Gary McAllister welcomes Elland Road expansion and facelift | OneFootball

Gary McAllister says he is excited to see Elland Road transformed as Leeds United press ahead with a major expansion and upgrade.

According to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, work is under way to lift capacity from around 37,000 to 53,000 and bring the ground up to UEFA Category 4 with improved facilities and a sharper focus on fan experience.

Plans also include regenerating the surrounding area, with a proposed mass transit system and up to 2,500 affordable homes.

“There were talks about moving away from Elland Road - I'm so glad they haven't,” McAllister said. “I'm really pleased that they're staying at Elland Road.”

“In all honesty, Elland Road is a bit tired at the moment. It needs help,” he added. “I'm really excited to see the new stadium.”

Midfielder Ilia Gruev has also referenced the project in a recent interview with former club Werder Bremen, highlighting 49ers Enterprises' ambitions on and off the pitch.

The owners are expected to invest in Daniel Farke’s squad again this summer, having spent around £100million following Championship promotion. Chairman Paraag Marathe has said the bar is higher for arrivals, with targets to improve the starting XI rather than add depth.

Expansion is set to broaden revenue streams significantly, a key factor under the new Premier League Squad Cost Ratio. “The owners see it as a big city club,” McAllister said. “They're going to build a stadium that befits the whole city, and it's really exciting.” He believes Elland Road’s atmosphere helps attract players.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk