup squad and he impressed both fans and commentators during the tournament. Brazilian legend, Pele, even described Butt as “the best player at the tournament.” Butt joined Newcastle United in July 2004. However, injury prevented him from making regular appearances during the 2004-2005 season and he was loaned out to Blackpool for the following season. However, Butt’s return to Newcastle United saw him return to his winning form.

23. Shola Ameobi

Date of Birth: 12 October 1981
Position: Striker

Ameobi is an unpredictable and versatile striker. He made his team debut in September 2000. He finished the 2003-2004 season as Newcastle United’s top scorer. He recently underwent a hip operation but has since returned to form and is expected to remain with the side at least until the end of the upcoming season.

25. Abdoulaye Faye

Date of Birth: 26 February 1978
Position: Midfielder

The Senegalese international has produced many match-winning performances in recent years. Faye played for Bolton Wanderers before signing up with Newcastle United, making some sixty appearances for the Wanderers. He is an adaptable player and is comfortable in the midfield as well as in defence. His tackling skills should also be commended. Faye made his debut for NUFC in December 2007. He scored his first goal for the Magpies in February 2008. However, it came at a somewhat bittersweet moment for his team, as Newcastle lost that game 5-1 to Manchester United.

27. Steven Taylor

Date of Birth: 23 January 1986
Position: Defender

As the former Under 16 and Under 17 England captain, Taylor is no stranger to the stresses of competitive football. Taylor made his debut for United’s Reserve team during the 2002-2003 season and made his first Premiership appearance against Bolton Wanderers in March 2004. However, his poor performance against Manchester City at the start of the 2007-2008 season was heavily criticised and he went on to lose his slot on the side. Nevertheless, he regained his place on the team following the sacking of manager, Sam Allardyce, and the subsequent appointment of Kevin Keegan to that position.

30. David Edgar

Date of Birth: 19 May 1987
Position: Defender

Edgar, an Under-20 international for Canada, made his Newcastle first team debut against Bolton Wanderers in December 2006. He scored his first goal for the Magpies on New Year’s Day 2007, thereby ensuring that his side was able to salvage a draw against the mighty Manchester United. His contract with NUFC is expected to expire at the end of the 2008-2009 season.

34. Fraser Forster

Date of Birth: 17 March 1988
Position: Goalkeeper

A former member of the Academy and Reserves, Forster signed a two-year professional contract with Newcastle United in May 2007. Since then, he has appeared in numerous starting line-ups for the side but is yet to make a first team debut.

35. Ben Tozer

Date of Birth: 1 March 1990
Position: Defender

The young defender signed a four and a half year contract with Newcastle United in January 2008. He has spent much of this year on the substitutes’ bench. However, club officials believe he’s a name to look out for in the future.

36. Mark Viduka

Date of Birth: 9 October 1975
Position: Striker

Viduka has certainly seen some memorable Premier League action in his time. The Australian international scored 22 goals in his first Premiership season with his former team, Leeds United. He joined NUFC in June 2007. Since then, the burly striker has been responsible for orchestrating a number of important goals, including two against West Ham, Derby and Middlesbrough.

38. Kazenga LuaLua

Date of Birth: 10 December 1990
Position: Midfielder

An agile frontman with a strong eye for the goal, LuaLua made his debut appearance for the Magpies’ first-team in January 2008. His brother, Lomana, a former Newcastle striker, is also a professional footballer.

39. Andrew Carroll

Date of Birth: 6 January 1989
Position: Striker

Carroll, Newcastle United’s youngest-ever European debutant, made his first appearance for the team in November 2006. He spent part of the 2007-2008 season on loan to Preston North End. However, he moved back to Newcastle after what was a fairly unsuccessful few months with the Lilywhites. Carroll made his full NUFC debut against Everton in May 2008.

40. Tim Krul

Date of Birth: 3 April 1988
Position: Goalkeeper

Krul joined United in 2005 from the Dutch side, Den Haag. He has had considerable experience as an Under-20 international. It is hoped that his presence will strengthen the Magpies’ goalkeeping department.

Danny Guthrie

Date of Birth: 18 April 1987
Position: Midfielder

Guthrie joined Newcastle United on July 11th 2008 as part of a transfer deal from Liverpool. This is his first professional signing. He has previously played for Manchester United and Liverpool at the youth level

Jonas Gutierrez

Date of Birth: 5 July 1983
Position: Midfielder

Gutierrez is another recent acquisition for the Magpies who signed on the Argentinean international at the start of July. He is regarded as a fiery winger and has previously played for RCD Mallorca.

The Chairman

The present chairman of Newcastle United is Derek Llambias. He is a close associate of the current owner, Mike Ashley, and previously held the position of deputy club chairman. Prior to working with NUFC, Llambias acted as the managing director of London gambling club, Fifty.

Llambias took on the role of club chairman earlier this summer. Before long he was faced with his first major controversy. In early July, speculation began to mount that Newcastle United had been presented with a takeover bid from the Saudi bin Laden Group, a company belonging to the family of international terrorist, Osama bin Laden. However, these rumours were vehemently denied by the club as well as by the bin Laden family

The Manager

The current manager of Newcastle United is the veteran footballer and former England coach, Kevin Keegan. A two-time winner of the European Footballer of the Year Award, Keegan is one of the sport’s most famous names.

As a former member of the Newcastle United first team, Keegan is certainly no stranger to St. James’ Park. He spent four seasons with the side during the 1980s, making 78 appearances for the team and scoring 48 goals.

Keegan was first appointed to the position of Newcastle manager in 1992. At the time, he was faced with the uphill task of reversing the fortunes of a side which had spent much of the 1991-1992 season struggling to avoid relegation. However, with Keegan at the helm, the side embarked on a winning streak and ended the 1992-1993 season as the Division One champions. This was followed by the club’s promotion to the Premier League.

Kevin Keegan’s time as manager during the 1990s was associated with a number of key signings. Most famous of these acquisitions was that of the champion England striker, Alan Shearer, who went on to spend a decade with the side.

Given Keegan’s numerous successes as manager, his resignation in January 1997 came as a considerable surprise. He spent the next eleven years occupying directorial and managerial positions at Fulham and Manchester City. He also served as England coach between 1999 and 2000.

Keegan was re-appointed manager of Newcastle United in January 2008 following the sacking of Sam Allardyce. He immediately appointed the skilled striker, Michael Owen, to the job of team captain.

In recent months, insiders had speculated that rifts had emerged between Keegan and club owner, Mike Ashley. These speculations were followed by the pre-planned exit of club chairman, Chris Mort. It has been suggested that these recent developments could be a reflection of the owners’ desire to play a greater role in the day-to-day running of the club.