It’s so nice to see peace and love spread out from the hallowed portals of Hammersmith and Fulham council offices towards the hallowed portals that lead to Ron Gourlay’s office at Stamford Bridge.
The council’s olive branch towards Chelsea is a welcome step in bridging the communication gap brought on by suspicion that has accumulated between the two bodies.
The council has said it wants the club to stay at Stamford Bridge and is willing to talk to Chelsea with a view to helping it increase its capacity.
The club has responded in positive fashion.
While both statements are classically non-committed at this stage to talk about anything other than talks, it’s the first step in renewing a working relationship that had all but become non-existent in recent years.
Clearly the club will seek to get favourable planning consent which will get over the hurdle of egress of spectators out of the Bridge in an emergency situation, something that was a stumbling block previously.
The council will of course hope that a much-needed revenue income stream for local businesses will be maintained.
A Chelsea-Mad source confirmed that the Blues preferred option should they leave their SW6 ground was to cross the Thames and head into South London, to neighbouring Nine Elms in Wandsworth.
The talks can now begin to ensure the club remains in its historic home.
Let’s hope all the argy bargy between the council and the club can finally be put to rest, allowing the fans to do what they want to do and that is support the club not fight it.
So what sort of capacity would you like to see?
Have a word in the messageboard now.