Chelsea decides on a temporary switch to the house of the English rugby in Twickenham while discussing plans for a new stadium to replace the iconic Stamford Bridge
The idea that Chelsea is moving to Twickenham is very logical. Yes, the Range Rovers, Picnic Hampers and Tweed Jackets would not be seen anywhere.
Instead, they would be replaced by a uniform of designer equipment and an abundant amount of lager, rather than champagne. Twickenham's national anthem of 'Swing Low, Sweet Chariot' would probably turn into slightly less tasty. However, a constant would be a sports team with the privilege of calling a world -class stadium. It seems like a logical move for both the football club and the Rugby Football Union (RFU).
The proposal was suggested because Chelsea Stamford Bridge wants to redevelop or want to build a new stadium near Earls Court, and in the meantime needs their home games somewhere.
In the meantime, the RFU has a desperate need for extra income, due to the constant struggle with record losses. If Chelsea moved to England's head office, as it is known in rugby circles, we would see if the London Club is as great as he believes.
Twickenham, when it is full, is one of the best stadiums in the UK. It can contain 82,000 spectators and is able to create an exciting atmosphere. But could Chelsea fill it?
That is still to be seen, but what Twickenham is also good at is the preservation of spectators long after the last whistle. The enormous space around the ground is filled with places to eat and drink, albeit at steep prices.
After a match around the stadium, Rugby fans seem to be hanging, and maybe Chelsea could find ways to keep their own fans out after games. However, it is worth mentioning that residential work can be a nightmare to and from Twickenham.
The traffic is unbearable, there is no direct underground link and the overland -trains packed commuters such as sardines in a can. RFU director Bill Sweeney has hinted that Richmond Council might hesitate to make Chelsea new tenants from Twickenham.
Twickenham is exactly in the heart of one of the richest municipalities in London, and local residents have strong objections to the number of events that are being held there. So the idea of thousands of Chelsea fans who flood their quiet suburbs streets will probably fill it with fear.
London mayor Sadiq Khan, however, is open to discussions. “My message to Chelsea has come to speak to us in relation to what you want to do,” he said (via the Daily Star).
“Chelsea is the victim of their own success, and Stamford Bridge is now too small for them. After all, this is a team that has won the Champions League twice. We work closely with all seven of our Premier League clubs, but I am sure that Chelsea looks with some envy in the stadiums in the stadiums some of their rivals.”
Despite Khan's comments, Chelsea has no longer achieved the league title since 2017. Their popularity as the largest club in the capital is also a continuous competition, which brings the potential move to Twickenham as a real test of their status in football.
Because if this location turns out to be impractical, Wembley could be a potential alternative, but that would be a whole new series of challenges.