Kieran Maguire claims that Leeds United will experience “short-term pain” as a result of their announcement to increase Elland Road’s capacity.

The goal is to boost match-day revenue because, as the football finance lecturer from the University of Liverpool stated on The Price of Football podcast on September 26, the Whites need to reach a capacity of at least 50,000 in order to contend at the top of English football.

Even though he said the team will have no trouble selling out the bigger stadium, he did note that it would require closing off portions of the pitch along the route, which would inevitably keep supporters out while the work is being done.

Maguire said (29m 45s): “If you want to be at the top table you’ve got to have at least a 50,000, and this appears to be the decision which has been made by 49ers investment and Red Bull that Elland Road, which is a fierce and ferocious stadium and it creates an absolutely cracking atmosphere, and credit Leeds United fans for doing that. “The trouble is more prawn sandwiches need to be sold. It’s all very well having the fans who make the noise pay but they’ve got limited budgets so it looks as if there is a plan to 50,000. Leeds United will sell that out, they’ve got a big waiting list in terms of tickets, there’s a positive feeling on the back of

“That will involve some short-term pain, I suspect, if they’re going to have to make certain sections of the ground unavailable on a match-by-match basis for a year or two.”

Elland Road expansion plans announced by Leeds United

Leeds United announced plans to “significantly” increase the level of general admission seating, so while it’s an unfortunate fact of professional football that clubs must accommodate expensive corporate and luxury attendances, there will be hope that the distinctive atmosphere that Elland Road is known for is preserved. The club plans to increase the capacity from 37,645 to about 53,000 as part of long-awaited stadium renovations. Since everything in modern football is driven by money, it is not before time, especially with much of the ground in need of renovation anyway.

While it is unlikely that supporters will be able to completely avoid missing out, the club recognised that there will be a “loss of seating capacity” during the works.

The 49ers’ chaotic transfer window raised concerns among the fan base, and many fans were sceptical when Red Bull arrived. However, if the money that has been coming into the team over the past year or so begins to finally pay off on the pitch, that will be a positive development.