Source: SKY_Sports
Pompey postpone stadium plans
Portsmouth have put plans for a new stadium on hold and will instead focus on redeveloping Fratton Park.[LNB] The South Coast club had announced in 2008 that they intended to push ahead with the construction of a 36,000-capacity ground overlooking the city's harbour.[LNB]However, the ambitious project has been hit by several problems and will be replaced by a proposal to increase the capacity of the club's current home to 30,000.[LNB]Pompey have reiterated that a new stadium remains part of their long-term vision for the club, but deem the plans unsuitable at present.[LNB]They hope to have a new ground built in time to be considered a potential host to 2018 World Cup fixtures, should England's bid for the tournament prove successful.[LNB]Pompey have admitted that the ongoing global economic crisis has made it impossible to justify the expenditure required to construct such a project at present.[LNB]The club are believed to be around £80million in debt, with owner Alexandre Gaydamak putting the Premier League side up for sale in December.[LNB]Pompey have, however, been quick to point out that infrastructure issues, such as the need to gain planning permission for motorway exits and a new bridge, have also affected their decision to cease with their plans for now.[LNB]
