Newcastle United Managing Director Lee Charnley has admitted the club have no plans in place to redevelop our training facilities, as told to the Chronicle.
Instead, the Toon executive claimed the Magpies would be placing a greater emphasis on luring new talents to Tyneside in the transfer market, before any modifications are made to the infrastructure at Darsley Park.
Changes could be made in the future, but it is not currently seen to be anywhere near as high on the club’s priorities list as Rafa Benitez placed it prior to his departure, having urged the club to spend money on our facilities during the negotiations over his contract.
Newcastle spent over £65million this summer on the acquisitions of Joelinton, Allan Saint-Maximin, Emil Krafth, Andy Carroll and the loan deal for Jetro Willems, which made us the ninth biggest spenders in the Premier League.
Charnley, though, will only dip back into the pot of gold at St James’ Park to strengthen the on-field options, although changes at Darsley Park are expected to come at some stage.
“What we have said is, it is about priorities,” Charnley told the Chronicle. “There is a pot of money. Where is the greater need? At this time it’s on [the] field.
“It’s not unreasonable, the pot of money can only go so far. You go and spend it on the training ground, it means there is less to spend on the team. Spend it on the academy, there is less to spend on the team. Spend too much on wages, there’s less to spend on the team.
“That doesn’t mean we don’t spend in all those areas, because we do. But our view has been, at this point in time, the priority is what goes on to the field. It doesn’t mean we don’t want to update the training ground.
“Does it mean at some point in time we would like to update the training ground? Absolutely, yes. It is about priorities. It doesn’t stop us doing what we need to do on a daily basis.
“Our pitches are very good, our gym is perfectly adequate and functional. Do we have a swimming pool or water facilities? No. Would we like to have it at some stage? Absolutely.”
Here’s how these fans reacted to Charnley’s comments…
Charnley: “Our gym is perfectly adequate and functional. Do we have a swimming pool or water facilities? No. Would we like to have it at some stage? Absolutely.”
Sobering. Depressing. Adequate and Functional United. #NUFC
— NUFC 360 (@NUFC360) August 14, 2019
There are second rate small private schools with their own swimming pools. We are the 19th richest football club in the world. Madness.
— David McAndrews (@DavidMcAndrews) August 14, 2019
Not sure if thats a PL club’s managing director or a primary school principal speaking tbh
— The Perennial Pundit (@PerennialPundit) August 14, 2019
At some Stage… Like the promise of upgrades to facilities 8years ago
— DUBZZZY????????⬛️⬜️⬛️⬜️ #ifrafagoesWEGO (@Dewayne09013165) August 14, 2019
When someone describes something as ‘functional’, you know it’s terrible ????????
— Tom Grundy (@ThomasGrundy3) August 14, 2019
Incredible from the 19th richest team in Europe. Would be good to compare our facilities with the other clubs in the top 30.
— Janet Purdy (@PurdyJanet777) August 14, 2019
How much does it cost to build a swimming pool man. 150k max. Embarrassing
— . (@raynufc1892) August 14, 2019
Yet another clear slap in the face. But the sheep will continue to flock to SJP.
— Matthew (@BigNumberFour) August 14, 2019
Bet Sunday league teams have better facilities than this
— Caitlin Morris (@C8linMorris) August 15, 2019
Pathetic
— David Singleton (@mindblower46) August 14, 2019