Football & Stadium Management - Sample Article Saints to try again for new venue The wraps have come off the proposed new rugby league stadium for St. Helens as partners move a step forward to delivering the development. St. Helens Rugby League Club, St. Helens Council and developers Langtree Group plc revealed that talks were “progressing well” to deliver the first phase of a sports, leisure and retail development on the town’s former United Glass site. Council Leader Marie Rimmer said: “The long cherished wish for a new sports stadium really does appear to be nearing reality as all partners involved are well ahead in negotiations. “At last the delivery of a world class stadium for a world class rugby club is moving another step closer.” The exciting development encompasses an 18,100-seater oval-shaped stadium. After discussions with club supporters, there will be a standing area and a wide range of catering facilities. The design also incorporates wide concourse areas and corporate hospitality facilities. There will also be a parking area designated for coaches and extensive car parking with full disability access. It is hoped that further phases will include a hotel, restaurants and a major leisure destination. John Downes, managing director of Langtree Group added: “The details to prove that we can deliver the stadium are really coming together. Some detailed discussions are still ahead of us before the planning application is submitted but we are progressing well and I am very pleased with the way things have been going and I am very confident that the development will be delivered.” Eamonn McManus, Chairman of St. Helens Rugby League Club said that he was “optimistic” adding: “Negotiations have been long and very detailed but we do now appear to be in a strong position to forge ahead with the new stadium.” The club is in talks with a leading national housebuilder about the future of the current Knowsley Road site. It is not the first time Saints have announced plans to relocate to the United Glass site. A similar proposal, which saw the creation of Sporting Club St Helens – an amalgamation of Liverpool St Helens RUFC and St Helens Town FC – fell by the wayside after plans hit several hurdles.