Iconic stadium of English football giants set for major overhaul including 20,000 more seats as they submit shock plans
LEEDS UNITED are submitting plans to bolster Elland Road’s capacity by nearly 20,000 – whether they win promotion or not.
Leeds City Council have confirmed that the Championship leaders, who host Preston on Saturday, are expected to put in a formal planning application “imminently” to increase their home to 56,500.
Should they be approved, then the plans would also see the area around the ground regenerated with the stadium becoming a “thriving 365 day a year destination”.
Work could potentially start on the west stand within the next year with the second phase of the redevelopment then being on the north stand.
James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council, said: “Elland Road and Leeds United are part of the heart and soul of the city, and the club deserves a stadium befitting of its special status and incredible fans.
“Naturally we’re keen to support this however we can, and to work closely with the club to ensure they are in the best possible position to achieve their ambitions and build a bigger, brighter future for the club, their supporters and sport in the city.”
The plans are due to be discussed on 23 April at a meeting of the council’s executive board.
Paraag Marathe, chairman of Leeds United and president of the club’s owners, 49ers Enterprises, said back in September: “The opportunity to refresh a century-old stadium, coupled with the legacy of Leeds United, is unprecedented.
“Our plans reinforce our commitment to the long-term success of the club and I am excited that we are going to be able to welcome thousands more supporters to every game, in a stadium that retains the unique atmosphere of Elland Road.”
While the club waits for the green light on their stadium, Daniel Farke’s side will be hoping to take another step towards the Premier League in front of a current capacity crowd of 37,792 at Elland Road.
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However, he will have to do that without two of his most influential players.
Defender Pascal Struijk hobbled off at Luton Town last Saturday and was replaced by Ethan Ampadu for the midweek victory over Middlesbrough.
Now Farke has revealed that the vice-captain’s campaign is over, even if they have to face the play-offs.
He said: “I can officially confirm the season is over for him, he has a fracture in his foot.
“Thank God he doesn’t need surgery but he will definitely be out for about 10 weeks. He will be ready when pre-season starts for next season.”
Joe Rothwell was already ruled out for three weeks with a calf injury and now Farke has revealed that star winger Dan James, the matchwinner at Boro, will miss out too against Preston and is also a doubt for crunch clashes with Oxford and Stoke.
He said: “He came out with some hamstring problems. It will be a tight race for the Easter weekend.
“Our medical department will try everything to make him available for these games but it will be a tight race.”