Planet Swans ArchivesThe Swans we know are looking to expand the stadium and there are stronger rumours floating around that the expansion could start in 2016 although it is being suggested that the work could take 12 months to complete which suggests that a January start is unlikely although not impossible.
Two weeks ago prior to the Newcastle match the Chairman talked about the need to expand the stadium and take advantage of the opportunity that is there by doing so.
This time around though he talked about the need to have the council behind us and also talked about the budgetary issues that expansion will cause and the difficulty in ensuring that any cost on expansion does not impact at any point on the playing budget.
The notes were written on the day the Swans equalled the stadium record with an attendance of 20,828 which backs up the need for expansion. The chances to bring in extra people for the bigger games will always be taken but for the less attractive figures it gives the opportunity to allow for incentives such as kids for a quid and family days that have become difficult since promotion to the Premier League.
Jenkins wrote: “I’m convinced we must take advantage of the increased Premier League income next season to help us expand the Liberty Stadium.
“I also believe we need the full support of Swansea City Council and all its members to help us through this difficult process. Obtaining planning permission and buying the small parcel of land near the stadium has already cost the football club over £1.5m without a brick being placed.
“We clearly need ‘Landlord’s consent’ from Swansea City Council to help us move further forward before the New Year. Most importantly, we need 100 per cent commitment from everyone connected to Swansea City, together with some peace of mind that we can cover the estimated £20m needed to expand the Liberty without the football budget being squeezed in any way over the next couple of years.
“Our own stadium expansion plans and spending budgets going forward are in stark contrast to the budget available to our opponents but that’s what has helped us make us the proud football club we are today and provides us all with the added motivation we need going forward.”
The £20m figure is a conundrum indeed for me in those words especially when it is clear that the Chairman needs us to remain competitive on the pitch (as we all do) and I suspect that this is the biggest hold up we have but you do wonder if the council are not allowing things to progress as smooth as we would like.
For the good of this club the expansion needs to happen and the one thing he is right on is that everyone needs to be behind it no matter what part they have to play, from all employees of club, council and stadium management as well as of course the fans who have indicated they want season tickets after expansion.
