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A Double-Edged Sword – A New Stadium or Investment in a fading Squad

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Given the choice, what would be your preferred option in the coming seasons?

Would you prefer the club to spend an absolute fortune on the proposed new stadium or would you prefer a major investment in the playing squad?

With regards to the latter, some would say that should be the preference considering how far off the pace we were as a club when it came to the Premier League title.

As for the former, my gut feeling has always suggested that although the design was spectacular, and a new stadium would be great, what happened back in the days when the East Stand almost bankrupted the club frightens me.

Already, the figures being mentioned as the cost of the project have increased dramatically with the original cost rising from an estimated £500 million to a colossal £1 billion.

Therefore, it’s probably not that surprising to read that, according to several sources, including the respected,
BBC, are reporting that the plans for the redevelopment have been put on hold.

The BBC carries some quotes attributed to our former managing director, Christian Purslow, which infer it is the correct decision to take, with Purslow quoted as having remarked,

“I expect a very strong focus now on investing in the team.

“They have decided to bite the bullet and say this is not the right time to pursue this project.

“I was not surprised at all. Concentrate their resources on the playing side of Chelsea and I think Chelsea fans will be delighted that that is the priority for the foreseeable future.”

Is it a viewpoint you agree with or are you of the opinion that a new stadium is an absolute necessity if the club is to remain at the forefront of European football?

Please feel free to air your views in the comments facility beneath this article.

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