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      Football club’s former stadium now multi-million-pound housing estate seven years on from demolition

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      ROCKINGHAM ROAD is bringing a whole new meaning to the term ‘home ground’.That’s because Kettering Town’s former stadium has been demolished and turned into 49 houses since they moved out.Rockingham Road no longer stands as the iconic stadium it once wasCredit: GettyThe historic ground was the home of Kettering Town for 114 yearsCredit: GettyThe stadium was the home of The Poppies for some 114 YEARS, stretching from 1987 until 2011.At its peak it offered up space for 6,264 fans with fans of historic non-league outfit Kettering regularly packing the stands to the rafters.The stadium, affectionately nicknamed “Rocky Road” hosted FA Cup ties against footballing giants such as Leeds United and Fulham over the years.While it was also the first stadium of iconic manager Ron Atkinson, who began his coaching career at Kettering in 1971.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPaul Gascoigne also spent some time as gaffer of Kettering at the historic ground, albeit lasting just 39 days during his stint at the club in 2005.But those memories came to an end in 2011 when Kettering moved to a new ground over 10 miles away.After a period of financial uncertainty, Kettering found their newest home in 2013, Latimer Park – which they still share with Burton Park Wanderers to this day.But there had been hopes to move back into their beloved Rockingham Road, hopes that were dashed by demolition trucks and a new housing estate.Most read in FootballPaul Gascoigne had a short stint as manager at Rockingham RoadCredit: Action ImagesThe stadium was left empty for years on endCredit: GettyKettering had hoped to move back into the derelict groundCredit: GettySigns pointed to the ground that was no longer in useCredit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIn 2015 the club failed in an attempt to buy the stadium back in a closed bidding process, before twice trying to have it listed as an “asset of community value”.The ground lay dormant for years before being acquired by a developer for a housing project. Inside National League club’s abandoned ‘hotel-stadium’ with 17,000-seater project sold off for housingAt the time, Kettering explained they couldn’t match the price being paid by the developers.A statement read: “Attempting to match or beat the unrealistic price tag put on Rockingham Road would have done nothing to secure the club’s future.”Their resignation to the sale meant that the ground was knocked down in 2017, leaving dirt and rubble in its place.Now the turnstiles and floodlights are slowly being replaced by new-build houses as work continues to build a multi-million pound estate.Houses are already on the market for the unfinished estate for in excess of £250,000.And there are expected to be 49 houses where the ground once stood upon the completion of the project.The stadium was lovingly nicknamed ‘Rocky Road’Credit: GettyThe ground is being turned into a housing estate since its demolitionThere are plans for some 49 houses on the estateProperties have already been sold for £250,000 More

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      Ruben Amorim all-but confirms he’s joining Man Utd as Sporting boss admits ‘soap opera is coming to an end’

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      RUBEN AMORIM all but confirmed he will join Manchester United as he admitted the “soap opera is coming to an end”.The Red Devils are desperate to make the Portuguese gaffer Erik ten Hag’s replacement at Old Trafford.Ruben Amorim hinted the deal is done for him to join Manchester UnitedCredit: PAThe incoming manager was in a good mood in the press conferenceCredit: PAThey will pay the £8.3million release clause to get him out of his current contract at Sporting – plus an extra £4.1m for his loyal backroom staff.And although the appointment has not been confirmed, Amorim hinted it is a done deal. Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s clash with Estrela Amadora, the expected incoming Red Devils manager said: “I know it’s difficult for everyone, but at the end of the game we’ll address it. “I don’t think the president forced me to leave immediately. READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”He’s defending the club’s rights and I’m not getting involved in that, I would never do that. “I think that at the end of the game everyone will be very clear. “The fans may like it or not, but everything will be settled. “We’re adults and things happen sometimes. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”We really want to win this game, we really need to win. And at the end of the game we’ll address that issue.”It’s difficult to focus on the games, but I’m managing to do so more. Ruben Amorim responds to questions about Man Utd job after Sporting match “The soap opera is coming to an end, let’s say. The fact that I can’t be so clear creates a lot of difficulty for me.”Amorim then revealed he decided not to watch Ruud van Nistelrooy’s United beat Leicester 5-2 in the Carabao Cup.And instead, he watched tomorrow’s opponents plus United’s rivals Manchester City as they were dumped out of the cup competition by Tottenham.That is because should he remain at Sporting – possibly until the international break due to a 30-day notice period – he would lead his current team against City in the Champions League on Tuesday night. Amorim, who was mentored by Jose Mourinho, added: “I knew the result, but yesterday I watched Amadora.”I also watched Man. City, although there were a lot of changes and it’s not possible to make an assessment for the Champions League game.”Man Utd finally brought an end to Ten Hag’s disastrous spellCredit: GettyThough no confirmation has come, United and Ineos chief Sir Dave Brailsford implied all the negotiations to bring Amorim in are completed.He told fans outside Old Trafford “it’s done” when quizzed by supporters.However, it is looking increasingly unlikely that Amorim will be in the Old Trafford dugout for the visit of Chelsea on Sunday afternoon.That would see Van Nistelrooy take charge once again – following his impressive debut last night. His free-flowing team turned on the style to sweep away Leicester. And the former Holland striker is determined to stay on at Carrington if he is given the chance. Van Nistelrooy said: “I came here as an assistant to help the club.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Now in this role, I’m helping as long as needed.”I’m here to help and serve and give my everything for the club in any capacity with so many people here around me that want the best for the club and that will never change.”Ruud van Nistelrooy led United to a 5-2 win over Leicester as interim bossCredit: GettyRuben Amorim is ‘Mourinho 2.0’ who turned Sporting from ‘walking dead’ into Portuguese champs… he can revive Man UtdWHEN Ruben Amorim took charge of Sporting Lisbon in March 2020, one club official compared their situation to the “walking dead”, writes Jordan Davies.Optimism and hope was at an all-time low.But the Amorim-effect was almost instantaneous, guiding the Portuguese sleeping giants to their first league title for 19 years in 2020/21, losing just once and only conceding 20 goals.Since then, Sporting have lifted another league title in 2023/24 – as well as two League Cups – and currently sit top with nine wins from nine this term.He may be young, but Amorim already has an eye for rebuilding and revitalising fallen super powers with his infectious charisma and intense tactical philosophy that hardly ever wavers. The “walking dead” at Manchester United must be praying for a similar sort of revival.And they may just get it from one of the most talented young coaches on the continent – a man accustomed to breathing new life back into crumbling institutions such as Old Trafford.Amorim has spent the last decade dreaming of one day gracing England’s Premier League, such was his admiration for an ex-United boss in Jose Mourinho growing up.Often nicknamed ‘Mourinho 2.0’, Amorim spent a week with his coaching idol in an internship capacity at United’s Carrington training base in 2018, going on to cite him as his “reference point”.United should not be expecting a mini-Mourinho, as Amorim said himself: “Mourinho is one of a kind. There won’t be another Mourinho. Mourinho is unique.”And yet, you cannot help but compare the two.For all the mismanagement in the Old Trafford hot seats over the years, this would be a real get – finally a slap in the face United’s Prem rivals have no answer for. More

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      I faced off with Ruud van Nistelrooy in tennis match on Man Utd tour – Sir Alex Ferguson had money on me to win

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      MANCHESTER UNITED caretaker boss Ruud van Nistelrooy made his name banging goals in for the Red Devils between 2001 and 2006.The Dutchman, 48, scored 150 times in 219 outings under Sir Alex Ferguson’s guidance.Diego Forlan and Ruud van Nistelrooy played together at Man UtdCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdVan Nistelrooy, 48, is now Man Utd’s caretaker bossCredit: GettyWhile Van Nistelrooy proved to be the far greater United forward, his team-mate Diego Forlan had his number on the tennis court.During a pre-season trip to Portland in 2003, the pair faced off at Nike HQ.While Van Nistelrooy was by no means a bad tennis player, Forlan had impressive pedigree in the sport having played as a child.Ever the wily figure, Ferguson knew of the Uruguayan’s prowess, and is even claimed to have bet on him to beat United’s current caretaker boss.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Scot would not be disappointed, with Forlan recalling in a chat with ATP Media: “We played a tie-break.”It was only me serving, so there were some double faults, giving some points to him. But I managed to win.”Forlan will hope for a more solid serving display next month, when he makes his professional tennis debut aged 45 at the Uruguayan Open.After hanging up his boots in 2018, the forward picked up his racquet again as he looked for a hobby to keep himself fit.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSForlan, 45, is an impressive tennis playerCredit: APThe former striker has been preparing for his professional tennis debutCredit: APHe has since shown impressive dedication to his craft and has made rapid improvements.Forlan has popped up competing at various Over-45s ITF events in South America.Watch Diego Forlan smash rival at tennis as former Man Utd star makes incredible career changeAnd he will now have the opportunity to mix it with the pros, after being handed a doubles wildcard at the ATP Challenger Tour event in Montevideo.He will partner Federico Coria, with the former top 50 star having been keen to play with him.The partnership came about via Forlan’s friendship with former tennis professional Ignacio Carou, as he explained: “[Ignacio] was joking many times with me to play some futures. This year, I said to him, ‘No, I was on holidays, I don’t want to play’.”Then a couple months after, he sent me a picture of Federico Coria and said, ‘I have your partner for the Challenger in Uruguay’. I think it was a joke and then he said, ‘He wants to play with you, I’m not joking!’”Amazingly Coria, 32, won’t be the most famous doubles partner Forlan has played with – as in 1993 he had the opportunity to share the court with Diego Maradona.While he knows he will be a huge underdog when he competes alongside Coria, Forlan is ready to enjoy his experience.He said: “If you asked me when I was playing football if I was going to play a professional tournament in ATP, I wouldn’t have imagined that.”Playing with the professionals for just one match, I will be enjoying it. Having the opportunity to — I don’t know if I’m the first one, but to be a professional football player to be a professional [tennis] player, just for one match… For me, it’s a privilege.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I know it’s going to be really, really difficult to play against those guys. But I don’t have anything to lose.”The event, which has been played by the likes of Juan Martin del Potro and David Ferrer down the years, is set to get underway on November 11.Forlan is set to play with former top 50 star Federico CoriaCredit: ATP More

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      Valencia vs Real Madrid postponed as club release statement after city left ‘devastated’ by ‘catastrophic’ Dana floods

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      VALENCIA’s LaLiga clash with Real Madrid has been postponed following devastating floods in Spain.More than a year’s worth of rain fell in just eight hours in some regions around Valencia this week, leaving at least 95 people dead. Valencia’s game on Saturday with Real Madrid has been postponedCredit: GettyThe Valencia region has been hit by horrendous flooding, washing away cars and bridgesCredit: APMore than 95 people have been killed, with a huge rescue operation underwayCredit: APResidents are facing a mammoth clean-up operation after the stormsCredit: EPAValencia were due to host second-placed Madrid at the Mestalla on Saturday night.But in a statement, the club announced the game has now been postponed by LaLiga. It read: “Valencia has received confirmation of the postponement of the match of Matchday 12 of La Liga, initially scheduled for this Saturday, November 2.”[This is] due to the severity of the Dana that has left numerous fatalities and affected people in the province of Valencia. READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”At this difficult time, we wish to convey our deepest condolences and our love to the families, friends of the deceased and those affected by this catastrophe that leaves us devastated and that puts football on a secondary.”As yet, no new date for the game has been confirmed.The floods have hit areas in the south and east of the country hardest.Torrential rain fell in the provinces of Valencia and Malaga, causing flash flooding and overflowing rivers.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSCars and bridges have been swept away by the flood waters, with hundreds trapped and requiring rescue from the air.Barcelona’s Ferran Torres, a native of the area, spoke of his “heartbreak” in a social media post on Wednesday.More rain pounds flood-blitzed Spain TODAY after people drown ‘like rats’ as Brit killed & final toll feared to hit 100sHe wrote: “My heart breaks seeing my people and my homeland, Valencia, devastated by the floods. “I know it’s no consolation, but I want to send all my encouragement and support to the victims and their families from here. “Stay strong, Valencia.”Villarreal’s top-flight clash with Rayo Vallecano has also been postponed. Three games in the lower leagues have also been abandoned, with replay dates yet to be confirmed.They include Castellon vs Ferrol, Eldense vs Huesca and Levante vs Malaga. More

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      I trained with Thierry Henry and he ruined my Arsenal career… it took me two years to go back over to the first team

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      FORMER Arsenal youth player Luke Ayling has revealed the reason he never made it in North London – Thierry Henry.The Middlesbrough full-back joined the Gunners youth setup at the age of 8. Luke Ayling (left) was part of Arsenal’s successful youth side in the mid-2000sCredit: Getty – ContributorBut an encounter with Thierry Henry in training opened his eyes to top-level footballCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdAfter leaving the Gunners, Ayling has carved out a successful career and currently plays for BoroCredit: AlamyAyling spent over a decade with the club, signing his first professional contract in July 2009. The ex-Leeds star rubbed shoulders with Jack Wilshere and Kyle Bartley during his rise through the academy ranks.But after being asked to mark Premier League legend Henry in a training game as a 16-year-old, reality hit home. He told Joe Wilkinson on hit podcast My Mate’s A Footballer: “I trained with Henry.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”The first training session, I was about 16. “He absolutely destroyed me in that first training session. “It took me about two years to go back over there to train [with the first team]. Because he’d done me that much.”Ayling made it just once onto a first-XI teamsheet during his Arsenal career.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHis call came in the 2009/10 season when he appeared on the bench against Olympiacos in a Champions League game.The full-back signed for Yeovil Town that summer, ending his decade-long association with the club. Former Premier League star forced to answer awkward question live on Sky Sports ahead of huge EFL clashAyling jokingly added with a grin: “Henry ruined my Arsenal career. Cheers T.”Despite being let go by the Gunners, Ayling has gone on to enjoy a successful career.Arsenal ratings vs PrestonARSENAL cruised through their Carabao Cup tie at Preston.The Gunners won 3-0 to set up a home tie against Crystal Palace in the next round.Sun Sport’s Sam Dymond reveals who has done enough to feature in the quarter final – and who might be a bit worried.Tommy Setford – 6A clean sheet on debut for the teenager. After a quiet first half, he looked nervous when put under pressure by Preston’s forward.Jurrien Timber – 7Really looking the part in the Arsenal defence after injury. His crosses caused chaos before being replaced at half-timeWilliam Saliba – 7Settled back into the side after suspension, and was rarely troubled on a night where he continually swept up possession.Jakub Kiwior – 8Partnered Saliba admirably in defence, but showed his attacking worth by providing two assists.Oleksandr Zinchenko – 7A solid display before his removal on the hour, perhaps with one eye on the weekend.Jorginho – 7Kept things moving in midfield, and even showed off some sublime skill when the opportunity arose.Mikel Merino – 7A much more confident performance from the Spaniard following his goal on Sunday. Combined well with Martinelli and Nwaneri during the opening 45 minutes.Ethan Nwaneri – 9Serenaded by the Arsenal fans as ‘one of their own’, this talented teenager once again excited Gooners everywhere.The scorer of one sublime strike, he came so close to bagging a second goal too.Raheem Sterling – 7The Carabao Cup king did everything but score. Perhaps let down by his decision making, he’s looking more at home at Arsenal than he ever did at Chelsea.Gabriel Jesus – 8Constantly alive to the ball inside the box, he was rewarded with a first goal since January to get the scoring underway.Gabriel Martinelli – 8Often Arsenal’s biggest attacking threat with his direct running and ability to beat defenders. Replaced after taking a couple of heavy knocks.SubsThomas Partey – 6Replaced Timber at the break and once again did the job asked of him with few complaints.Kai Havertz – 8Scored a superb header shortly after his arrival as a half-time sub, and was an imposing figure in both penalty areas.Bukayo Saka – 6More minutes in the legs for the Arsenal star as he continues the recovery from his hamstring injury.Myles Lewis-Skelly – 6Misplaced a couple of passes after his introduction, but fits in well among the first-team squad.Ayden Heaven – 6Offered a glimpse of genuine pace as he made his senior debut for the final ten minutes.He played over 140 times for Yeovil before earning a move to Bristol City and then Leeds.Ayling became a firm fan favourite at Elland Road, helping them return to the Premier League for the first time in 16 years in 2020. He is currently on the books at Championship side Middlesbrough and has appeared 12 times for Michael Carrick’s promotion hopefuls this season. More

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      Steven Gerrard facing sack from £15.2m job after embarrassing defeat and scheduling training around Liverpool games

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      STEVEN GERRARD is fighting for his job in the Saudi Pro League.Gerrard, 44, is facing the sack from his role as Al-Ettifaq manager after a string of poor form was compounded by a shock cup exit this week.Steven Gerrard is under huge pressure as boss of Al-EttifaqCredit: GettyThe former Liverpool and England icon is now 16 months into his whopping £15.2m-per-year contract in the Middle East.And things have got off to a torrid start this season with his star-studded side winning just three of their opening eight league games.While things got worse on Wednesday as Al-Ettifaq crashed out of Saudi Arabia’s biggest cup competition to a second division side.Gerrard’s team lost 3-1 to Al-Jabalain in the King Cup of Champions round of 16, with the former Aston Villa boss choosing to bench star man Moussa Dembele.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe Dammam based club are currently 10th in the Saudi Pro League, only five points above the drop, despite boasting a squad with players such as Dembele, Georginio Wijnaldum and Demarai Gray.Pressure is mounting on Gerrard as fans and pundits are beginning to voice their concern over his ability to lead the team to success.Al-Ettifaq managed a sixth place finish under his guidance last season, finishing some 48 POINTS behind champions Al-Hilal.Fans online appear to have lost their patience with one writing: “I’ve been watching and following Al-Ettifaq since 2001 , honestly he’s the worst coach who came to the club.Most read in FootballAl-Ettifaq were knocked out of the Saudi Cup by a second division side this weekCredit: AFPGerrard’s side boasts players such as Georginio Wijnaldum and Demarai GrayCredit: GettyGerrard dropped former Lyon and Celtic star Moussa Dembele to the bench for their cup exitCredit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”I truly believe he’s not even a coach. He lacks everything, tactics, spirit, motivation, and even worse his press statements are awful. I’m wondering how he survived with Aston Villa.”Gerrard hasn’t exactly endeared himself to the Al-Ettifaq fans, admitting recently that he plans his team’s training sessions around Liverpool fixtures.I played with Frank Lampard at Chelsea and we never lost.. but I’d still rather line up alongside Steven Gerrard’Speaking to The Redmen TV, he said: “John [Achterberg, goalkeeping coach] and I have got more than one eye on it. We put all our schedule around the Liverpool games.”The players are onto me now; we’ve been training at 9 or 10 at night.”Gerrard’s side are winless in five in the league, with their last victory coming against rock bottom Al-Fateh on September 14.They face fifth placed side Al-Qadisiyah on Saturday with Gerrard very much under the microscope for the home fixture.Gerrard lasted less than a year at Aston Villa where he was sacked after a run of games that saw Villa win just once in eight attempts and left the club 17th in the league.His replacement, Unai Emery, has guided Villa back into the Champions League since taking over at the Midlands club.Gerrard admitted to scheduling Al-Ettifaq training around Liverpool gamesCredit: ReutersThe Liverpool legend has been in charge of the club for 16 monthsCredit: Reuters More

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      Chelsea star Enzo Fernandez SPLITS from mother of his two children to ‘live alone’ as she puts statement on Instagram

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      ENZO FERNANDEZ has split from his childhood sweetheart and the mother of his two children.The Chelsea star’s long-term partner, Valentina Cervantes posted a message on her Instagram confirming their breakup.Enzo Fernandez has split from long-term partner Valentina CervantesThey have two children together, born in 2020 and 2023Fernandez is said to have told her he wants to ‘live alone’She has 1.4 million followers on InstagramAnnouncing the news, influencer Cervantes indicated the 23-year-old and her have had an amicable separation.Argentine journalist Julieta Argenta claimed that Fernandez told her he wanted to “live alone”.Cervantes, who has 1.4 million followers on Instagram, said: “With Enzo today we say distance from each other. “But we will always be family and support each other through everything. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Because there are two kids in the middle that need a lot of our love for them.”I know the person and excellent father Enzo is, and the heart he has. And that’s enough for me. “They don’t want to create wars where there aren’t any.”They had met in their homeland of Argentina, with two children together born in March 2020 and October 2023.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSShe had followed him firstly from River Plater to Benfica and then to Chelsea when he joined in January 2023 for a then-record-breaking £107million transfer.Only days ago the midfielder posted a picture to his Instagram page celebrating the birthday of his youngest son, Benjamin.Gary Neville slams Chelsea pair who ‘aren’t kidding anybody’ and look ‘worried to death’ Argenta’s full post on social media adding context, read: “He told her he wants to live life on his own. “They’re still family, but he feels the need to experience the stage he skipped by choosing family early on.”The major decision has come with Fernandez recently being dropped to the bench under Enzo Maresca, with Renato Veiga preferred in midfield in the Blues’ last two Premier League games.Fernandez captained Chelsea in the early weeks of the season and during Wednesday’s League Cup clash against Newcastle, but saw was on the wrong side of a 2-0 scoreline.He came under fire in the summer following Argentina’s Copa America victory after posting a video of himself and his Argentina team-mates chanting a sick discriminatory song.Fernandez came under fire from his team-mates including Wesley Fofana for the “uninhibited racism” shown in the video.He issued a grovelling apology on social media following the vile act, but escaped an FA ban for the racism storm.Chelsea ratings vs NewcastleCHELSEA were dumped out the Carabao Cup by Newcastle.The 2-0 loss came after the Blues made 11 changes to their starting line-up.SunSport’s Craig Mahood reveals which players might have done enough to keep their place next time.Filip Jorgensen – 6Nervy start when flapping at an early cross and a couple of wayward kicks going out.Struggled in parts with the ball at his feet including a pass straight to Tonali in the first half. Not much to do in the second half.Axel Disasi – 6Looked uncomfortable for large spells at right-back in duels with Joelinton in the first half and couldn’t sort his feet out when scoring an own goal.Didn’t have much defending to do after the break but offered little in attack.Tosin Adarabioyo – 6Best of the back line but not a difficult task. Looks like a player is there if he can get more minutes as marshalled Isak well for much of the contest.Benoit Badiashile – 5Shocker of a pass to Veiga for Newcastle’s opener before being booked for a foul on Krafth.Terrible touch right on half time let Gordon clear and fortunate Willock missed from close range.Marc Cucurella – 6Huffed and puffed down the left-hand side and defended reasonably well against Gordon for most of the night.Tried to link with Mudryk but a frustrating night meant he didn’t get as involved.Enzo Fernandez – 6Chelsea skipper saw plenty of the ball but didn’t create much of note on it.Looked to be missing the creative spark that would normally play alongside him in there.Renato Veiga – 6Largely anonymous in the middle as kept possession moving but was caught on it for the opening Newcastle goal, though not really his fault.Stung the palms of Pope late on but didn’t create much in that position.Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – 5Should’ve scored in opening 90 seconds with glorious chance.On the fringes of the game throughout and struggled to get involved. Hooked before the hour.Mykhailo Mudryk – 7Quiet first half hour before bursting clear of Krafth later in half. Appeared to gainconfidence in the second half and was a threat when he did get the ball on the left.His final ball missing a few times but would’ve had an assist or two on another evening. Chelsea will be hoping this isn’t a flash in the pan.Joao Felix – 5Another one that showed very, very brief flashes. Should’ve scored when clean through with 15 minutes to go which might’ve changed the game.Frustrations of a difficult night shown when booked for dissent in closing stages.SubsNoni Madueke – 6Replaced ineffective Dewsbury-Hall for the final half hour.Claimed for a penalty when pushed over by Gordon. Was a threat when in possession but struggled against Newcastle’s low block.Replaced ineffective Dewsbury-Hall for the final half hour.Claimed for a penalty when pushed over by Gordon. Was a threat when in possession but struggled against Newcastle’s low block. More

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      Inside EFL club’s abandoned 40,000-seater stadium plan with ex-Premier League side now forced to rent ground

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      IT’S been a tale of rags to riches and back again.In the 80s and 90s a London club’s stadium was abandoned for seven years as they struggled to maintain second tier status.An EFL club once had ambitious plans to expand its stadium to 40,000 seatsCredit: GettyHowever, they would then turn things around after a move back home and work their way up to the Premier League.Seven uninterrupted seasons in the top flight would lead to stadium expansion plans, with the club holding the ambition of building a ground to accommodate 40,000 spectators.However, relegation in 2007 led to a slump in fortunes, spell after spell of unpopular ownership and ultimately a descent to the third tier.Last term they averaged crowds of just 13,000 in a stadium which boasts a 27,111 capacity, as they slumped to a disappointing 16th-place finish.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSTheir current malaise is a far-cry from the heady days of the early-2000s under Alan Curbishley, when they became Premier League mainstays.Under Curbs, the Addicks were in the top-flight for seven consecutive years, which led to frequent sell-outs at South London’s biggest stadium.Charlton had been forced to abandon their traditional Valley home after more than 60 years in 1985, with the site falling into disrepair.After strong campaigning from fans, which even included standing in local council elections, the Addicks returned in 1992 following seven years spent primarily at Selhurst Park, and latterly Upton Park.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBy this point Curbishley had already taken over, with the former Charlton midfielder transforming his side’s fortunes on the pitch.As the South Londoners rose, so did demand for tickets.World Cup stadium lies half demolished next to rubble as it hosts second tier matches with no away end In November 2004, chief executive Peter Varney confirmed Charlton’s ambitious plans.He said: “The application will seek approval for the redevelopment of the east stand and the south-east corner of the ground to take the capacity of The Valley to 30,900.”Our intention is also to lodge an outline design for the remaining development of the stadium – principally the south stand – at the same time and to declare our intention to ultimately raise the capacity of The Valley to 40,600.”Permission was granted the following year, but after Charlton’s relegation in 2007, the plans fell by the wayside.Charlton boast the biggest stadium in South LondonCredit: PA:Press AssociationIn the early-2000s they made ambitious expansion plansCredit: Charlton AthleticThe Valley lay abandoned between 1985 and 1992Credit: GettyFans campaigned to return home to The ValleyCredit: GettyDespite Roland Duchatelet selling the Addicks in 2020 following years of fan protests, the Belgian still owns their Valley home and training ground.In 2021, Charlton agreed a 15-year lease to rent The Valley, as well as their Sparrows Lane training facilities.Co-owner Charlie Methven, formerly of Sunderland, recently referenced the situation while appearing on the Business of Sport podcast.He said: “I think having a long-term resolution over the tenure of the stadium is really important.READ MORE SUN STORIES”That’s a matter of commercial negotiation with the current landlord. Everything is possible, but it’s a commercial negotiation that is confidential.”If you are talking about things that keeps me up at night it is long-term security of tenure at The Valley. One of the great historic stadiums, one of the last remaining that feel like themselves.”Charlton averaged gates of around 13,000 last seasonCredit: RexCharlton co-owner Charlie Methven was previously at SunderlandCredit: Getty More