result we were invited to
submit more substantive
plans for consideration.
The momentum was now there and
the desire to do something was growing by the day. Budget constraints
meant the council would not be able
to provide financial support but that
did not deter anyone. Indeed, it simply focused those now involved, with
Steve Wraith and Graeme Cansdale
offering to provide financial support
should it be needed.
The proposition was to erect the
gates on Strawberry Place; presenting
them as a focal feature within the
footprint of a proposed “St James’
Town”; becoming part of the city
heritage trail and close enough to
the ground to cause maximum wind
up. Yes, we wanted to get under the
clubs skin; wanted the St James’ Park
name back up and prominent and I
remember a un-seasonally hot March
day as we accompanied Stephen
Savage from the city council on a
survey of various locations. Possible
sites included directly opposite
Shearer’s Bar; to the west of the
Strawberry Pub and Sir John Hall’s
preferred choice opposite Shark Bar
at the end of St James’ Boulevard.
The only issue encountered was who
owned the land in those locations
and land searches conducted by
the planning team determined that
permission would be needed on
virtually all counts from Newcastle
United’s owner!
It took a while but eventually Sir
John was able to take these matters
up directly with the club but to say
that the response was not positive
would be an understatement. That
avenue seemed closed so we plodded
on with the Council and members of
the Magpie Group seeking solutions
and resolution. Graeme Cansdale
did excellent work helping to put together a very reasonable quote from
a local company; supporters willing
to uplift and refurbish the gates at
cost price and advise on all aspects
of their re-siting. We made it our aim
that these Gates would be erected
with or without the club’s backing.
The turning points came however
when Lee Marshall was appointed
Fans Liaison Officer and we met with
Jon Irving, the club’s Finance Director. This provided us an opportunity
to pitch our case directly to the club.
We left that meeting in a positive
frame of mind and the club subse-
FROM...
28
27
HOWAY
THE NADS
Former Newcastle United owner Sir John Hall, stands with one of the
former gates from St. James’ Park
quently removed their objections
although as yet, no tacit approval
was forthcoming.
Then came the breakthrough; Wonga were announced as club sponsors
and the St Jame