Fulham news: Keith Wyness has surprise take on stadium drama – ‘it doesn’t really affect the fans’
Former Everton chief Keith Wyness has unexpectedly defended the Fulham development of the Riverside Stand at Craven Cottage – claiming the changes will bring “seven days of revenue” to the club.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 66-year-old – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – urged Cottagers chiefs to use some of the proceeds of the pricey development to subsidise season tickets elsewhere in the stadium.
Fulham’s plans for their new Riverside Stand have been unveiled – and met with ridicule from some Premier League fans and pundits.
The new development, which is set to open in late 2024, will include a rooftop pool and bar – as well as two Michelin-star restaurants.
Fulham fans protested earlier this season against season ticket costs rising 18% for the 2023-24 campaign – with a single ticket in the new stand’s lower tier costing as much as £180.
Wyness gives unexpected backing to lavish Fulham plans – ‘it’s a beautiful development’
Wyness welcomed the “beautiful” development but insisted club chiefs should “spread around the love” and improve the experience in the other three stands.
He told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “When I looked at the details behind this, it seems that it’s going after the Monday to Friday crowd and unlocking more revenue streams, rather than looking at the matchday revenue.
“I understand the hospitality packages are going to start at £3,500 and go up to about £12,000.
“It’s certainly significant, but I think these changes are more about bringing seven days a week of revenue to the club.
“It doesn’t really affect the fans. However, I’ve seen a lot of real anger about the other three stands, and the facilities being neglected with all the money piled into the new development.
“You can’t keep the fans happy all the time – and you’ve got to spread around the love.
“I’m all for clubs building revenue streams outside of football, because the facilities need to be utilised as much as possible to bring the most money in.
“It’s a beautiful development, albeit a pricey one, but that’s to be expected in west London.
“Good luck to Fulham – but don’t forget your fans and use that money to help pay for affordable tickets for the rest of the stadium.”
In other news, major update on Fulham star signing new deal.
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