Quick News Round-Up

23 January 2012 by

Not warranting their own post, though still worth mentioning, some news updates on projects we have reported on in recent weeks:

  • After Liverpool announced to consider reverting back to their 2003 stadium designs, various supporter groups have expressed concerns about the design, as it includes a two-tier Kop instead of a single-tier, for which the Kop is famous. However, Liverpool has reportedly guaranteed that the club will ensure a sing-tier Kop, which the club thinks will fit within the scope of the planning permission. Of course, a definite decision on the project is far from imminent, though Liverpool legend Jan Molby supports a move to Stanley Park.
  • Wolves have announced to postpone the start of the second phase of their Molineux redevelopment plans. The club had originally planned to start the redevelopment of the Steve Bull Stand at the start of this season, but has now stated to prefer prioritising the redevelopment of their training ground and academy, as doing both is not financially viable. The club states that they remain committed to the Molineux redevelopment at a later stage. Fans have expressed concerns about the postponement, but Wolves boss Mick McCarthy has stated to support the decision.
  • Whereas earlier this week FIFA denied any financial support for Zürich’s stadium as it is planned to include standing places, FC Zürich and Grasshoppers received better news on Thursday when the canton (state) of Zürich pledged to contribute CHF 8 million to the project.
  • Carlisle’s planned new stadium at Kingmoor Park may get combined with an out-of-town retail park, which could make financing of the project easier. Most parties involved however still call it too early to speculate about such move, as the project is still in the initial stages

And while new grounds are getting planned and built, the last remains of Hull City’s former ground Boothferry Park will soon disappear, as project developers have received planning permission to go ahead with the housing development planned for the site. Of course, Hull City has already been playing at the KC Stadium since 2002.