Thursday, March 22, 2007

 

New stadium before the Olympics

By Tess McDermott
c/p Harlow Citizen
New ways to spot the best rising stars in Europe are also part of Magnusson's plans
New ways to spot the best rising stars in Europe are also part of Magnusson's plans

WEST Ham chairman Eggert Magnusson has confirmed he wants to build a new 60,000 seater stadium for the club within five years.

He told the Guardian: "We have the fan base for it."

The Hammers have been linked with a move to the old Parcelforce site near West Ham Underground Station and Mr Magnusson said: "It's close to Upton Park, that's all I can say.

"I think we have a great club with really great support. The fans have been fantastic since I've been here, and my vision is to build a new stadium and to build a successful team, slowly but surely.

"It won't happen next year or the year after. It will take time, but that team will challenge for the highest honours in English football as well as getting into Europe, the UEFA Cup and then hopefully the Champions' League.

"It will take at least five years, but I am sure it can happen. West Ham as all the right foundations to get there.

"I would definitely hope to have a new stadium for West Ham before the Olympics in 2012."

The Icelandic businessman also revealed he has plans for a new "better" and "bigger" training ground to replace the club's Chadwell Heath facility and to introduce a Frank Arnesen-style sporting director to scour Europe for the best young players.

He said keeping fans favourite Carlos Tevez at the club beyond the summer was beyond his control.




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