Given all the troubles surrounding Chelsea Football Club at the moment, I am surprised they have involved themselves in more controversy and the possibility of moving their stadium.
In the midst of a team lacking confidence, an owner with an itchy trigger finger and a manager seemingly fighting the tide against him, Chelsea are taking preliminary steps in enquiring to the availability of the Battersea Power Station site. The hope is a 55,000 to 60,000 seater stadium can be built.
However problems start with their current home venue Stamford Bridge. Firstly Chelsea would have to buy back the freehold on their home since 1905. Also problems with Battersea being a grade 2 listed building means that any work can only preserve the site not redevelopment.
This all comes after the controversial decision by Newcastle to sell the naming rights of St. James Park. Now we have the SportsDirect.com Arena. What I struggle with is that Stamford Bridge holds around 42,000 and I know there is an ongoing argument with the local council about extending Stamford Bridge. I fail to see how it makes good business sense to build an entire new stadium whch only has around 10,000 seats.
It strikes me that Chelsea are just trying to flex their financial power. When will owners learn that by riding a club of their identity ultimately harms a team before it improves it. Is it jealousy that Arsenal have a shiny new stadium or have their noses been put out of place with Tottenham and West ham fighting over the right to play at the new Olympic stadium. Whatever their reasoning for abandoning their home it has to be a good one.
It just makes me feel sad that a team that has no history except their famous ground, and one that is losing credibility on a weekly basis thinks it has some foolish right to throw it all away on another whim from their Russian sugar daddy.
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