Chelsea not planning to leave Bridge, says Kenyon

CHELSEA chief executive Peter Kenyon has reiterated that the club have no advanced plans to quit Stamford Bridge and move to another stadium.

The Blues reacted swiftly to deny reports they are looking to build a new stadium at a site in Battersea.

Kenyon underlined the club’s stance at the International Football Arena symposium at FIFA House in Zurich today, where he also stated again the club would not strengthen the squad in January.

“We are not considering any advanced plans to move away from Stamford Bridge as recent reports have suggested,” said Kenyon.

“We get approached all the time about projects in west London especially where involving Chelsea could have a significant impact on that project or area.

“We get annoyed when our name is used to create a market for that property.

“In the current financial climate all stadium redevelopment discussions are naturally on the back burner and we are clear that only when all possibilities of redeveloping Stamford Bridge are exhausted will we seriously consider other alternatives.”

Kenyon confirmed the club’s stance on transfers while discussing the global events of recent months.

“I have said before it is extremely unlikely we will spend in January and increase our squad,” said Kenyon. “Luiz Felipe Scolari is on board with that. He has an excellent squad and he is doing a great job.

“We would have to sell someone if we decided to bring someone in to balance that situation, but we are not planning to bring anyone in.

He added: “What we are doing at Chelsea is what almost every other business must be doing in the current climate.

“It is just good management and being prudent by keeping an eye on costs and is consistent with our target to be operating profit break even by 2010.

“But what has happened globally is unprecedented. Given the economic predictions of the IMF and Bank of England I think it would be naive not to prepare for a downturn next year across the country.

“In football much of our income is locked in for more than one season through television money and sponsorship, as well as season ticket and corporate revenue.

“Therefore, while you have to plan for a negative impact, it is likely to be further in the future.”

Kenyon also insisted that billionaire owner Roman Abramovich is still committed to the club.

“It’s no less now than it was,” Kenyon added. “He has always supported our business objectives of being self-funding, as well as our sporting objectives.