Source: TheGuardian
West Ham, Arsenal and lessons for football clubs who move grounds
English clubs have gone through an unprecedented period of change since the Taylor Report was published in 1990. This is what they (should) have learnedBy Richard Foster for The Agony and the Ecstasy of the Guardian Sport NetworkWith West Ham hosting Arsenal at the London Stadium this weekend, it is an appropriate time to consider how clubs perform when they up sticks for a new stadium. Ten years ago Arsenal proved that changing grounds is not so straightforward. When West Ham resettled this summer they became the 32nd club to move to a new ground in the last 28 years, since Scunthorpe United left The Old Show Ground for the relatively palatial surroundings of Glanford Park back in 1988.Scunthorpe’s move to a purpose-built stadium was the first by an English club since 1955 (when Southend United moved to Roots Hall) and marked the start of a plethora of moves following the Taylor Report of 1990, which recommended the introduction of all-seater stadia in the top two divisions of the Football League. Things have almost come full circle after 28 years, as Scunthorpe are on the move again to a new stadium, possibly as early as next season. Scunthorpe will want to avoid the pitfalls experienced by many clubs over the intervening years. Related: Ray Parlour: ‘Champions League at Wembley? Arsenal got a few hard lessons’ Continue reading......read full article
