AFC Bournemouth announced plans for a new stadium in early July this year. This would see the club leave Deans Court which has been its home since 1972.
We spoke to fans before the Southhampton derby about the possibility of a big move and the controversial ‘Five Parks Act’ which could prevent development.
The fans have their say:
Mr Ware, Bournemouth
Q: Is it necessary to have a new 25000 seater stadium?
A: No not at all, I think it’s too big. Twenty thousand would be perfect.
Q: As a fan what do you want to see from a new stadium?
A: Seating arrangements are very poor so that is something that could be improved, something like Brighton!
Q: AFC Bournemouth plan to build on king’s park, should they be disrupting there?
A: It will still be easily accessed by the locals so it isn’t a major change for fans.
Q: ‘The Friends of king’s park” have openly criticised the plans for a new stadium. What would you say to them if you were face to face with them today?
A: All we are doing is increasing the size. It’s not a drastic revamp on a big scale.
Keith and Howard, Bournemouth
Q: Is it necessary to have a new 25000 seater stadium considering the size of the Vitality at the moment?
A: Yes I do! Certainly more than 11000 seats is needed.
Q: As a fan, what would you like to see improve from a new stadium?
A: Concentrate on the concourse at the back, so you can be in the stadium earlier and have more things to do inside rather than standing about waiting.
Q: AFC Bournemouth plan to build on king’s park, should they be disrupting there?
A: As long as they resite it and replace the facilities in some way I think its fair enough.
Q: The Friends of king’s park” have openly criticised the plans for a new stadium. What would you say to them if you were face to face with them today?
A: All their doing is moving it. I think it would be better for residents as the big stands of the athletics track won’t be blocking them.
Antony – AFC Bournemouth ground steward, Bournemouth
Q: Is it necessary to have a new 25000 seater stadium considering the size of the Vitality at the moment?
A: Such a long waiting list and lack of space, I think it should be 20000 at least. We definitely need it. Away fans could bring more fans too.
Q: What would you like to see in a new stadium:
A: Better disabled access. Just making everything bigger in scale
Q: AFC Bournemouth plan to build on king’s park, should they be disrupting there?
A: If the council can provide a facility elsewhere then it is more than fair.
Q:The Friends of king’s park” have openly criticised the plans for a new stadium. What would you say to them if you were face to face with them today?
A: Its good for the town and its goof for Bournemouth. It’s not going to be a massive expansion of land.
Russell, Bournemouth
Q: Is it necessary to have a new 25000 seater stadium considering the size of the Vitality at the moment?
A: Yes definitely, I went to Swansea a week ago and theirs is pristine and I think its only 20000 in capacity.
Q: As a fan what do you want to see from a new stadium?
A: Space, facilities and decent parking
Q AFC Bournemouth plans to build on king’s park, should they be disrupting there?
A: A bit harsh if you are in the athletics club but as long as the council support them in reciting a new facility then it should be fine.
Q: The Friends of king’s park” have openly criticised the plans for a new stadium. What would you say to them if you were face to face with them today?
A: Talk to the 12000 people that are going to be here today because I think their opinion is going to be greater than one individual.
Despite fears, a 35 year old law may not be enough to stop AFC Bournemouth’s hopes of a new 25,000 seater stadium.