Source: Daily_Mail
Man United's Old Trafford development plan hits the buffers on 100th birthday
Manchester United are unlikely to continue the redevelopment of Old Trafford in the coming years, largely because of a railway line situated behind the main stand. [LNB]The 76,000-seater stadium is the largest club ground in the country and has undergone progressive restructuring over the last 20 years. However, the main stand has remained untouched since the 1970s. [LNB]But now in its centenary year, Old Trafford seems to be staying as it is. [LNB] Troublesome track: Old Trafford's main stand backs onto a railway line[LNB] Under construction: Old Trafford has undergone major works in the last 20 years[LNB]'There are two limiting factors to any possible expansion of the main stand,' said United's Group Property Manager George Johnstone. [LNB]'Primarily the railway line, but there are also several privately owned properties beyond that which could be an issue if a new stand was to span the railway and have footings in that area.[LNB]'It would be very costly and technically difficult. We haven't really looked at the figures, but an expanded stand may only give us an extra 12-16,000 seats.[LNB] Theatre of Dreams: The Old Trafford faithful whip up an electric atmosphere[LNB]'The numbers need to stack up. Demand is an issue, so perhaps the current capacity of just over 76,000 is appropriate at this stage.'[LNB]At the time of Taylor Report, which came in the wake of the 1989 Hillsborough disaster and called for stadiums to be all-seater, the capacity of the 'Threatre of Dreams' was just 44,000.[LNB] World leader: The monumental Rungrado May Day Stadium in Pyongyang, North Korea holds astaggering 150,000 people. [LNB]Manchester United's continued success on the field, though, has neccessitated the growth and [LNB]Old Trafford's most recent expansion, which took place between July 2005 and May 2006, saw an increase of around 8,000 seats with the addition of second tiers to both the north-west and north-east quadrants of the ground.[LNB]However, it lags someway behind the world leaders. The monumental Rungrado May Day Stadium in Pyongyang, North Korea is the largest stadium in the world. It was built in 1989 and seats a staggering 150,000 people. [LNB] Jose Mourinho blasts Roman Abramovich for making 'grave mistakes' in letting Chelsea slip behind Manchester UnitedFergie: Defenders needed the hairdryer but Evans got it as he was nearest!David Gill security alert: Anti-Glazer fans turn up the heat on United chiefVidic wants to stay at United as he insists there is no bust-up with FergieMANCHESTER UNITED FC
