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Leeds details expansion vision for Elland Road

English Championship football club Leeds United has spelled out a vision to expand its Elland Road stadium to a capacity of 50,000.

Leeds, which has played outside the Premier League since the 2003-04 season, revealed the initial plans during a civic reception hosted by the Yorkshire city’s Lord Mayor as part of the club’s centenary celebrations.

The LeedsLive website said United’s managing director Angus Kinnear detailed initial plans as part of a wider speech concerning the club’s ties with Leeds City Council. Elland Road, United’s home since its formation, has a current capacity of around 37,890.

Renderings revealed at yesterday’s (Thursday’s) event illustrated how the stadium could be expanded by redeveloping the West Stand to match the height of the East Stand. “In our centenary year we’re very proud to announce a partnership with the council on two initiatives,” said Kinnear.

“They fall under the title of Vision Elland Road. You notice that is a far cry from the Beeston we see today. Part of it is around the stadium and taking our stadium up to 50,000 and turning it into a true ground which can compete with other stadiums in the Premier League and in Europe.”

Kinnear noted that no formal plans are in place, with the club looking instead to its future ambitions. United finished third in the Championship in 2018-19 before being beaten 4-3 on aggregate in the play offs by Derby County. The club currently sits fifth in this season’s table, two points behind leader West Bromwich Albion.

Image: Leeds United