News Talk

LOUIS VAN GAAL has launched a stunning broadside on former club Manchester United.

The Dutchman was in the Old Trafford hot seat between 2014 and 2016.

AP

Louis van Gaal has hit out at the way Manchester United operate behind the scenes[/caption]

Shutterstock Editorial

Ruben Amorim has struggled since joining the club last November[/caption]

Shutterstock Editorial

Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has also been criticised for cost-cutting[/caption]

Van Gaal, 73, won a solitary FA Cup during his tenure as United boss.

And he’s been watching their horror 2024/25 season from afar.

The Red Devils finished without silverware last term, languishing 15th in the Premier League.

INEOS owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe employed Ruben Amorim midway through the season to stop the rot.

But results continued to slide under the former Sporting Lisbon chief.

Van Gaal told Sky Sports: “It is still a commercial club.

“It is not a football club. I have said that before – and that’s always difficult.”

The 73-year-old believes the club will never find success unless Amorim is given the chance to choose his own players.

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He continued: “When [it’s] not the manager deciding which player has to come, it’s very difficult.

“I think that is the way it should be.

“Because then you can fire the manager because he’s not getting results.

“When other people buy the players, then you have a problem.

“You need to have the knowledge [of the manager] because he has to train them.”

Van Gaal also begged United chiefs to “pay attention” to the way Premier League champions Liverpool are operating under Arne Slot.

He added: “Arne Slot is the man who says to his technical manager, you need to buy this player.

“Pay attention to [that].”

Van Gaal won 54 of his 103 games in charge at Old Trafford.

His overall win percentage with the club stands at 52.43 per cent.

That figure is lower than three United managers who have followed him through the door at Old Trafford.

Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjær and Erik ten Hag all boast higher win percentages.

But current boss Amorim has the lowest of all five.

The Portuguese manager has won just 16 of his 42 games in charge – a paltry win percentage of 38.10 per cent.

That’s the worst of any permanent United manager since Frank O’Farrell in 1971.

A DEAD body has been found in a car outside Asda.

Cops rushed to the supermarket in Abbey Lane, Leicester, at 7.10am on Saturday.

A man in his 70s was found dead – though police have not released further details about the circumstances.

A spokesperson said: “Shortly after 7.10am on Saturday police were called after a man was found unresponsive in his car in Exploration Drive, Leicester.

“Officers attended, along with the ambulance service, and the man, who is in his 70s, was declared deceased at the scene.

“There are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding his death and a file will be prepared for HM Coroner.”

STEPHEN Mulhern made the ultimate slip-up during the latest episode of Celebrity Catchphrase.

The TV host was seen on Saturday in the latest episode of the gameshow favourite, joined by Jeremy Vine, Charlie Hedges and comedian Luke Kempner.

ITV

Stephen realised his mistake immediately and tried to stifle his laughter[/caption]

ITV

Luke Kempner couldn’t help but mock the host as the truth came to light[/caption]

ITV

Stephen noted the prices had gone ‘through the roof’ which was the answer[/caption]

As the group got to grips with the latest game – which shows famous sayings turned into cartoons for contestants to guess – Stephen found himself slipping up.

Encouraging the gang to make a guess, the encouragement resulted in him accidentally spilling the answer himself.

As the clip showed a man going into a coffee shop with rapidly increasing price tags until they burst through the ceiling, Stephen declared: “Literally, the prices have gone through the roof!”

The contestants then stood in silence for a second as an embarrassed Stephen clocked what he had said.

Jeremy Vine eventually broke the silence, pressing his buzzer and asking: “Sorry, what? Was that the answer?”

Stephen then embarrassingly nodded and burst into fits of laughter alongside the cast and studio audience.

“I have never in my life done that. In 10 years!” he admitted.

Luke Kempner then joked: “I was just thinking ‘this is a very tricky one, if it’s not that!” before declaring Stephen had won himself £200.

“We’ve got a bit of Catchphrase history here!” added Jeremy, poking fun and adding: “Roy Walker never did that.”

Stephen was soon crying with laughter before eventually regaining his composure and continuing with the game.

Hopefully Stephen has learned his lesson – considering the show has already been given the go-ahead for an 11th series.

If the three celebrities can ‘say what they see’ they could get the chance to win £50,000 for their chosen charity.

ITV commissioner Gemma John-Lewis said: “We’re delighted to announce a further series of the much loved family favourite, Celebrity Catchphrase.

“The only show where you say what you see, the hugely popular series continues to win legions of fans and with Stephen’s infectious and playful humour it’s a firm favourite with our viewers.”

It is good news for the star after his other ITV programme, In For A Penny, was shelved after six years.

ITV

Stephen apologised and said it was the first time he’d made the mistake in 10 years[/caption]

ITV

ITV

Stephen looked more than a little embarrassed by the mishap[/caption]

JOE McCARTHY sent a pointed message to Leinster critics after they booked their place in the URC Grand Final.

Leo Cullen’s men will meet the Vodacom Bulls at Croke Park after beating the Glasgow Warriors on Saturday.

Seb Daly/Sportsfile

It gives them the chance to end the season with silverware after losing to Northampton Saints in the Champions Cup semi-finals.

Leinster last won the competition in 2021 – when it was still called the Pro14 – and Joe McCarthy is looking forward to getting a chance to end the four-year wait.

He told RTE: “Definitely needed that.

“It is our first URC final so it is massive for us.

“We need fans behind us now. We are into Croke Park so it is exactly where we want to be.

“There is always pressure.

“We have never reached a URC final, disappointment this year already so we want to finish strong want the fans backing the side.

“I think the fans were great today. We need more of that next week.”

McCarthy could not resist aiming a dig at critics of the province when asked by Jamie Heaslip what the team’s motivation was.

He said: “We know everyone loves to hate Leinster. That definitely drives us on.

“We have a great fanbase and don’t really care about the outside noise – what you guys say, what other fans say.”

Saturday’s game was played in front of 15,762 people – a slight improvement on the 12,879 that attended their quarter-final win over Scarlets in the Aviva last weekend.

There is sure to be a bigger attendance at Croke Park for the final against the Bulls on June 14.

And the Ireland international deemed the occasion as the stuff of dreams.

He beamed: “It is unbelievable.

“To play in Croke Park in a URC final is the stuff you dream of as a kid. It is why you play the game.

“We want a huge crowd out at the game.

“It will be a great day hopefully and we will rip into this week.”

MOLLY-MAE Hague has opened up on her “less than ideal” skin “issues”.

Not only this, but the Maebe founder, 26, also revealed the beauty buy she swears by that leaves her face feeling “brand new”.

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Molly-Mae Hague has candidly opened up on her “less than ideal” skin “issues”[/caption]

YouTube/MollyMae

The mother gave followers a close-up look at her “flare-ups”, whilst sharing the beauty buy she swears by for clean, hydrated skin[/caption]

YouTube/MollyMae

She claimed that she has been dealing with pigmentation and eczema[/caption]

YouTube/MollyMae

The influencer raved about the Aveeno Face Foaming Make Up Removing Cleanser[/caption]

So if you’ve got sensitive skin and are looking for a product that will ensure your face feels clean and moisturised, you’ll need to check this out.

In Molly-Mae’s latest vlog which was uploaded to YouTube just 15 hours ago, the Love Island star turned businesswoman shared the new high-street beauty buy she can’t get enough of.

As she took off her make-up, the Filter founder, who lives in a huge £3.5million mansion, gave her honest thoughts on the Aveeno Face Foaming Make Up Removing Cleanser.

The purse-friendly beauty product, which is currently on offer at Superdrug and has been slashed from £12.99 down to only £8.65, is dermatologist tested and removes make-up in an instant.

Thrilled with the affordable find, the blonde beauty who recently got back together with Tommy Fury, 26, explained: “Make-up day or no make-up day, there’s only one cleanser that I’m using consistently, day in and day out – I’ve been using for a good few months now and it’s this one from Aveeno.

“As you guys know, the Oat Gel Moisturiser is one of my absolute favourites so I wanted to do a little bit more digging on the range and see if I was going to love any of the products from the same range as much as I love this one.

“I find that so many cleansers dry my skin out and what I love most about this Aveeno one is that it doesn’t do that.

“It maintains the moisture on my skin, it doesn’t dry me out.

“It’s such a good make-up remover as well, I had a really hard waterproof mascara on my lashes the other day – used this and it literally swiped it straight off.”

The content creator who boasts 1.9million subscribers on YouTube and has a jaw-dropping £6million fortune, then shared an honest confession about her skin troubles, as she expressed: “It is so good, it’s fragrance-free and it’s really good for sensitive skin which is great because for me right now, my eczema has actually flared back up.

“I’m having pigmentation issues again and flare-ups with my eczema which is less than ideal. 

“But right now, any product that’s good for sensitive skin is calling my name.”

I had a really hard waterproof mascara on my lashes the other day – used this and it literally swiped it straight off

Molly-Mae Hague

After using the cleanser, the mum-of-one beamed: “My skin just feels so unbelievably clean, it feels like it really gets the grub and dirt out of my pores.

“That’s cleanser done. My skin literally feels brand new.

“I think it’s easy to forget that sometimes some of the best skincare products aren’t actually crazily priced and you don’t have to spend loads to get products that just really work.” 

Not only did Molly-Mae describe the cleanser as her “current go-to” product for “quick skincare” that makes her “feel 10/10”, but she also acknowledged that it makes her feel “so clean, so fresh, so moisturised, so soothed.”

Beauty fans beam

And it’s clear that Molly-Mae, who recently opened up on “destroying” her face during her filler phase, isn’t the only person who loves the Aveeno buy, as it has currently racked up an average rating of 4.5 out of five on the Superdrug website.

One person said: “I loved this product! Firstly you get a really good amount for the price, a little goes a long way so I can see this bottle lasting some time! I’ve switched out my usual cleanser for this Aveeno product and I’m so impressed I don’t think I’ll be switching back! 

I’m having pigmentation issues again and flare-ups with my eczema which is less than ideal

Molly-Mae Hague

“I didn’t find it dried out my skin nor did I feel it left any kind of greasy feel and removed my make-up effortlessly! It has a slight clean smell, nothing too strong and feels very gentle on my skin!”

Another added: “Very moisturising and calming on my extremely sensitive skin. 

“My face looks radiant and more smooth just after a few uses! It has a rich and soft lather which is perfect to remove makeup too.” 

A third commented: “I love that this cleanser also removes all my make-up. My usual make-up remover leaves my face feeling oily so I cleanse afterwards. 

“This is an all in one so saves time and space in the bathroom. Left my face feeling clean and not greasy or dry.” 

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YouTube/MollyMae

The influencer claimed that the Aveeno buy makes her feel “so clean, so fresh, so moisturised, so soothed”[/caption]

Superdrug

The Aveeno Face Foaming Make Up Removing Cleanser has been slashed from £12.99 to only £8.65[/caption]

Getty

The star claimed to feel “10/10” thanks to this high-street buy[/caption]

TAKE a look at the gorgeous sandy beach with breathtaking views that is frequently used as a TV or movie set – and it’s less than an hour away from the capital.

This fantastic spot, Brittas Bay beach in Co Wicklow, is the perfect place to visit this summer to catch some sunshine.

Getty Images - Getty

Brittas Bay is the perfect destination for catching sunshine or taking a dip[/caption]

Getty Images - Getty

Getty Images - Getty

Just under an hour away from Dublin, the beach can be easily accessed by the Brittas Bay exit on the M11 southbound or northbound and taking the right-hand turn at Jack White’s Cross Roads.

Brittas Bay has a 5km stretch of powdery sand and sand dunes, with crystal blue waters that are home to many sea life creatures, including dolphins.

And it is home to numerous plant and wildlife species and is also designated as a proposed Special Area for Conservation.

It was featured in the hit series Vikings, RTÉ’s miniseries No Tears and a film adaptation of The Count of Monte Cristo.

The beach has maintained its European Union Blue Flag award for over seven years due to its headlands not interfering with the peaceful environment.

It also means that the environmental management, water quality, safety, and services are excellent, ensuring the beach is of the highest quality.

It is the ideal destination to unwind, soak up the sun or take a dip in the crystal blue waters.

During the bathing season, there are lifeguards posted across the beach, with details of their lifeguarded hours posted on the notice board.

Wheelchair access to the beach is available during the summer season but needs to be booked in advance with Wicklow County Council.

Thrill-seekers will be glad to know that there is a Brittas Bay Surf school if they want to learn to ride the waves or just go paddleboarding while admiring the views.

Those who want to opt for land activities can take in the views of the beach while riding a horse, as many equestrian stables are in the area.

And for those with dogs, they are only allowed on the beach in the low season with a leash, meaning they are not permitted from May to September.

FACILITIES

There are a few facilities offered on site, including a kiosk, changing rooms, outdoor showers, parking lots and picnic benches.

For those who want to have breakfast or lunch with coffee after their swim, pop by the Bay Cafe – an establishment that is widely loved by locals, tourists and celebrities.

And there are plenty of staycation options, including bed and breakfasts, campsites and caravan parks.

The picturesque village of Redcross is only a 10-minute drive away, offering a blend of traditional charm and modern amenities, including recreational facilities such as tennis courts, a bowling green, and a golf course.

And it is also renowned for its vibrant tourism scene, featuring attractions like the Wicklow Brewery, River Valley Holiday Park, and the renowned Mickey Finn’s Pub and Restaurant.

The village also appeared in the Hollywood film The Wonder, an adaptation of Emma Donoghue’s psychological thriller starring Florence Pugh.

Wicklow Town and Arklow are a 15-minute drive away, offering many shops, restaurants, cafes and more accommodation options.

The Glendalough Valley in the Wicklow Mountains National Park is a perfect day trip for people, and is home to many monuments and lakes.

Google maps

Getty Images - Getty

Getty Images - Getty

Many staycation options are available in the area[/caption]

HOLLY Hagan has revealed she was so overwhelmed after giving birth, she was terrified of going to bed at night.

The Geordie Shore star, 32, welcomed her son Alpha-Jax, now two, with footballer hubby Jacob Blyth, but says the early days of motherhood left her in tears every evening.

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Instagram

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Holly’s husband Jacob has been a tower of support to her[/caption]

Instagram

Speaking on her new CBeebies Parenting Helpline podcast with BBC Radio 1 DJ Charlie Hedges, Holly opened up about the unexpected emotional toll of becoming a mum.

She confessed: “I wish somebody had warned me about the baby blues, because oh my God, that hormone drop once I got home from hospital — I was crying for no reason.

“It would get to 6pm, 7pm and I’d just burst into tears. I was scared of going to bed, I didn’t want to be alone.”

The reality TV favourite added: “It was very strange, but thankfully that passed after a week or so. But nobody warned me. I wish someone had spoken to me about that. It wasn’t fun.”

And it wasn’t just the hormones keeping Holly up at night — she was plagued with anxiety over Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), and found herself obsessively checking on Alpha-Jax.

“I worried about febrile seizures and all these things you don’t really hear about until you have social media,” she admitted.

“It’s great for advice but it also shows you loads of terrifying stuff.

“I thought SIDS was really common. I was absolutely terrified thinking one day he might just stop breathing. I even used an Owlet sock that tracked his breathing, oxygen and heart rate because I’m such an anxious person.”

Holly also opened up about the challenges of parenting a “high-temperament” child and said it’s taken her two whole years to feel like she’s finally cracked motherhood.

“I’ve made no secret that it’s been a difficult journey with him since he was about four months old,” she said.

“I’m finally getting into the swing of it, but it’s taken a long time. Motherhood completely turns your life upside down.”

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Holly found fame on MTV’s Geordie Shore[/caption]

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The 32-year-old has recently launched a new podcast[/caption]

King Charles is said to be “livid” that he won’t exactly get Christmas cheer this year. The Sun recently reported there is a potential shortage of pheasants at the monarch’s Sandringham Estate, which could affect the chances of a full shooting calendar this winter. It is known as one of the monarch’s favorite pastimes during...

THE Premier League has become a dominant force in European football, attracting the best players, biggest viewing figures and making the most money.

And as the league continues to grow – both financially and in reputation – clubs are trying to grow alongside it.

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Tottenham have set the standard for modern stadiums with their £1billion home[/caption]

Fulham FC

Fulham have added a swimming pool to Craven Cottage[/caption]

Gone are the days of being able to get away with a warm pint and a cold pie at half time as fans try and cram into the terraces to sit on wooden seats.

Now teams want architectural masterpieces as their homes with luxury hospitality areas, top tier food and drink, and a concourse that would make you debate even going back out to watch the second half.

Tottenham have set the standard with their £1BILLION stadium built in 2019, fit with a retractable NFL pitch, in-house micro brewery and the perfect view from every seat.

While other clubs have started to renovate their historic grounds, such as Fulham putting a SWIMMING POOL in their new Riverside Stand at Craven Cottage.

Nobody wants to be left behind in the new revolution of what a football ground can look like, with EIGHT Premier League clubs now working on plans to improve their facilities too.

Here SunSport breaks down what those eight clubs are planning and just how much it could all cost…

MANCHESTER UNITED

• Cost: £2billion
• Opening date: 2030
• Capacity: 100,000

Man Utd have the biggest club stadium in the UK, but they want it to be even bigger.

The Red Devils announced earlier this year that they are planning a £2BILLION project that will see them build the ‘Wembley of the North’.

United’s execs, led by minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, are planning on making the stadium large enough to house 100,000 FANS.

The club have put a rather ambitious five-year timeframe on the new stadium, especially given their dire financial straits at the moment.

Architects at Foster and Partners, who will design the project, said the stadium would feature an umbrella design and a new public plaza that is “twice the size of Trafalgar Square”.

Man Utd had explored the idea of expanding Old Trafford, but instead landed on the decision to create what will be the largest football stadium in the country – gazumping Wembley’s 90,000-seat capacity.

It won’t just be an incredible stadium either, United have also confirmed the surrounding area will be regenerated as part of a joint venture with the the government and local council – including the addition of 17,000 new homes.

As for the stadium itself, concept images tease a huge wraparound scoreboard, along with a three-storey museum and canal-side restaurants as part of a vast fan village.

Things haven’t got underway just yet, but when they do United will be able to continue playing at Old Trafford during the construction process, before demolishing the historic ground once they move into their new home.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe said of the incredible plans: “Our current stadium has served us brilliantly for the past 115 years, but it has fallen behind the best arenas in world sport.

“By building next to the existing site, we will be able to preserve the essence of Old Trafford, while creating a truly state-of-the-art stadium that transforms the fan experience, only footsteps from our historic home.”

MANCHESTER CITY

• Cost: £300million
• Opening date: 2025/26 season
• Capacity: Over 60,000

Man City

Manchester City are redeveloping the Etihad Stadium[/caption]

Man City

City are in the midst of an incredible redevelopment of the North Stand[/caption]

Man City

The Etihad will have the largest safe-standing are in the Premier League after the redevelopment is complete[/caption]

Man City

The project will also add a fan park for supporters on matchdays[/caption]

Rex

Work has already started on expanding the North Stand[/caption]

Just four miles down the road from United’s Old Trafford is another stadium in the midst of a mega redevelopment.

Neighbours and rivals Manchester City have been investing their unlimited pot of cash into turning the Etihad Stadium into one of the best arenas in world football.

At its current reduced capacity of 52,900, due to the ongoing work on a new expansion, the Etihad is only the seventh largest capacity football stadium in England – not particularly fitting for the best team in the country over the last seven years.

Plans to redevelop and add more seats in the North Stand would likely see it become the fifth largest ground in the country, boasting a similar capacity to title rivals like Arsenal and Liverpool’s grounds.

The plans, which are due to be completed during the 2025/26 season, will reportedly add around 7,000 seats to the stadium.

But it’s not just about more fans, it’s also about increasing the noise and atmosphere in process. For City, that means adding a huge standing area of the Etihad crowd.

That expansion will include 3,000 safe-standing rail seats, making it the Premier League’s largest safe standing area.

Away from adding more seats, City are also adding brand new hospitality area, which will house 800 guests and include a 500-seat food hall and a premium bar.

Plus fans can look forward to an incredible Sky Bar with views overlooking the pitch and a stadium roof walk experience.

Work is also underway on the ‘City Square fan zone’, a 3,000- capacity fan zone that will offer up food and drink as well as screens for supporters to watch the match on the Etihad campus.

A new club shop and a museum will also be added to the surrounding area to help improve on the matchday experience.

And if you’re wondering where you can stay nearby to be close to all the action then City have you covered – they’re also building a 400-bed hotel.

LEEDS UNITED

• Cost: £100million (estimated)
• Opening date: Late 2030
• Capacity: 53,000

X @LUFC

The stadium will see a significant increase in capacity[/caption]

X @LUFC

The estimated final capacity of Elland Road will be 53,000[/caption]

X @LUFC

The plans are set to be completed in 2030[/caption]

Leeds United secured a return to the Premier League thanks to their 100-point tally in the Championship this season.

And along with their promotion back into the top flight, Leeds have announced plans for a mega renovation of their iconic Elland Road stadium.

The Yorkshire club have revealed plans to rake their current capacity of 37,645 up to an estimated 53,000 – making it one of the largest grounds in the country.

Concept art released by Leeds shows a new look to the 128-year-old stadium.

New stands will tower over the old brick of the ground and make for a combination of history and future for the club now owned by 49ers Enterprises – the ownership group in charge of the NFL franchise San Francisco 49ers.

An increase of nearly 20,000 seats – which will help burn through the club’s 26,000-strong season ticket waiting list – will mean updates to the West and North Stands and a change to the South Stand.

While there is no specific details of what additions will be made yet, Leeds have confirmed they will be making improvements to the general admission and hospitality facilities.

A statement told that fans can expect “diverse range of spaces and experiences” that will “encourage early arrivals and extended stays”.

Leeds have revealed that work will begin this September, but changes to the stands won’t start until 2026.

However, the club have estimated that the renovation won’t be completed until late 2030.

At the moment there has been no estimated figure for how much the project could cost the club, but similar renovations have exceeded £100million.

ASTON VILLA

• Cost: Over £100million
• Opening date: Second half of 2027
• Capacity: Over 50,000

Aston Villa FC

Aston Villa announced plans to expand the North Stand at Villa Park[/caption]

Aston Villa FC

Villa want the stadium to breach the 50,000-seat mark[/caption]

Aston Villa FC

The club have claimed there will be more space and faster service[/caption]

X @AVFCOfficial

A new club shop was opened earlier this season[/caption]

X @AVFCOfficial

Aston Villa to build Premier League’s largest beer hall in ‘The Warehouse’[/caption]

X @AVFCOfficial

A mockup image shows what the inside of ‘The Warehouse’ could look like[/caption]

Villa Park is one of the Premier League’s most iconic football grounds, standing in place since 1897 with its iconic red brick facade.

But one issue with having such a long history as a ground is that things start to become outdated.

Villa have now announced that they want to modernise their ground, changing the look and feel of the concourse and adding over 7,000 seats to the stadium.

The Birmingham club want to breach the 50,000-seat mark, leaving their current 42,660-set offering in the past.

For Villa, it’s not just about getting more bums on seats on a matchday, but also allowing them to be better hosts for the 2028 Euros.

Villa Park is one of the host stadia for the tournament and will have a new look for the fans across Europe who come to visit.

Mockups of the plans show a new modernised exterior, a brand new North Stand wrapping into the Trinity Stand and a two-story club shop.

While there will also be the addition of a new multi-use space called ‘The Warehouse’ – which will include a new Fan Zone destination.

Villa plan on putting the Premier League’s largest beer hall inside The Warehouse.

LEICESTER CITY*

• Cost: Unknown
• Opening date: Delayed, work to begin 2026
• Capacity: 40,000

Leicester City Football Club

Leicester revealed plans to extend the King Power stadium in 2021[/caption]

Leicester City Football Club

The club hope to increase the capacity to 40,000[/caption]

Leicester City Football Club

The Foxes have had to delay the plans[/caption]

Leicester City Football Club

The proposals also include plans for a hotel and indoor arena[/caption]

Leicester may not be in the Premier League next season after their relegation this term, but they are strong contenders to bounce straight back up.

Their plans for a stadium development of the King Power were announced all the way back in 2021, and have been delayed multiple times.

The Foxes announced a project to increase the stadium capacity from 32,261 up to 40,000 – with a major change to the look of the ground too.

Initial plans showed a bubble-like look on the roof of the ground, a custom-built fanzone, a flasgship superstore and a 220-room hotel and business centre right next to the stadium.

While the proposal also detailed a 6,000-capacity multi-purpose arena that would be side by side with the King Power, with plans to host concerts and indoor sporting events.

However, the club were supposed to break ground in 2023, with an earliest expected completion date of late 2024.

We’re now in mid 2025 and no construction has begun, Leicester have been relegated from the Premier League twice and work starting on the ambitious plans have been delayed until at least 2026.

There is currently no estimate on how much the project could set back the Leicester owners.

NOTTINGHAM FOREST

• Cost: £130million
• Opening date: Unknown, work estimated to begin in 2026
• Capacity: 42,000

Rex

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Forest added hospitality pods made from shipping containers this season[/caption]

Nottingham Forest are back in Europe, having secured a Conference League spot with their efforts under Nuno Espirito Santo this season.

And the Tricky Trees are looking to make some changes to The City Ground that would make the stadium fit in alongside Europe’s elite.

The main focus of the project would be to increase the capacity by over 10,000 people to reach the 42,000 mark – a task that could cost around £130million.

Forest want to do so by extending he Bridgford Stand and replacing the Peter Taylor Stand with a new two-tiered 10,000-seater structure.

The club shop and offices sit adjacent to the ground, and are set to be knocked down and replaced by a stunning 19-storey apartment block.

This means the club shop will be moved and a museum showcasing the club’s two European Cup triumphs will be added.

The Reds also want to install solar panels on the Brian Clough Stand to generate their own power for matchdays.

There will also be a “pedestrianised plaza” around the new City Ground.

Owner Evangelos Marinakis has his eye on eventually increasing the capacity to 50,000 should the initial changes prove a success.

No date had been put in place for the plans to be completed, but internal documents have suggested work could begin in summer 2026.

CRYSTAL PALACE

• Cost: £150million
• Opening date: 2027
• Capacity: 34,000

Crystal Palace/MDC

Crystal Palace are set to build a new main stand[/caption]

Crystal Palace FC

Construction work will begin at the end of this season[/caption]

Crystal Palace/MDC

A new away changing room is currently being built[/caption]

Newly crowned FA Cup winners Crystal Palace are yet another club with grand plans of expanding their ground.

Selhurst Park currently holds around 26,000 supporters, but proposals have detailed ambitions to boost that to 34,000.

The Eagles plan on doing it by building a new Main Stand, with construction set to begin this summer.

The new Main Stand will hold 13,500 supporters, compared to 5,200 currently housed in the stand that was built in 1924.

While artist impressions show it will have a classy glass exterior adorned with a huge Eagle logo.

Palace chairman Steve Parish said last summer he wants the club to have “a stadium the whole of South London can be proud of”.

As well as the new stand, Palace are also building a new club shop, a museum, a cafe, new dressing rooms and a fanpark.

It’s thought that the project will total around £150million with a proposed completion date in 2027.

NEWCASTLE UNITED

• Cost: Up to £3billion
• Opening date: 2031/2032 season
• Capacity: Estimated at 70,000

Getty

Newcastle are facing a dilemma on whether to expand their iconic ground or find a new home[/caption]

Alamy

The iconic stadium currently boasts a capacity of 52,304[/caption]

Although no official plans or pictures have been released by Newcastle just yet, the Magpies are planning on either renovating St James’ Park or building a brand new stadium as they continue their development under the Saudi Public Investment Fund ownership.

A world-class stadium would help Newcastle fit in with the teams they’re trying to compete with – in a similar fashion to Tottenham’s move to their state-of-the-art ground from White Hart Lane.

Staying put would mean a huge redevelopment of the Gallowgate End, while leaving would mean building a brand new home elsewhere.

COO Brad Miller has promised a “once-in-a-generation” investment into the redevelopment and that kind of cash will be needed to carry out what would be ambitious plans.

The idea of a redevelopment would be to raise the capacity of the ground to around 60-65,000.

While the idea of a new ground would mean that Newcastle could host around 70,000 fans, effectively increasing their capacity by almost 18,000 seats – that’s more than both Brentford and Bournemouth can fit in their entire stadiums at the moment.

The most likely place to move would be into the adjacent Leazes Park, however Newcastle are set to face legal hurdles and heavy resistance from members of the public who want to protect the Grade II listed park.

As a result their plans would see them use just a small section of the park with the rest of the new ground overlapping with St James’ current footprint – plus a new parkland would be created where the current pitch is situated.

A redevelopment of the Gallowgate has been mooted to cost anywhere up to £1BILLION, which is a crazy number in comparison to other expansion projects in recent times.

Liverpool spent just £80m on their Anfield Road Stand expansion in 2024, and Fulham spent £120m on their Riverside Stand.

But that kind of money may seem worth it when you learn that an entirely new stadium has been estimated at a cost of between £2BILLION and £3BILLION.

Reports have suggested that the club would be targeting the 2031/32 season for a brand new stadium, but would likely see an expansion completed in five years instead of seven.