The paradox of success

Scunthorpe United may lose out on a grant to turn Glandford Park into an all-seater stadium because the Football Foundation thinks they could fund it themselves.   The club is not exactly a big money maker as it made a loss of £1.5m over the last two years, although that is low by the standards of Football League clubs even lower down the divisions.   Even that is thought to have recouped from the sale of Garry Hooper to Celtic in the summer.

The Football Foundation only have £5m to fund projects all over the country, so the £2.5m cost of upgrading the Doncaster Road terrace may have to be paid by the club.   This is the last year in which they are allowed to have terracing if they remain in the Championship.   Any club that spends three seasons in the Championship must have all seater facilities.

Many fans like to stand up and often do at games despite attempts to prevent them.   It may be that there is a case for small all-standing areas at all levels of football.   There need not be health and safety concerns if they are properly designed and operated.