Matt Maher: Build a new stadium? It isn't as easy as you think

It isn’t only Manchester United, who recently dominated the backpages after unveiling plans for their £2billion, 100,000-capacity “New Trafford” who are planning a move.

Reports last week claimed Newcastle’s Saudi Arabian owners have concluded the Magpies’ future lies away from St James’ Park.

Blueprints have been drawn up for a new 65,000-seater venue (cost claimed to be around £1.6bn) in Leazes Park, a short distance from the club’s current home of 133 years.

Both Old Trafford and St James’ Park rank among the most famous and iconic venues in football but so were Maine Road, Highbury, White Hart Lane and Upton Park and in the modern game, history and tradition have increasingly limited value. 

Everton will play only four more times at Goodison Park before moving to their new 52,888-seater home at Bramley Moore Dock, built at a cost of around £800m.

Bigger and newer stadiums mean more revenue and so the theory goes, greater room to flex your financial muscles in the age of profit and sustainability rules.

Even where clubs are staying put, the focus is on expansion. The capacity of Anfield is now 61,276 after work on two stands over the past decade while Manchester City, who said goodbye to Maine Road more than 20 years ago, will soon be able to accommodate a similar number of supporters following renovation work which has also included the construction of a hotel at the Etihad Stadium.