Bournenouth news: ‘Developing the stadium would be amazing’

Bournemouth “need to develop” Vitality Stadium but any project must have the supporters in mind, says former Cherries defender Joe Partington.

Owner Bill Foley has spoken about his hopes of remaining on the Dean Court site rather than build an entirely new ground. The current stadium has a capacity of 11,307 – the smallest in the Premier League.

“I’m on the fence about it really,” Partington told BBC Radio Solent’s Cherries: Unpicked podcast. “It seems as if there will be progression in terms of the stadium but I would be inclined to stay at the current location.

“I’ve grown up with it – I think it’s a wonderful location. It’s easy to get to for supporters, there’s a lot of history at that stadium and a lot of people who have supported the club for a long time will hold going there very close to their heart.

“Many clubs do it very well where they develop the existing stadiums they have. I wish I knew the ins and outs of construction but I just don’t really understand how they are going to ‘dig down’. I’m not sure what they’ll do in the meantime about where they play.

“Developing the stadium would be amazing. The club has moved forward past the realms where the stadium is possible to sustain. The club does need to develop further to continue to push forward. But, how will that have a benefit on the matchday experience for the fans? If people have been waiting years to get a ticket will they be able to with new seats going to hospitality.

“The club is run by good people it seems and they have the supporters in their mind so hopefully there is an agreement everyone is happy with and fans can continue to come and support their team in more numbers than they are now.”

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds