Was its reconstruction really necessary? When we look at three of the leading footballing nations of Europe, Germany, Italy and Spain, none have what is termed a “National Football Stadium” as international matches involving the national team are played in various locations throughout the respective countries. When it comes to the Copa Del Rey, the final is played in one of bigger stadiums in Spain. This year’s final is being played at the Vicente Calderon.
I thought it worked really well in England when Cup Finals were played at the Millennium Stadium and England Internationals were taken around the country. In this period many club grounds were upgraded or new ones built such as our own St Mary’s, the Emirates, the Olympic Stadium and the City of Manchester Stadium. Surely this was more than adequate for the major matches that take place? For me the rebuilding of Wembley was a vanity trip conducted by the FA, as the money spent on the project would have been better being ploughed into the grassroots and better local facilities, such as indoor arenas and artificial or hybrid pitches so that matches are not called off for weeks at a time due to waterlogging.
I have never been to the new Wembley but aside the thrill of watching ones team there, surely one could get the same feeling going to the Emirates, Old Trafford, or the Millennium for a Cup semi-final, final or a play-off, or an England International? Then there is the astronomical cost. Costwise there would surely be little difference going to the FA Cup final at the new Wembley, or flying off to Sevilla or Madrid for a weekend break? And I know where I would rather go.
I thought it worked really well in England when Cup Finals were played at the Millennium Stadium and England Internationals were taken around the country. In this period many club grounds were upgraded or new ones built such as our own St Mary’s, the Emirates, the Olympic Stadium and the City of Manchester Stadium. Surely this was more than adequate for the major matches that take place? For me the rebuilding of Wembley was a vanity trip conducted by the FA, as the money spent on the project would have been better being ploughed into the grassroots and better local facilities, such as indoor arenas and artificial or hybrid pitches so that matches are not called off for weeks at a time due to waterlogging.
I have never been to the new Wembley but aside the thrill of watching ones team there, surely one could get the same feeling going to the Emirates, Old Trafford, or the Millennium for a Cup semi-final, final or a play-off, or an England International? Then there is the astronomical cost. Costwise there would surely be little difference going to the FA Cup final at the new Wembley, or flying off to Sevilla or Madrid for a weekend break? And I know where I would rather go.
