New stadium is a must says Bristol City legend Brian Tinnion
BRISTOL City legend Brian Tinnion insists the club must have a new stadium.
And if they harbour any ambitions of becoming a Premier League club, the stadium development is vital financially.
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Bristol City legend Brian Tinnion
The former midfielder and manager was astounded to hear of the news that City's planned new ground is now in doubt.
Plans for a new Sainsbury's supermarket on the Ashton Gate site were refused by the city council's Development Control Committee on Wednesday night.
The club said yesterday they could not move forward without the income generated from the sale of their current home.
Since before Tinnion left City in 2005, the club has been talking of moving to a new stadium.
He said: "To miss out on the new stadium would be a great shame. A club the size of Bristol City needs a new stadium.
"You look all around the country and at any club that has a new stadium, the football seems to improve as well.
"It gives everyone a lift from the supporters right up to the top, it generates more money and helps bring in better players.
"Clubs like Reading, Derby, Cardiff and Sunderland have all got up to the Premier League or got close after getting new stadiums.
"Everywhere else seems to support their clubs and help them. A new stadium is a must really."
Tinnion, who now lives and works in Spain,
can recall the days when there was talk of City and Rovers sharing a new purpose-built stadium.
"There always had been talk about it," he said. "I don't know what is behind the decision, but a new stadium is needed to go forward and bring Premier League football to Bristol."
It had been hoped that Bristol could be a World Cup venue with a new ground.
"The FA seem to like Bristol because they choose Ashton Gate for Under-21 and youth games, so they like the city but it needs a new stadium," added the ex-City chief.
Current City manager Steve Coppell would not be drawn on the stadium issue yesterday. He did not comment on it when he took over at the end of last season.
More stadium reaction – See Pages 1-6
10 Comments
by Simon, Briz
Friday, July 23 2010, 5:25PM
“Filton Gas thanks for the kind words about Tin man.
Trevor, yes Bristol City should have beaten Torquay - but they didn't.
Yes, Irene I am growing tired of all the BEP stories on the new stadium.
Bluebluemoon, yes you've hit the nail on the head Steve Landsdown should just crack on with it and find an alternative to contribute the 30 million shortfall.
I glad to see so many constructive comments from Bristol Rovers fans on the issue. Just for reference my mum used to watch Bristol Rovers so I have no antipathy towards the Gas. I just happen to like Bristol City more...”
by Thomas, Bristol.
Friday, July 23 2010, 11:55AM
“Perfectly wild! He was certainly a gas legend as manager but his managing days at Ashton Gate are erased from the memory of most! Nice to see him still taking an interest in City. Would love to see him make a guest appearance down the gate!”
by Gas, Gasland
Friday, July 23 2010, 11:40AM
“Filton Gas, the Coucnil HAVE backed BCFC - They've granted planning permission for their stadium. Under planning regulations, the application for a supermarket has no connection with the stadium.”
by Bluebluemoon, # 83
Friday, July 23 2010, 11:18AM
“I'll go.... Manager, that a wild enough stab for you ?”
by filton gas, filton
Friday, July 23 2010, 10:41AM
“tinnion is spot on it is about time this council backed bristol city and they clearly didnt do that by voting against the sainsbury plan. lansdown shouldnt hvae to fund the whole stadium the council have a duty to play their part. tinnion was a legend as a player at ashton gate and i would have loved to have seen him in a gas shirt. it didnt quite work out for him as a manager but i remember he did bring a bristol city side to the mem a few years agao that beat us 1-0 (think grant smith scored from 35 yards out or summat - the away end went wild)”
by Thomas, Bristol.
Friday, July 23 2010, 10:36AM
“"Legend as player or manager"......Take a wild stab in the dark.........................”
by bluebluemoon, # 83
Friday, July 23 2010, 10:19AM
“A legend as a player or as a manager ?
Regards the stadium, the plannings been passed so crack on i say..I cant see what the problem is..”
by Trevor, BS3
Friday, July 23 2010, 10:06AM
“Should be able to beat Torquay if you have "Premiership Ambitions"....”
by Irene, Horfield
Friday, July 23 2010, 9:45AM
“Talk about flogging a dead horse.
Bristol City already have permission for a new stadium. They just need to build it.”
by Bluebluemoon, # 83
Friday, July 23 2010, 9:16AM
“I dont see what the problem is...you've got the planning permission plus a chairman with shedloads of wonga..Crack on i say.”