I can understand the appeal of classic cars. But the West Stand isn't a Jaguar E-Type. It's a beige Austin Maxi with all the sills rusted through. Some of the seats are from a Hillman Imp, some from a Morris Minor. The engine is a replacement from a Triumph Dolomite, which doesn't run, and the chassis is in three pieces with rudimentary welding barely holding it all together. And it's got holes in it.
West Stand needs levelling, but there needs to be a priority to things given how skint we are. I guess priority will be driven by what makes the most money, and as much as most people want a new West Stand, I imagine it falls way to the bottom of that list.
But if he could help us get promoted we’ll have an extra £8m to find a long-term* replacement. *although that in itself is a daft thing to say, because the only long-term player we can have nowadays is a mediocre one. If he’s any good he will be gone within a year.
If the West Stand is to be done. It needs doing properly incorporating features than can be used all year round.
The West stand needs doing and yes we don’t fill the ground but it’s restrictive when we do. The list mentioned would be great but a stand that’s used and brings in Revenue not just on match days is essential. It’s an eyesore and embarrassing when walking towards the ground, we don’t need a massive East stand structure just something similar size with facilities underneath ( there’s room behind) and function suites/seminar rooms, a car park on the school site specifically for that) and a few executive boxes/corporate area. Dressing rooms and coming out from the West would be good but not essential l, assuming we would have home fans along a new stand rather than just being greeted by away fans.
I'm sure I once read that it makes maintaining the pitch more difficult due to lack of sunlight. I agree though, I absolutely hate the gap between the East and North Stands.
We could do it in stages; bring it up to 19th century standards one year, then 20th, and finally 21st.
Leave the Triumph Dolomite digs out. It was my first car. I loved it; white with a black roof and wooden dash.
With respect all other events can be catered for now. Conference suites in the east stand. Boxing. Private events. Weddings etc. I'm reckoning he meant a lot of concentration being put on what can be done in the present facilities. More than was done in the past. Promoting the club has come on leaps and bounds I'm guessing over the last 3 months Given the amount of new sponsors engaging with the club. As Newsbot refers us to. One thing for sure. Development of a new west stand is not one of their main priorities at the mo. The investment for that, would far outweigh the returns at the mo. Easiest way to increase home capacity if needed at the mo would be to open the North stand. And split it. If we were able to fill the home capacity then on a regular basis. Then limit the away fans. Or refurb the west stand north to a standard to house away fans. Would still be better than leeds and the sty.
That lots of fans prefer to sit in. The argument its nearer to the train/bus stations isn't enough for me to take their side. When other options are available or could be made available. Open up the west side of the North stand. ? Don't forget the ground belongs to the Council. Would you build a new stand if you owned the club on a 30yr lease. (Or buy an house on the same terms) Unless we reached the premier to pay for it. ?
Level the west stand and build what in it's place a soulless breeze block single storey box. People seem to be happy to sit in it wouldn't be for me but I don't have to there's plenty of alternatives. I don't see the point of building something we don't need,i don't see the stand it's self as the problem it's the facilities not sure what can be done to solve that. The camera gantry should have been incorporated in the east stand as that is dog ugly.
Never been said in any meeting I attended. And as Gally points out 10yrs life in it, was mentioned. I'll be watching out for the Fanzone plans. As it will be interesting to see where they are planning to go with it. One things for certain. Not the School site as I understand it. But indoor facility with TVs etc.
From all the things on that list the best news is the introduction of standing. Saw the difference that made at O/T and that’s when we were getting battered. Having the choice is very 21(c).