Brad Miller is already focused on delivering what will prove to be his legacy at Newcastle United.
The Magpies announced at the end of last week that Miller had been appointed their new chief operating officer.
Miller has a track record of overseeing massive capital expenditure projects, such as a £1.3bn redevelopment at Manchester Airport.
And his background as a chartered surveyor should give Newcastle a club about what they can expect from their new COO.
Miller will oversee St James’ Park expansion
Since the Saudi Public Investment Fund’s takeover in 2021, Newcastle have harboured ambitions to accommodate far more supporters at St James’ Park.
Miller’s CV tells us that this remains a top priority. And it’s easy to see why.
Newcastle desperately need to increase their revenue in order to unlock the near limitless wealth of their owners. Matchday income is one way to do that.
A move to a new stadium altogether has been mooted, although it now appears as though Newcastle would prefer to remain at their home ground while boost capacity to beyond 60,000.
Newcastle could bank £70m per season from St James’ Park revamp
Based on the £38m of matchday income detailed in their 2023-24 accounts, Newcastle would be able to rake in at least £45m per season from a 60,000-seater venue.
In reality, their true earning potential would be much higher.
A stadium naming rights deal could be worth as much as £15-20m per season.
Unlike under Mike Ashley, Newcastle fans appear to generally be in favour of a naming rights deal if it boosts the transfer budget by extension.
And there would inevitably be more of a focus on corporate hospitality in the event of a stadium revamp, which could easily add another £5-10m in matchday income, taking the total to around £70m per year.
FFP and transfer budget will soar
Newcastle’s frustration with what the restrictive financial fair play system (now called Profit and Sustainability Rules, or PSR) is well documented.
But £70m in matchday income per season would go some way to giving Eddie Howe more room for manoeuvre in the transfer market.
The extra £22m would mean they could spend an additional £66m per three-year PSR assessment window on wages, transfers and agent fees.
And with the Premier League looking set to introduce a new squad cost control ratio which ties spending to revenue, Miller’s appointment and what it signifies at St James’ Park are needed more than ever.