Soccer: Walker still 'hopeful' for national stadium
Wembley chief Rodney Walker is ‘‘hopeful’’ that the Football Association will not scrap plans for a national stadium altogether.
The FA have been ordered by Government troubleshooter Patrick Carter to decide by early November whether they want a national stadium or whether to scrap the whole scheme.
As details emerged of the Greater London Authority (GLA) promising to help with some finances for a Wembley scheme, Walker remained confident that a streamlined plan he has passed onto Carter and the FA for the site in north-west London was workable.
‘‘Discussions are at a delicate stage and everyone involved is anxious not to do anything to undermine these,’’ said Walker.
‘‘I still remain hopeful that a solution can be found that will see a decision taken to begin work soon on a new stadium on the Wembley site.’’
The scheme being backed by Walker would cost £400m rather than the original £650m, and would also see the Twin Towers concept kept.
The FA are still in talks with City banks too, and the final decision could hinge on to what extent they have to pay for improvements to the transport network.
The Government maintain there is no more money for a stadium at Wembley itself but, at a House of Commons Select Committee inquiry on Tuesday, Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell made it clear they would help pay for associated infrastructure improvements.
