Training ground and St James' Park changes under way as Newcastle make most of summer break

This summer promises to be a monumental one for Newcastle United - both on and off the pitch. Wholesale changes will be made in and around the club, many of which were seldom seen in the 14 years of Mike Ashley's reign on Tyneside.

The new ownership have made it their mission to make the football club a more respectable outfit since arriving last October, with easy wins getting fans onside from minute one.

Changes will continue on a grand scale before the 2022/23 campaign, with Newcastle keen to take advantage of the off-season by making much-needed improvements to facilities and infrastructure.

Training ground plans have been well documented. The club continue to wait for the green light from the council to go ahead with their extension plans but with the project described as 'modest', there isn't expected to be any issues on that front.

Chronicle Live understands changes are already being carried out at the Darsley Park facility. Work has already started on new state-of-the-art pitches, with some staff working out of cabins in the short-term. Much has been made of the bat survey that must be conducted on site - but that issue is thought to be standard practice in renovations of this nature.

Speaking previously, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe stressed how keen he was to see a change at the training ground. It’s hugely important,” he said. “Your day-to-day environment is so important."

Supporters who have visited St. James' Park in recent weeks will have seen workmen in and around the vicinity of the stadium. Alan Shearer's statue has been moved to stadium land and the Sir Bobby Robson monument has been given a new lick of paint just a few metres away.

More work will be done inside the 52,000 seater venue in the