By Duncan Mackay
October 8 – Premier League club Fulham plan to increase the capacity at their picturesque Craven Cottage ground from 25,700 to 30,000 after shelving plans to move, they have revealed.
Fulham chief executive Alistair Mackintosh says the club will remain ”sympathetic to the design of this historic ground” which has been the team’s home since 1896.
Fulham has been in the Premier League since 2001 and reached the Europa League final in 2010.
“Fulham has seen unprecedented success both on and off the pitch in recent years, and is now an established Premier League club, qualifying for European competitions and accommodating over 25,000 people on a regular basis,” said Mackintosh.
“We are confident a redevelopment will improve the fans matchday experience…whilst remaining sympathetic to the design of this historic ground.”
Last week Chelsea, who play at Stamford Bridge, less than two miles Craven Cottage, said they were looking at options to move from the ground which has been their home since they were formed in 1905.
“This investment at Craven Cottage demonstrates yet again the chairman’s [Mohamed Al Fayed] continued ambition to see the club prosper and grow and to continue to compete at this level for many years to come,” said Mackintosh.
“We are still in the very early stages of the planning process and will be holding a public exhibition in mid-October where we would very much welcome people’s thoughts on our initial ideas.”
The club will begin speaking to residents, supporters and other interested groups from next week.
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