Get it built !!!

[Harrisblade]

With respect Tracey, the one thing we don't want is a two tired stand. Firstly, and mainly, because it no longer becomes a Kop if its double tiered, or if you are of the opinion that you'll still have a Kop, but with a further top tier, then to me that then detracts from the rest of the Kop, and also, we have a problem as it is with getting the whole Kop to sing as one, often with the same chant seconds behind each other, depending on what part of the Kop you're on, but with two tiers that would be even worse surely?

The Kop not being able to
co-ordinate it's own singing is definitely a reason for scrapping any redevelopment!

 

[S64 Blade]

It should do. Go onto the Wiki page of any Bundesliga club and check the difference in figures between league games where they can stand, and international matches, where the cowards at UEFA say no

Having been on the Yellow Wall at Dortmund, you're definitely packed in too. Often one behind each other on the same row (each row has two steps). The steps down to the entrances was full of people too. It was an art form not spilling your fresh pints when returning to your spot.

So you can clearly see how the capacity is reduced when the seats come down.

 

[CaptainMorgans]

Not sure I agree about why we haven’t sold out this season. We’ve also had the novelty of a first season in the PL so if we aren’t selling out easily then in my view the demand isn’t there.

We have a core home support of 15k plus 10k who come when things are going well and another 5k+ who come when it’s going really well. I really don’t think there is ever going to be a situation where we get 30k plus for a whole season after the novelty has worn off. The exception would be if we somehow become a top 10 side consistently, a big ask.

We were averaging around 20k throughout our six seasons in League 1.

I think you can add 5k on when we're in the Championship.

Another 5k (at least for the Premiership). If we became a regular fixture at this level & expanded the ground then I think our crowds would fluctuate between 32k & 38k for the half a dozen big games.

 

[georgebernardshaw]

I always find it amazing how good forum members are at spending other people’s money.....

 

[jt64]

Never got the clamour for a return to standing. I bet half those all in favour have never stood for 90 minutes at a football match, probably all about 20 years old.

Give me my seat any day.

The point is to offer the choice, not to force those that don't want to do so to have to (like at more or less any away game)

 

[itsinyerblood]

Come on, what Blade wouldn't be proud to call this place home? Eh?

It certainly has the look of a club on the up, and as much as I love my club, it's time for a makeover that stands the test of time. So not something that looks tired and lame after a decade, but with the type of kerbside appeal that sends out a clear message that SUFC is worth being involved with, both for fans and potential new signings.

These images are a long way from the ugly concrete constructions that were once regarded as 'great' footballing statements, what we could have, perhaps with a little tweaking here and there, is a carefully considered construction that reflects our ambition to be one of this country's (even Europe's?) better clubs. I know that for some that might seem a fanciful statement, but surely if something's worth doing it should be done with imagination and aspiration as part of it's foundation? I'd much rather see my club's facade, and obviously it's interior, as a longterm statement rather than something that we come to regret. And if there's one caveat we should be mindful of, it's that whatever is chosen as a make-over it doesn't have a negative impact on the single most important thing for this club and it's supporters - that our manager isn't asked to curtail his team building plans. It's a delicate act to follow; to improve facilities for supporters and members of staff, plus the necessary signings we'll need to continue our progress. But even with the recently resolved ownership issues, if the club adopts a carefully balanced approach in achieving these ambitions we could well see the club we all love take the sort of strides many of us considered far-fetched and unachievable.

For what it's worth, if I had to prioritise what should be the first part of this ambition, it would be to build a first class training facility. Given the noises that Wilder has made about the importance of providing improved facilities for players and staff, there's nothing more important to our progression than to have the type of facilities that send out a message of just how serious this club is about our desire to progress. If anyone managed to see the recent thread about the training facilities that Swansea have built you should be in no doubt just how essential this is to any club with genuinely serious ambitions. It might seem a tad far fetched if many of us imagine that Swansea are serious in their ambitions, but I say well done to them for grasping this by the collar and improving their chances of future success.

PS. georgebernardshaw , you're spot on, it's the easiest thing in the world to spend money, especially someone else's money, as if it's going out of fashion. Unless we find we have a board member with billions of spare dosh to invest, then whatever plans are agreed upon we employ the type of fiscal intelligence that's often missing in projects of this type. The very last thing I want is for my club to lose sight of what it's here to do, which is to further Wilder's plans out creating a team that's worthy of wearing the great red and white stripes. If we're smart and savvy about this there's no reason why we shouldn't see this club improve beyond all our imaginations.

 

[Upton_Blade]

Wouldn't it increase capacity and therefore bring more revenue into the club?

It would of course but over a far longer time period than the south stand extension as that would have more corporate facilities meaning it would take less time to recoup the outlay.

 

[Cerberus Blade]

It would of course but over a far longer time period than the south stand extension as that would have more corporate facilities meaning it would take less time to recoup the outlay.

Yes true.

I thought they were going to do the South Stand extension first anyhow? Reason being, they could start on that straight away as they don't need to knock owt down or clear land and stuff, it would be just extending out and up on what they've got. Whereas the kop extension would be more complex? I may be wrong but that's what a bloke down the pub with a dog was telling me - and I believed him!

 

[Upton_Blade]

Yes true.

I thought they were going to do the South Stand extension first anyhow? Reason being, they could start on that straight away as they don't need to knock owt down or clear land and stuff, it would be just extending out and up on what they've got. Whereas the kop extension would be more complex? I may be wrong but that's what a bloke down the pub with a dog was telling me - and I believed him!

I personally think they should do the SS extension first as I believe it will add 5k extra seats so you could accommodate as many as possible displaced from the kop while it’s being done.

It’ll be impossible to do both the stands without some fans not being able to get a ticket but doing the SS first minimises this IMO.

 

[WORKSOPBLADE]

...and a section for division 4 veterans.

I’ll be there then!

 

[FATTYFOULKE]

Now’s the time to get the Koop done as I can’t see spectators allowed back in grounds this side of Christmas.

One other thing. I was listening to a Bournemouth fan earlier saying how if they go down they’ll have nothing to show for being in the Premier League these last few years. He was talking about the ground, not the training ground.

Let’s get the ground done as a priority, something visable to the wider world. A legacy for all of us and something that fans and players alike can enjoy.

We know Chris Wilder wants the training ground to be the priority, but the ground should be equal priority.

 

[benn5712]

I’ll be there then!

☝ two

 

[LoughboroBlade]

Not sure if it’s already been mentioned, but it seems on April 28th the Council granted an extension to the approved plans to redevelop the South Stand. Probably just standard to do so, though perhaps an indication also that the plans to build this remain on the table.

 

[Yellarbellyblade]

Now’s the time to get the Koop done as I can’t see spectators allowed back in grounds this side of Christmas.

One other thing. I was listening to a Bournemouth fan earlier saying how if they go down they’ll have nothing to show for being in the Premier League these last few years. He was talking about the ground, not the training ground.

Let’s get the ground done as a priority, something visable to the wider world. A legacy for all of us and something that fans and players alike can enjoy.

We know Chris Wilder wants the training ground to be the priority, but the ground should be equal priority.

They don’t even own their ground and have spent nothing on training facilities

 

[SuperSonicBlade89]

If its built on an artificial hill and its Bramall Lane then its a Kop and always will be a Kop!

What needs to be done is too knock down the South Stand, turn the pitch around, rebuild the cricket pavilion.. rebuild all the other stands (with bogs, pies and proper beer): so that John Street becomes the new home end... and from there on, we all have a whole 'brand new shiny downtown beautiful Bramall Lane' with a certain coherence, in preference to the current one thats been muddled together over the last 50 years.
The difficult part is to stay up next season. So give us a goal or two tomorrow Mr.B, or Mr.Zed... anyone... it doesn't matter who!

Said this for years! If they ever were to build a new stadium, I hope they would not move the stadium elsewhere as Sheffield United and Bramall Lane go hand in hand. Turn the ground 90 degrees and there suddenly is a lot more room to expand the stands by the touchline. Bit like Tottenham rebuilding their stadium on their old grounds. Maybe buy up the houses and units on John Street and there's even more land.

For the time being do we really want to expand the ground? Just an excuse for more idiot fans and glory grabbers cos we are in the Prem. What would happen IF we were relegated again... end up like Wendys or Weeds with half empty looking stadiums... just a thought.

 

[FallowfieldBlade]

Said this for years! If they ever were to build a new stadium, I hope they would not move the stadium elsewhere as Sheffield United and Bramall Lane go hand in hand. Turn the ground 90 degrees and there suddenly is a lot more room to expand the stands by the touchline. Bit like Tottenham rebuilding their stadium on their old grounds. Maybe buy up the houses and units on John Street and there's even more land.

For the time being do we really want to expand the ground? Just an excuse for more idiot fans and glory grabbers cos we are in the Prem. What would happen IF we were relegated again... end up like Wendys or Weeds with half empty looking stadiums... just a thought.

The Kops needed doing for years and years I don’t think we need to do the south stand as that would be overkill
Would love them to crack on with the kop while we can’t attend say for the next 6 months.

Anyone know how long it would take to redevelop the kop 6 months ? A year ?

 

[Flatulent_Bob]

The Kops needed doing for years and years I don’t think we need to do the south stand as that would be overkill
Would love them to crack on with the kop while we can’t attend say for the next 6 months.

Anyone know how long it would take to redevelop the kop 6 months ? A year ?

It’s like being in Groundhog Day!
The South Stand development would increase capacity to a higher level, while having an increased return from the corporate boxes that we do not have enough of.
Why on earth would you do the Kop first with those circumstances?

 

[FallowfieldBlade]

It’s like being in Groundhog Day!
The South Stand development would increase capacity more, while having an increased return from the corporate boxes that we do not have enough of.
Why on earth would you do the Kop first with those circumstances?

Because there’s two big poles on the KOP that hampers everyone’s view

I’d happily do both just think the KOP is more a priority

 

[Maidenhead]

I believe it's not impossible that this can be done without impacting next seasons player budget or the training ground development yes.

Have I just landed back in 1974?

 

[Flatulent_Bob]

Have I just landed back in 1974?

Ha, that was if they got started while we had no crowds as the Kop would impact that and my comments also said the South Stand would also be scheduled at the same time for the end of season/summer. So it would realise the additional returns from both stands within 18 months.
It’s not now going to happen soon enough to do that, so the South Stand has to be done first if we are doing one at a time to get the returns back sooner.

 

[cahill]

Apart from building the fan base for long term stability regardless of the league we’re in?

Seems to me that the fan base is there. Seems to have been a10-15 year consistent build which confounded fully six seasons in the 3rd division. Personally I'm at a loss to explain it. Our ground capacity is the only restriction

 

[Flatulent_Bob]

Seems to me that the fan base is there. Seems to have been a10-15 year consistent build which confounded fully six seasons in the 3rd division. Personally I'm at a loss to explain it. Our ground capacity is the only restriction

Exactly why I’m not of the belief that if we expanded to 40,000 the ground would be half empty should we ever be relegated. I think our core at the championship level is at least 25,000 now and if we made the enhancement and stayed up for a couple of seasons I think it would be closer to 30,000.
I’ve no doubt based on last years season ticket sales, and the poorly managed home ticket policy if we were to expand initially to 38,000, we would be pretty close to sell out most weeks and average over 95% capacity over a full season.

 

[Keen Blade]

Just don't know why anybody's talking about spending on the ground when the priority has to be getting the better quality of players that CW wants.
Just forget the ground , try and survive in the PL !

 

[bladesmanluke]

Just don't know why anybody's talking about spending on the ground when the priority has to be getting the better quality of players that CW wants.
Just forget the ground , try and survive in the PL !

And when do we improve the ground? Never?

 

[Flatulent_Bob]

Just don't know why anybody's talking about spending on the ground when the priority has to be getting the better quality of players that CW wants.
Just forget the ground , try and survive in the PL !

Because a unique opportunity has presented itself, whereby no fans can go into the stadia for a couple of months. On top of that, when they do it’ll be at a reduced capacity so you can upgrade the capacity without kicking fans out while you do.
Finally there is also the fact that we have record low interest rates which will stay low for a period of years so it doesn’t have to impact your player spending.

 

[SuperSonicBlade89]

I'd have to agree with the majority on here that the Kop needs doing first. The Cherry Street side of the stadium has seen the most of refurbishment over the last 15 years (New superstore, hotel, dressing rooms, press rooms, new lick of paint etc etc).

Lack of legroom on the Kop is a gripe... however it is not too much of a problem for me as I have an aisle seat . It's just the bloody posts that's really annoying!

All the Kop really needs imo is removal of support posts, turn it to cantiliver. And just a better layout to get in/out. The bit where you come into the turnstiles towards Cherry Street end of Shorham St, where the snack bars and toilets are. I'd turn that into a glass building all the way upto the kop itself with lifts and escalators and a meeting plaza... looks great... in my head

 

[bladesmanluke]

The leg room problem on the kop could be solved by doing what the big teams do behind the goal in this division and simply standing up.

 

[CaptainMorgans]

Article in the Yorkshire Post suggests the South Stand development was a McCabe thing and the plans have now been dumped by the club.

The only Stadium works that the club wish to proceed with are the removal of the Kop pillars... disappointing if true.

 

[Keen Blade]

Because a unique opportunity has presented itself, whereby no fans can go into the stadia for a couple of months. On top of that, when they do it’ll be at a reduced capacity so you can upgrade the capacity without kicking fans out while you do.
Finally there is also the fact that we have record low interest rates which will stay low for a period of years so it doesn’t have to impact your player spending.

I appreciate the opportunity of an empty ground for now but when fans return in reduced capacity they are gonna have to be spread out over all the available space , so no scope for construction.
You say just borrow the money and it won't impact player spending but the repayments will.
The club has just borrowed £50m to buy the ground and it hasn't even obtained the 2 bits of land behind the Kop , so there's no way the Kop is getting developed till those bits are acquired.
Anyway , in the present circs , who is gonna lend us another huge chunk of change on top of the £50m ?
Our PL survival is not guaranteed and our owner is not a sugar daddy.
Ground extensions are a fantasy at the moment.
The squad & the training facilities are our priority.
If the Club wanted to increase match day income it could try increasing ticket prices + just watch the gates tumble if it did.
There is no way the Club is gonna put itself into substantial debt to make the ground bigger.

 

[Addison]

Article in the Yorkshire Post suggests the South Stand development was a McCabe thing and the plans have now been dumped by the club.

The only Stadium works that the club wish to proceed with are the removal of the Kop pillars... disappointing if true.

To be fair to the Club thats all they said they would be doing along with improvements to the training ground. In the present climate of no fans, no season ticket or match day revenue and reduced tv monies its unlikely they will improving the ground much more in the immediate future. The financial onus has to be on supporting team recruitment to ensure we progress on the field.