The move to the Olympic Stadium

The move to the OS is in the news again with the club revealing that the consultation carried out has revealed 85% of supporters in favour of the move. Nailing my colours to the mast, and the name of the blog might give this away, I am a supporter of the move and I will explain the reasons below. However the atmosphere of a traditional football stadium, like the one we experienced at Everton last weekend and our own Upton Park, puts up a strong argument for staying put and this is what really worries supporters of course, is the move purely a way for the owners to make money from their investment.

Ground moves by other clubs should also be a warning that things can go wrong. Coventry and Oxford both left traditional grounds within walking distance of their respective town centre's to move to sparkling new grounds out on the ring road. Coventry are now down in League One and have to find a new ground for next season as they can't afford the rent and Oxford have struggled since moving from what was, admitedly, a ramshakle but likeable ground.

So if there are risks involved why do I support the move?

1. The OS is known throughout the world and will become a destination that people will want to visit. Playing at a world class stadium will increase the worldwide marketability of the club and hopefully help to move us up from our present level.
2. The olympics showed the OS is an atmospheric stadium and the new roof and retractable seating should add to that atmosphere (assuming the majority of seats/standing areas? are sold).
3. I love Upton Park but to me it is no longer the amazingly atmospheric (and intimidating to visitors if we're honest) ground that I remember from the mid 70's to early 80's. It was run down but on it's day it was the loudest stadium in England, this is no longer the case.
4. Unlike a lot of the new grounds which are only easily accessible by car the OS will be one of the best connected stadiums in Europe, easily accessible by car and public transport.
5. Moving will enable the owners to pay off the club's debts and having £100m or so of debt is not a good position for any company to be in.
6. I trust Sullivan and Gold more than any of the other recent owners and therefore feel they will overcome the challenges and avoid the risks and pitfalls that the move will inevitably throw up.