Beard on new stadium

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Philip Beard


Ian Cooper
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
12:00 PM


QPR chief executive Philip Beard gave a guarded assessment of the club’s stadium ambitions, but insisted that Rangers continue to make “progress” in their hunt for a new home.

The Rs begin life in the Championship this weekend with Beard and chairman Tony Fernandes adamant that a move away from Loftus Road, which has a capacity of less than 19,000, is integral to the club’s future.

Fernandes had hoped to find a location in west London last summer, but that never materialised. He estimates the cost of such a stadium will be around £150million, and continues to scout possible locations in close proximity to Shepherd’s Bush.

Relegation forced QPR to re-evaluate their finances, but Beard said a new stadium remains very much part of the club’s future.

“We’re making progress with stadium plans, but it’s important we’ve got three or four options,” he said.

“If you decide you’re only going to pursue one option and nothing works you’re back to the start again.

“We’ve got plans and want to stay as close as we can to Loftus Road, that’s important.

“We want to recreate the atmosphere, but if we’re going to do something it’s got to be a multi-use facility.”

But Beard urged patience, suggesting that plans for a new stadium remain at an early stage, two years after they were first suggested.

“It would be crazy to say there are concrete plans,” he added.

“We’ve put a new pitch down at Loftus Road, which was one of the oldest pitches in the country.

“We’ve done other work at Loftus Road. Season ticket sales are almost at 10,000. Our focus is on getting Loftus Road ready for August 3.”
http://www.london24.com/sport/qpr_2_5433/qpr_chief_executive_guarded_on_stadium_plans_1_2306556


Not sure if it's been posted elsewhere. Nothing new really, patience is key obviously.

 

10,000 STs not bad though

 

Slightly disappointing, but understandable. We are in one of the most difficult places in the country (possibly the world) to find a suitable site, let alone a selection to choose from, close to where we are now.

This is what Beard is here for, facilities development and exploitation and overall club management. His critics may be right that someone else could handle the player contract and acquisition side, but as long as he remains on board I'll believe that the plans are real.

 

Good point Stan. If Beard leaves we can be pretty sure the stadium plans have been scrapped, as I believe this is a) why he's been brought in and b) his motivation for working with us.



Agree Croydon, 10.000 is not bad after a relegation and traumatic season. Shows the club have done well with the pricing this year.

 

Beard should be Stadium/Training only ... that's enough for anyone.

Buy the services of Gerry Francis as director of football ... its a no brainer

 

That's great! That leaves a lot less to make up with occasional fans.