with us??? Just been stated by Ben Shephard on Sky Goals on Sunday that if Bournemouth ground capacity of 12000 and media facilities stay the same they will be forced to ground share if promoted. Only alternatives would be to get ground up to spec sharpish or ground share with us....that would be interesting.
They have plans in place to expand two, possibly three, of their stands I understand, should they go up. Not sure of the timescale though.
Ben Shephard stated : "If the ground stays that big and the media facilities stay the same they could be forced into having a ground share." Harry Redknapp on programme with Peter Crouch. Harry said the only place down there they could share with is Southampton. Was asked about rivalry....said there was no rivalry, there's a fierce rivalry between Southampton and Portsmouth but Bournemouth have no real enemies. Don't know what capacity they have to get ground up to but they're going to struggle to get it up in such a small time frame, that's if they do get promoted of course.
Just a couple of things that could get interesting. When Bournemouth have their 'home, match against us, we would only get 10% allocation as the 'away' team. What with potential Euro qualification, there would be more matches, and having to ground share, the pitch would have greater wear, not helping us whatsoever. Every weekend there would be a game, and away fans of either the team were playing or who Bournemouth are playing in Southampton City Centre. Great!!
They could ground share with Pompey. That would be more money in their pocket and in theory that is a PL stadium. I'd rather not have our pitch torn up with that many fixtures.
Reading's maybe. But rugby is also played there so that's out of the question. oh PL stadium. London based probably.
Although not a PL Stadium, Ashton Gate, Bristol, could have been an option, however it's currently being redeveloped and not due to be finished until 2016/17 with a 27000 capacity. Fratton would be an obvious choice.
If Bournemouth do expand Dean Court, then they could always request to start the season with, say 5 away games to allow more time to complete expansion. I believe others have done this before. Blackpool I think?
A Cherries supporting Southampton Rambler friend of mine says that fairly quick expansion plans are in place upto 18K. To be honest, I think it would majorly piss off AFCB fans to have to travel the 35 miles to St Mary's for a home match, as a reward for getting into the PL. So ground sharing with Saints is a non-starter for me. Maybe there is a opening for say the first few home games, if that is allowed, to give them time to finish and sign things off.
Would generate a descent little additional commercial income for Saints whilst they used our ground. Also boost their attendance level because against the more attractive teams I am sure a good number of us would turn up to watch as neutrals
I'm sure a ground share won't happen. Bournemouth must have a plan in place, ready to press the go button at the earliest opportunity.
As I said up the thread: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/30169243 This article obviously can't make it known when it'll happen or how long it will take.
All the talk is as if Saints would have no choice in the matter.... ....surely they could choose not to share grounds if they didn't want to?
