Chelsea's potential move to a new site other than Stamford Bridge has taken a new hit ahead of Todd Boehly's biggest decision in charge.
The new owners are actively trying to find an answer to providing a facility with a higher capacity but face a myriad of issues in doing so that saw Roman Abramovich struggle to make much progress over his 19-year tenure. With the current ground only holding the ninth most in the league Chelsea are missing out on a vital revenue stream that is key to Boehly-Clearlake's long-term plans at SW6.
It has seen several propostions made from revamping the current ground, knocking it down to rebuild an entirely new stadium or even permanently moving away from the site. Each of these has its own pitfalls though.
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The land around Stamford Bridge, with a tube station and housing site not belonging to them, means that expanding the current ground or rebuilding looks hard and potentially the most expensive, though the Daily Mail write that they are expected to find out within four weeks if they have been successful in purchasing an extra 1.2 acres next to the current site.
This has raised the prospect of once more looking elsewhere for a new home but the Times report that Boehly and Co could face 'furious backlash' were they to pursue a potential move to Earl's Court. With options currently being explored the hope is that a final decision regarding the site of change will be made over the summer.
Earl's Court, less than one mile down the road, is the most likely alternative but would see issues raised with the Chelsea Pitch Owners (CPO). Boehly has already taken steps towards appeasing supporters though, listening to their voices and forming a new fan advisory board, but the stadium is a sensitive subject.
Chelsea fans have previously fought to ensure the club remains at Stamford Bridge, hence forming the CPO, and the new owners are remaining in contact with them throughout. However, a fan quoted said: “If they consider Earl’s Court, we might see the same supporter demonstrations that put paid to the European Super League [in 2021].
In what is described as an 'anti-Earl's Court Group' the loyalty to the current ground remains high. “Todd Boehly has to give a guarantee that Chelsea will stay at the Bridge. Out of the 13 London clubs, only one has never moved home. Chelsea," the supporter continues.
“We had a ‘Save the Bridge’ campaign in the Eighties — this is Bridge two,” the fan said. “England’s three remaining historic club venues are Anfield, Old Trafford and Stamford Bridge, each with their own culture. We have to stay at the Bridge.”
If Chelsea were to stay at the Bridge then they would now almost certainly have to rebuild from scratch, meaning finding a temporary home for around four years, something that poses questions itself. The old Earl's Court Exhibition Centre is the other choice, which would see the Blues remain at Stamford Bridge in the meantime, but permanently having a new home doesn't sit well with some.
"All the supporters I speak to want to stay at Stamford Bridge and are quite prepared to have three or four years of disruption [ie playing elsewhere] for a better long-term future [at the Bridge],” another campaigner against the move said. “What’s important is legacy.”
Whilst further questions remain over the 'true' plans of Boehly and quoted 'Disneyfication' of Chelsea and Stamford Bridge, the biggest issue regarding the stadium remains and doesn't look set to go away regardless of the soft deadline upcoming. “The supporters’ groups resisted the move then and it remains our position today that heritage and tradition are valuable,” said another fan.
“For supporters and, in particular match-going spectators, home is where the heart is and our home is the Bridge.”
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