Fulham's planned ground redevelopment has been delayed for a year as
a result of opposition from local residents.
Plans to turn Craven Cottage into an all-seater stadium were scheduled
to have been completed in time for the Premiership club - who will share
QPR's Loftus Road stadium next season - to return to the ground for the
start of the 2003/4 campaign.
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Fulham's acting managing
director Mark Collins launched a scathing attack on the objectors
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However, objectors have launched a number of challenges against the Secretary
of State's decision not to call in the application for Government approval
and the High Court has granted the group leave to appeal, forcing the club
to delay redevelopment.
It means Fulham will now ground-share with neighbours QPR for two seasons
instead of one.
Fulham's acting managing director Mark Collins launched a scathing attack
on the residents who he believes are holding up the project.
"It is a disgrace that a tiny minority can spoil the enjoyment of
the majority in this cynical way by employing delaying tactics,"
he said.
"We are all bitterly disappointed. Ultimately we will build a stadium
suitable to meet the aspirations of the team and the club."
Work was due to start at Craven Cottage immediately after Saturday's
home game with Leicester but is now not expected to be given the go-ahead
until the autumn - a delay which the club claim will cost them £3million.