Brentford to move into new stadium ahead of 2020-21 season

Brentford have announced plans to move into their new stadium by the beginning of the 2020-21 season.

Construction on the club's new 17,250-seater Brentford Community Stadium, based at Lionel Road, began four months ago and the foundations now are 90% laid.

The Bees had earmarked a December 2019 move-in date but "operational challenges" at the under-construction stadium have prompted a rethink.

"We are delighted to confirm to all our supporters and fans that Brentford FC will play a full final season at Griffin Park and then move to our new stadium at the end of the 2019-20 season and in good time to commence the 2020-21 season," the club said in a statement.

"Given the complexity of large-scale building works adjacent to railway lines, the need to anticipate the normal delays and problems that inevitably arise in a complicated construction project, and the operational challenges surrounding a mid-season move, our view is that an end-of-season move is best.

"This of course gives us the chance to give Griffin Park a proper full season's send off as we mark the club's 130th year during the 2019-20 season."

Rugby union club London Irish are also expected to become tenants of the venue, with the two teams sharing their residency.