Leeds United’s Elland Road redevelopment is set to become a huge project over the coming seasons for the 49ers.
Now that Leeds United are playing Premier League football again, it means a massive increase in revenue and the 49ers plan to use some cash on reshaping Elland Road.
That doesn’t just mean significantly expanding Elland Road’s capacity, but also redeveloping aspects of the stadium and surrounding areas to improve the matchday experience.
Leeds City Council has agreed to negotiate a sale of land immediately while the 49ers have already announced plans to take Elland Road’s capacity from 37,792 to around 56,500.
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The 49ers’ South Stand plans outrage Leeds fans
Leeds’ redevelopment plans are in place but a final decision on Elland Road is imminent in the coming weeks, with final details yet to be finalised or altered.
However, there are still obstacles to overcome for Leeds regarding Elland Road expansion and it will be a multi-step process before the full completion to a capacity closer to 55,000+.
There are plans for a multi-story car park and tram links at Elland Road. That has been met with backlash from Leeds fans already, but the latest development has also angered numerous fans.
Leeds currently put the away fans in the West Stand. They are placed directly next to the South Stand tucked right into the corner of Elland Road.
Premier League rules state that visiting fans are allowed a minimum of 3000 tickets (or 10% of capacity if less than 30,000), which could require them to be moved if the stadium is increased in size.
However, Leeds’ South stand atmosphere has become a huge part of the club’s identity in recent years, which is echoed by numerous fans on Twitter/X. One said: “Best stand in the country and they want away fans in it 😭😭 state of the club man.”
Another added: “I speak for every #LUFC fan that we do not want the away fans to be relocated to the South Stand. LEAVE THE SOUTH STAND ALONE. It’s for the good of the fans and for the atmosphere of Elland Road.”
A further comment read: “Right so. Even though all the goals are scored at the Kop end. The south stand is fantastic. We’re the only club in England that has two solid standing ends creating an atmosphere at both ends of the pitch. WHY the club would want to diminish that is beyond me.”
The final response outlines that sour taste many speak of, which is the main issue. In the eyes of most, the excellent work of the 49ers so far would be undone by a decision such as this, with it not putting the fans first.
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Graham Smyth’s update on the South Stand situation
Graham Smyth has explained that Leeds have been asked for ‘full transparency and clarity’ on a proposal to move away supporters back into a section of the South Stand.
Of course, at one stage, Leeds had away fans in that area of the ground all the time. But it’s become more symbolic and significant to Leeds’ fans in there in recent years.
Smyth writes that it is not clear if the measure is simply a temporary one while West Stand development work is ongoing, or a more permanent move.
He states: “The club has made no official comment but club sources insist that nothing is yet set in stone.”
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