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Arsenal stadium plans still on

According to club officials, English soccer side Arsenal will still be moving into a new stadium in 2006 despite the growing uncertainty surrounding the project.

The club has insisted they remain on course to move into their new stadium at Ashburton Grove for the start of the 2006 season.
Arsenal are keen to leave Highbury because the capacity of 38,000 leaves them almost 30,000 fans behind arch-rivals Manchester United on a regular basis.
The new stadium will accommodate 60,000 supporters providing Arsenal with a much-improved revenue stream.
In a statement, Arsenal directors Ken Friar and Danny Fiszman explained: "We are totally and utterly committed to Ashburton Grove. That cannot be stressed strongly enough. Contrary to press comment, we are not considering any other stadium than Ashburton Grove. Our definite plan is to be back at work before the end of the year, which would give us the ability to deliver a stadium for the 2006/2007 season.
"If gambling is doing something without 100 percent certainty, then yes, there is a gamble. Are we gambling with the club? The answer is no, because if we were not successful in the move to Ashburton Grove we would still have a substantial property portfolio.

"We are, however, very confident that the move will be a success. Ashburton Grove is going to be our new home."