Talk of Ibrox expansion has been cooled with Rangers yet to decide on any course of action as the club continues to explore possibilities.
That’s according to the Herald, who claim that the club remain locked in “tentative discussions” over the expansion of Ibrox stadium which this week was the subject of comments from James Bisgrove.
Speaking as part of the club’s inaugural fans’ forum at New Edmiston House, Bisgrove had suggested that the club could expand Ibrox by up to 20k seats.
This would take the famous stadium up to a capacity of 70k, making it the biggest stadium in Scotland and it’s little wonder the suggestion made headlines.
But whilst the Herald are clear that Rangers are exploring such possibilities, they report that any “massive expansion is a long way off” with this merely an “avenue of exploration”.
Rangers continue to assess Ibrox expansion
Specifically, the plans could see 8k to 10k seats added to both the Copland and Broomloan Stands and there appears to be a genuine feasibility conversation happening at Ibrox.
But when it comes to the expansion of Ibrox stadium – something which has been long spoken about by the club – there appears other more realistic routes in the short term.
This includes adding 700 seats in each corner between the Sandy Jardine Stand and Copland and Broomloan Stands.
Rangers are also said to be considering lowering the pitch at Ibrox and adding a further 12 rows of stands but it’s clear the discussions are still at a “very early stage”.
Going by comments back in September the suggestion is that this work could cost north of £50m, so it’s not going to be cheap either.
Whilst this might come as a disappointment to some fans, it’s clear that Rangers are looking at routes into the expansion of Ibrox.
For fans who’ve long waited for the club to invest in this area the news should be viewed positively and Rangers supporters will now continue to press for updates on the situation.
The appetite certainly appears to be there from the boardroom to the stands and let’s hope work gets underway in the coming seasons.
