Stadium share on the cards for Chelsea after Twickenham rejection
A stadium share between Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea is looking ever more likely after Twickenham ruled out the prospect of a temporary Blues switch.
With plans for a Stamford Bridge renovation moving along at a fair pace, Chelsea are under pressure to sort out their temporary accommodation. Wembley Stadium currently looks like the chosen ground after Twickenham categorically ruled out the Blues moving there.
Local residents have been opposed to Chelsea’s arrival and their stance has not changed, as confirmed in a letter from Twickenham MP Dr Tania Mathias.
"My opposition to more non-rugby fixtures at Twickenham is based on concerns regarding increased problems for local residents such as match-day traffic, an increase in litter, public urination and other anti-social behaviour."
Moreover, RFU chief Ian Ritchie responded to confirm that no football will be taking place at the home of English rugby.
"Ritchie has already replied to Mathias and stated that “there is no intention to host regular football matches at Twickenham”. – via Evening Standard"
More from The Pride of London
- Bournemouth 0-0 Chelsea player ratings: Abysmal, reckless, wasteful
- Bournemouth 0-0 Chelsea: 3 Blues talking points
- Bournemouth vs Chelsea: 1 Blue Mauricio Pochettino should drop
- Bournemouth vs Chelsea: 3 Blues who must start
- Predicted Chelsea lineup vs Bournemouth: Palmer starts in 4-2-3-1
This means that the Blues will almost certainly be moving into Wembley Stadium alongside Tottenham. Spurs are also in the process of redeveloping their stadium and will need to leave White Hart Lane in order to facilitate this.
Although not ideal, there shouldn’t be many issues surrounding the stadium share. Many clubs around the world play at the same home ground. If anything, the fixture generator may need its algorithm altered.
Twickenham is closer to Stamford Bridge and technically more convenient for Chelsea fans. However, it does not hold any other advantage over Wembley. The one or two seasons away from West London will be a pain no matter where Chelsea end up.
The redevelopment of Stamford Bridge is a very necessary step for the Blues. As they truly become an established behemoth in world football, having a modern stadium is vital. Stamford Bridge’s current capacity is much smaller than their rivals and an ability to cater for a growing fanbase opens new revenue streams.
All this, you would hope, will filter back into the product on the pitch as more funds are available to sign high calibre players and managers.
What are your thoughts on Wembley? Are you fussed at all?