Reading to extend ground

[Tommeh]

BEEB link

Reading to extend ground capacity

Reading have been granted permission to extend the capacity of the Madejski Stadium from 24,045 to 38,000.

The Royals submitted the plans earlier this year and they have now been approved by Reading Borough Council for work which will start in summer 2008.

"We're extremely pleased the council has approved our plan," chief executive Nigel Howe told the club's website.

"Although we hoped work would start this summer a number of factors have to be addressed before work can begin."

Reading finished eighth in their first season in the Premiership, missing out on a Uefa Cup place by just one point.

Howe said the expansion would help the club in its aim "to become an established force in the top flight," and they had delayed it until 2008 to avoid inconveniencing fans.

"If we started now, the necessary enabling works would not be completed in time for the start of the season," he said.

"That would entail disruption to existing seats and that is something we have always been very keen to avoid.

"We have said all along that no final decisions had been made on the finer detail of the design and we will now take our time to make sure that the right decisions are made.

"We want to make sure the project is carried out properly and not rushed."

They've had full houses 23k most of the season but 38k is a big step up, coul they fill it? I doubt it but it clearly shows good ambition of the club, fair play to them

[Simi]

I didn't realise it was so small up until now.

[lildave3]

Saw this earlier, very ambitious. I doubt they would fill it week in week out and soon the novelty will wear off i'd imagine.

[Brainy]

It's good enough as it is, even if its only a 24k seater

[Joe.]

Well it's definitely a big increase, great news for them.

I should think they'll pull in quite a few after that's done, possibly capacity for a while.

[Floating Fox]

38'000 A bit big for them, they'll be back in the relegation fight next season.

[dandannieldanok]

I don't think they will have to many problems filling 38,000 if they keep their premiership status. It is just like with Arsenal, more bums on seats means more £££££ millions £££££.

[Anish]

I think it's a big risk for them. They don't have the pull factor of other Premiership clubs to entice quality players, and I can see them getting relegated if Coppell leaves. A 38k stadium in the Championship is more of a hindrance than a help - firstly they'll lose supporters and the away team will be extra motivated playing in a great stadium, as we've found to our cost.

I could easily see this backfiring if they go ahead with it and then struggling in the Prem/getting relegated.