Leeds United backed to proceed with 53,000-seater Elland Road plans
David Norris has backed former club Leeds United over their plans to raise the capacity of Elland Road to 53,000, citing their “hardcore” support as a key reason why.
With planning ready to commence in expanding their home capacity, many have already given their support to the project as a mark of the club’s ambition in the long-term.
Norris, who represented the club in the early 2010s, spoke of the nature of the team’s fanbase and downplayed claims they would struggle to fill the stadium.
“I played during a time when the ownership was controversial with the fans to the point a lot didn’t come to games, but I think now there would be no trouble filling it and it marks where the club want to get to,” the former midfielder exclusively told MOT Leeds News.
“The fanbase is incredible. I’ve always said with Leeds, they’re the one club I’ve played for whose fanbase is a majority ‘hardcore’, whereas that bracket would usually be the minority at most clubs.
“You see Leeds fans all over the world, and I think this news with the stadium is welcome for them as they look to progress.”
Leeds United looking to return to former glory
Elland Road currently boasts a capacity of 37,600, with an “astounding” 26,000 on a season ticket waiting list – unheard of for a Championship club.
In the second tier this season, only Sunderland (48,707) and Sheffield Wednesday (39,859) possess more seating in their respective venues, but the demand at Leeds United is reflective of the need to make these improvements.
If Daniel Farke’s side were to earn promotion this season and Sunderland or Wednesday did not, which is highly anticipated even after their 90-point total was not enough last term, the expansion would eventually see Elland Road rank sixth in size of the 20 Premier League stadiums – larger than the Etihad Stadium, St. James’ Park and Villa Park.
The ambition of the club and fans is paramount to their long-term success and full-circle moment back into European football at some stage – this refurbishment would be key to that.
Exciting times lie ahead for Leeds fans who have seen plenty of turmoil which was touched on by Norris – and we wait to see how matters pan out.
In other Leeds news, a player has left England for an operation.
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