‘Ageing stadium’ – Exclusive: Pundit hails Radrizzani as Leeds confirm Elland Rd expansion plans
We’re delighted to welcome former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Leeds United…
Paul Robinson has said that Andrea Radrizzani’s comment about not expanding Elland Road for another 2-3 years is a “sensible business decision”.
Talking after Leeds had secured promotion, the Whites owner said, “We need to confirm ourselves in the Premier League as a priority for two or three years before we can look at an expansion plan in terms of capacity.”
That came after Leeds chief Angus Kinnear laid out plans to expand Elland Road to a 50,000-seater stadium.
Talking exclusively to MOT Leeds News, Robinson said, “I think it’s sensible business. If they have a couple of stable seasons in the Premier League and they’re an established Premier League club then they’ll need to look at expanding Elland Road.
“It’s an ageing stadium. There’s lots of history there and it’s capable of producing an incredible atmosphere but there will come a time when it needs work.
“To be fair to the owner, he’s spent on the infrastructure, he’s bought the stadium. You go into the lounge, the executive boxes, they’re all Premier League standard.
“Behind the stands it’s Premier League-quality. On the surface, though, it’s an ageing stadium and it could do with being bigger, but that’s a sensible business decision.
“It’s something there’s been a lot of talk about because there’s so much scope to do it on the site Elland Road is on.”
Leeds fans might want things to happen in a hurry in the Premier League but Radrizzani seems intent on doing things properly and building slowly.
His first mission will be to keep Leeds in the Premier League. Mid-table will do us nicely in the 20/21 season.
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