Chelsea news: The Blues' new owners are looking for a way around the decade long Stamford Bridge problem
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 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.
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.”
"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.”