Sometimes a club must uproot themselves and start again elsewhere – whether that be because 25,000 seats just isn’t enough to sustain the club anymore, or because bits of the main stand are falling and crushing passing linesmen. Whatever the reason, such a change can often affect a club’s form in the short-term.
There are many circumstances that must dovetail in order for clubs to have successful times. One of the most important of these is a fortress – a place they can call their own, and rely on picking up cheap points. Manchester United this season are a case in point, remaining unbeaten at home in the league until April on their way to an almost certain 20th title.
Let’s take a look at some new homes, and the varying fortunes of their occupants.
Cardiff
After leaving their Ninian Park home in 2009, which remained the only ground above League One level that still contained standing areas, the Bluebirds moved into the 26,000 all-seater Cardiff City Stadium. The immediate impact was positive, with fourth place and a play-off final to boot.
As if the new stadium wasn’t enough to disorientate the players, the new Malaysian owners decided to switch home kit colours from blue to red. This season’s ensuing promotion with only two home defeats may get football’s more madcap owners thinking as they try to kick-start success their of their own.
The Gunners have made two moves in recent years – one to Wembley in 1998 for two seasons worth of European games and another more permanent one to the Emirates Stadium at Ashburton Grove in 2006. The Wembley experiment was unsuccessful, as two wins from six games meant two exits at the group stage. However, the move to the Emirates has proved a happier one, although they are yet to win a trophy since the switch. Top four mainstays they have remained, but many fans have bemoaned the lack of transfer funds available due to high stadium costs.
While their spiritual home Craven Cottage was being redeveloped, Fulham were forced to muscle in on QPR at Loftus Road for two seasons from 2002-04. They struggled at first, scraping their way to survival in their first year, but improved second time around, managing ninth place.
The ‘noisy neighbours’ weren’t always so noisy. 2002-03 was their final year at Maine Road, finishing ninth on their return to the Premier League. The first year at the City Of Manchester Stadium was a difficult transition, as they struggled to a 16th place finish, putting a few nails in the coffin of Kevin Keegan’s time at the club.
Brighton
The Seagulls’ road to a new stadium was not an easy one. Years of legal wrangling prevented their move to the Falmer Stadium, but the improved facilities coupled with the management of Gus Poyet have taken Brighton to the brink of the play-offs this season, with promotion to the top flight a possible reward.
Leicester
Theirs is a tale of caution. Their move to the King Power Stadium in 2002 coincided with the demise of ITV Digital and the loss of revenue and increased stadium costs led to administration.
