FOR ALMOST SEVENTY YEARS THE REPEATED AND varied development plans of United's stadium at  St James' Park had been a thorny and controversial topic. The relationship over that period between club  and landlords, the City Council, was far from an amiable one. Confrontation was more often the name of the game. And as a result the ground remained largely unaltered since its 1906 transformation.

 St James' Park is the oldest football stadium in the north-east of England. Situated on a hill overlooking the city almost on the former site of public hangings, it first staged a game of football on Saturday 16 October 1880.

Substantial works took place at the turn of the century but much needed redevelopment since those Edwardian days moved at a snail's pace. For two generations St James' Park was recognised as one of the most uncomfortable and unhospitable grounds of its time, even though it had been inhabited by some of football's most exciting characters.

There had been a cover erected on the Leazes End terrace, and then a modern East Stand was constructed in 1972 - the first stage of an overall plan that never got past phase one. The Milburn Stand development, opened during 1987/88, was the start in essence of a complete reconstruction of the Gallowgate arena. But Newcastle United ran into serious financial problems and while other clubs rapidly spent money in the wake of the Taylor Report, Tyneside had to be content with drawings and promises.

The Magpies needed a miracle both on and off the field as the nineties decade opened. Yet a miracle indeed arrived in the form of Sir John Hall who completed a take-over of the club. From that moment  everything changed in the fortunes of Newcastle United. And the crucial issue of redeveloping St James'  Park into a stadium fit for the 21st century was high on Sir John's agenda.

With his financial backing and experience in property  development, a complete new proposal was submitted to the City Council for approval. This time the Chairman and his  team were able to reach a quick agreement. The confrontation politics between club and council was a thing of  the past and work started almost immediately to transform  the Gallowgate arena at a cost of almost £25 million. United  were to very quickly boast a stadium to rival any in Britain.  The Council were satisfied, United happy at such a rapid  resolution, while the club's supporters were absolutely delighted that 60 years of feuding had now been settled.

Firstly the Leazes End structure at last rose from the ground. Renamed the Sir John Hall Stand, it was  opened for United's debut in the Premiership. Substantial modifications to the Milburn Stand were carried  out, a new pitch and drainage system installed, new floodlighting as well as the construction of the  Gallowgate Stand, all including wrap-around corners. One of those housed an impressive restaurant, further executive facilities and a spectacular panoramic viewing gallery of the city looking towards the River Tyne.

A new office and club-shop complex was also opened, together with the transformation of the Milburn Stand paddock to give an all seater 36,500 stadium. The capacity was to be further increased in time with plans for a second tier on the Milburn Stand. St James' Park was turned into a showpiece, fit to be the venue for football at any level. Sir John Hall said, "Everyone at the club has worked hard to create an exceptional stadium here in the north-east. It is a tribute not only to the efforts of those within the club, but also to Newcastle Upon Tyne City Council and other local agencies who have given their  wholehearted support to our participation."
 
 

Chief Executive Freddie Fletcher made the comment,
"We have a stadium to be proud of. A modern arena to match the best."