Fulham's expansion of Craven Cottage has been approved by the local council, the club have confirmed.

Fulham fans will be delighted to hear that plans to expand the Riverside Stand have been approved following a hearing at London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham.

This was the last major step that was required to receive the go ahead.

The stadium expansion also incorporates the opening of the riverside walk which helps benefit the local area.

They are intending to completely rebuild the Riverside stand which would encroach slightly on the Thames.

It's an exciting time for fans because they will benefit from new facilities in one of the oldest stadiums in the new country; Craven Cottage was built in 1896.

The Verdict

Teams have to keep up with the times and stadiums are one of the best ways to bring in revenue while also keeping a strong connection with the local community.

Maintaining a connection with the past is important, but modern facilities are needed in order to appease fans and bring in more potential visitors.

Fulham appear to have a modern design which keeps in well with the local area. Other major London clubs are building new grounds such as Tottenham or in the planning stage such as Chelsea, so Fulham are doing the same but with a more gradual approach.