20 Key Things We Learned From Newcastle's Fans Forum Minutes

3. The Pitch Will Be "Fine" After The Rugby World Cup... And Investment Has Been Made In The Stadium

It has been a concern of many supporters that the pitch will be ruined after three rugby union World Cup matches are played on it in September and October, but Newcastle claim it will be just "fine" - despite there still being the majority of the Premier League campaign to unfold on it after... Phil Patterson, the Corporate Representative, asked: "How will the Rugby World Cup matches in October affect Premier League games?" With the response being:

"Eddie Rutherford (Head of Facilities) confirmed the club was scheduled to be away from home for that weekend's round of fixtures. The club has invested in additional provisions including new pitch lights to concentrate on areas that may take greater strain. ER confirmed his view that the pitch will be fine."

Interestingly, it was also revealed by the club that money has been invested to upgrade the (rubbish) PA system in the ground, and that refurbishment has taken place in both corporates boxes and of some of the seats. Dave Abbott, the Away Fan Representative, asked: "Have there been any changes to stadium during the summer?" And the response was:

"Eddie Rutherford confirmed that £47,000 has been spent on the PA system and new speakers have been added. 12,000 seats in paddock areas have been replaced and a number of corporate areas/boxes have been refurbished."