SG90 wrote:Selby White wrote:swindonwhite wrote:
Maybe its time to look at a new stadium. Lets face it Elland Road is no longer the fortress of old- A big maybe but would talk to the fans.
Would also imagine ER is very expensive to run compared with more modern stadiums.
I would have agreed had we not rebought it, but financially it would be a bad decision.
Yes I think we need a 5/6 year plan to rebuild and increase capacity, money needs to go into this as well as the team.
Stage 1 - Not sure if the Club owns all the land behind the West Stand (old training ground now car park) but need to purchase if not.
Stage 2 - Build a new stand immediately behind the West Stand, takes a year at which time the West Stand stays open. Design in such away that the corners can be built on.
Stage 3 - In the close season after the new stand is ready knock down the old West Stand and turn the pitch 90 degrees so the East and West would be behind the goals, touchline nearer the Kop rather than South Stand.
Stage 4 - The South Stand would be knocked down and a bigger stand along the side utilising the extra land and with a corner attaching to the New West Stand could now be built.
Stage 5 - Same thing as 4 but replacing the Kop and matching the other two new stands.
We would lose the end section of the East Stand towards the cheese wedge but each stage would dramitically increase capacity.
Of course this development needs to coincide with team progression.
Oh and I'll add in these new stands we need to incorporate other potential revenue streams, like Sports Centre, Meeting Rooms, Function suites, museum etc.
And one more thing get in negotiation with the Railway people and get a station built next to the stadium.
Keep your face always toward the sunshine - and shadows will fall behind you.