Er, no. They have (sensibly) confirmed a policy to invest in the best available option. The Maze plan was an absurdly expensive white elephant; other sites in Belfast city centre (Ormeau Park, Queen's/ Titanic Island, Blanchflower Park by the airport would also have been costly, difficult to get planning consent for, and likely opposed by local residents. Windsor can be refurbed to an adequate 20,000 for £20 million. That will be fine for NI's needs.
I acknowledge the uncomfortable supporters in the North as you call them, and reckon they can be persuaded to come along. If not, it's a shame but we'll concentrate on those who do.
Not sure I'm with you here. Are you suggesting that NI should build a new stadium for internationals because a few Glens fans don't like Windsor? Evidence suggested they were even less keen on a long journey to an empty field well beyond Lisburn.Is this a mistake? Yes it is the cheapest option but many Glens fans, for example, do not go to NI matches at WP on principle and with plans for a 20,000 capacity revamp will it ever be filled for a league match?
No, Linfield- Glens derbies on Boxing Day won't get 20,000. NI against England or Spain probably will.
That's not a reason not to redevelop Windsor. See below.Most league games at Windsor already feel like like the tumbleweed is bouncing around with the size that it is now
Details remain to be confirmed but in practice there will be a new licence. I suspect it will give effective part-ownership of the ground to the IFA (thus benefitting all clubs as you hope).For the benefit of the league the contract for the use of Windsor for the internationals will have to be redrawn with an equitable distribution of profits benefitting all clubs or Linfield will just pull further away from everyone else
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