Keith Wyness, the former Everton manager, has vowed that if Leeds United win promoted on Sunday (26 May), they will attempt to extend Elland Road.
Speaking on the latest episode of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 66-year-old, who was CEO at Goodison Park from 2004 to 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs, said club owners 49ers Enterprises are “prepared to invest and have a go” following their takeover last summer (2023).
Last November, Football Insider reported that Leeds chiefs had advanced plans to extend Elland Road after securing external funding for the project.
The expansion is planned to expand capacity to roughly 55,000 and will cost more than £100 million to complete.
Elland Road now holds 37,890 people, with the East Stand being the last part restored in 2011.
Leeds is ‘willing to spend’ with Elland Road extension ready, according to Wyness.
Leeds face Southampton at Wembley Stadium on Sunday (26 May) in the play-off final, with a place in the Premier League at stake.
Wyness told Football Insider’s Insider Track podcast: “I believe the Elland Road expansion would go into effect right immediately if they do go up.
“I believe the owners are eager to invest and take risks.
“This is why I would return to the Premier League and provide promoted clubs an amnesty for a few years.
“It would enable for investment in facilities and the squad.
“Leeds is a club that has a real chance of staying in the Premier League, therefore it would be foolish to tie them up with red tape.
“I believe they will proceed with improving Elland Road. It is in an excellent location, close to both the freeway and the city.
“Good luck to them.”
