Chelsea Supporters' Trust Back Twickenham or Wembley Stadium Move

Chelsea's prospective move to either Twickenham or Wembley Stadium has been backed by a leading supporters group as the club prepares for a season away from Stamford Bridge.

The Rugby Football Union have confirmed it has received an approach from the Premier League leaders over using the ground for a season while they upgrade their ground to a 60,000 capacity stadium in order to compete with their domestic rivals.

Reports have also emerged suggesting Chelsea could consider moving to the national stadium for a single campaign as the club ramps up preparations to update their 109-year old home, though which season they would plan to move has not yet emerged.

Business Secretary and MP for Twickenham Vince Cable has written to the RFU to state his disapproval over a potential move, which is also expected to be opposed to by residents who already have to contend with regular disruption due to a host of club and international matches being stage each calendar year.

Cable wrote on Twitter: "I have written today to RFU about Twickenham Stadium and possible use for a year by Chelsea FC. V serious concerns and need for facts ASAP."

However, Chelsea will not face hostility from their own supporters regarding a move to either Twickenham or Wembley, with the club's supporters trust backing a move that will lead to a crucial transformation of their Stamford Bridge home.

David Chidgey, spokesman for the Chelsea Supporters' Trust, told IBTimes UK: "The initial reaction has been one of general intrigue, not least as it signals that Chelsea are clearly thinking about redeveloping the Stamford Bridge ground.

"The club are currently doing a feasibility study into whether or not Stamford Bridge can be redeveloped, so the fact that they have approached Twickenham I find encouraging."

With Twickenham having a capacity of 82,000 and Wembley 90,000, both grounds would be capable of staging Premier League and Champions League matches. But there are a string of concerns.

Limited public transport links and, not least, the pitch at Twickenham, which is used for rugby union throughout the year are among the fears for Chelsea, while the location of Wembley in north London would require a sizable upheaval for players and fans.

Should a move to either football or rugby's national stadium not materialise, Arsenal's Emirates Stadium and Tottenham Hotspur's White Hart Lane – which the club plan to leave in 2017 - are among the other candidates but Chelsea can expect some opposition to either move.

"The thought of moving to a rivals ground for a season would be unthinkable for most Chelsea supporters – the Emirates or White Hart Lane for example - and I would imagine that feeling would go both ways," Chidgey said.

"Given that, and the fact that there are no other realistic options available that would work in terms of the capacity we need, then I can't see any other stadia in London that would be appropriate, other than Twickenham or Wembley."