Angus Kinnear makes 49ers admission in Leeds United update on Elland Road expansion
Angus Kinnear said an announcement on the planned Elland Road expansion is “very close” as Leeds United look to up their stadium capacity to around 53,000.
Speaking to The Square Ball podcast (12 September), the United CEO said that owners 49ers Enterprises have fully committed to the project, spending a “multi-million” sum so far.
The Whites’ current home ground capacity is 38,000 along with a season ticket waiting list in excess of 20,000, according to The Athletic.
Kinnear said: “We are very close. For the first time in the six and a half years I’ve been involved in the club I think we’ve got some real traction behind the stadium.
“The 49ers have committed, they’ve spent a multimillion pound sum on putting together a team of environmentalists, transport planners, the design team, the structural engineers, mechanical engineers.
“That team now is meeting two or three times a week, with a view to submitting the planning application, there’s going to be an announcement very shortly.
“At the moment it’s looking like it’s going to be 53,000.”
Premier League hopes for Leeds United
It’s no secret that the Yorkshire club have lost a huge bulk of their players this summer, so a rebuild has begun to bring excitement back to the Leeds squad.
The key additions of Manor Solomon and Largie Ramazani in particular have given fans some hope that the club can return to the promised land.
Pair a potential promotion, with a new stadium upgrade, and things are looking up for Leeds fans, who will have been dreading to check their notifications over the summer with the player departures.
The Whites have a solid backing from the 49ers, while Red Bull has a share in the club, so the football club is in good hands.
A promising start to the season has put Leeds in a position that can push on for promotion, and with Liam Cooper saying goodbye, Ethan Ampadu will be looking to captain this new squad to Premier League glory.
And the hope is that, once there, they will have an even bigger stadium to host the best league in the world.
In other Leeds news, a Junior Firpo contract update has emerged.
For more Leeds news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.