This Though I believe a ground share can only be temporary? Didn’t the FA close the loophole after Wimbledon upped sticks.
I think I would really struggle with a move away from Oakwell, and a ground-sharing agreement would probably stop me going altogether. apart from the west stand, I can't see where the huge investment would need to be. investment required, definitely, but certainly nowhere near the kind of money it would cost to build an entirely new stadium. new west stand definitely needed, which I imagine would be the biggest cost. beyond that - scoreboard (again), vending, access segregation for north stand, lick o paint. relatively small costs
I wouldn’t be too upset myself to be honest. It won’t be a new ground though, they don’t like investing money this lot. It’d be a ground share with Rotherham or similar….
Any ground share can only be temporary though, so it's either build a bowl or lump some phat cash on Oakwell.
Loads of different points being discussed here which are not necessarily connected. On the fundamental point; would love to see us move with the times and introduce standing. Many of the the visionary Clubs are doing it, why can't we. You don't have to stand if you don't want to but I'd like to have the choice. Oakwell has looked pathetic ever since it went all seater. Compare some of those photos/atmosphere of the crowd in the late 70's/early 80's with now. On the ownership: If you're a tenant, you're responsible for the upkeep. Get on with it then. In terms of future investment; isn't that a joint deal with the owners - The Council and the Chuckles? The benefit to the Council would be, as an investor they could flex their muscles and insist on Oakwell becoming a proper asset to the community - not just a place that gets used 25/365 days.
What's the problem with the red wall? Thing is, shiny new stadiums don't look shiny and new for long. It's a football ground not a new house!
I loved the MK Dons ground when we went there in the cup a few years ago. Plenty of leg room, comfy seats wide enough for most people. Contrast that to our inadequate seating in the ESL where you can hardly get past people and we’re all jammed together in my area on the half way line. The bowl shape of Stadium MK might not suit some people but I like it. Great facilities, located right next to the A5 bypassing the town and it’s used for much more than twenty odd football matches a year. I've been going to Oakwell since 1962 so have many happy memories of the ground but it wouldn’t be the end of the world if the club moved to a better site.
MKDons isn't a proper football club though. No history whatsoever so a new soulless stadium is perfect for them!
Yeah, I know I'm probably in the minority, but I hate that wall! I think if the club wanted to integrate that look into a new stand then they could probably come up with something good. But as it stands, it's a red wall with 3 inches of old paint on it and glass shards sticking out the top... "Welcome to Oakwell"
It's not soulless though, I don't get this soulless bowl thing, the most overused term in football stadia. The best atmospheres are in the grounds with the sides filled in. Oakwell is ***** for it.
For me, the ground itself, along with easier access to and from it, definitely need improving. Whether the board, council or Cryne family pay for the improvements is for them all to work out. As for moving the ground (and training facilities,), that's a no from me. Some seem to argue this is some sort of silver bullet that solves their perceived ills of Oakwell. Having a new stadium didn't stop the likes of Southampton, Leicester or Huddersfield slipping into Administration, nor sliding down the leagues. Darlington's new ground at the time didn't stop them sliding down into the sixth tier. I'm well aware that I'm a dinosaur on this issue and others hold a totally different outlook.
Irrespective of the rights and wrongs behind what MK Dons did to Wimbledon it’s still a beautifully designed stadium. It was always going to be too big for the club that plays there but that’s beside the point. I’m of an age where comfort is more important than tradition and I commented on that last Friday when I had to stand to watch Harrogate Town because all the seats were sold. That’s not for me thanks very much and if some say “you’re not a proper fan then” well, so be it. I’ll be happy to debate that point with anyone.