Fulham Football Club concurred with the research undertaken by Back to the Cottage that a return to Craven Cottage using “bolt-on” seating was feasible and would achieve a capacity of at least 17,500 at a cost of approximately £1m. There may be some scope for increasing this capacity. Both the Club and Back to the Cottage have been using the same specialist company to examine this idea.

When asked directly, Fulham Football Club stated that there are no on-going discussions regarding a groundshare at Stamford Bridge, and that they do not foresee any such negotiations being revived.

The Club went on to re-affirm their commitment that Fulham Football Club will remain within the Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham, including any temporary groundshare arrangement that may occur. Selhurst Park and Upton Park were specifically raised, and both were ruled out.

The Club promised to ensure that the presentation made by Back to the Cottage would be made available to the forthcoming meeting of the Board of Directors of Fulham Football Club, where ground issues will be high on the agenda. The Club also undertook to feed back from the Board meeting to the Trust.

Tom Greatrex, Chair of the Fulham Supporters’ Trust, commented: “Our meeting with the Club was very constructive, and our ideas were received with interest. The most pressing problem facing Fulham is where to play home games for season 2004/05. Our research shows that it is possible to return to Craven Cottage with a capacity akin to Loftus Road at a similar cost to one season’s rent there. As well as being the most logical, practical and economically prudent solution, a return to Craven Cottage would be a huge boost to Fulham fans. From there, we believe a gradual redevelopment of the stadium, as Charlton have done, would be in the best interests of the Club. We urge Fulham Football Club to pursue this option, and announce as soon as possible a return to Craven Cottage for August 2004.”

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One of the ideas shown to Fulham FC at the meeting.