BEES BUZZ CLOSER TO LOFT

from the Fulham and Hammersmith Chronicle 15 January 2004

by Paul Warburton

A groundshare between QPR and Brentford moved a step closer after your favourite local paper learned of a meeting scheduled next week between representatives of both clubs. 

Rangers are keen to bring the struggling Bees on board after losing Fulham. The Premiership outfit brought £250,000 rent a season without the extras, and QPR finances would take another serious nose-dive if there was no new tenant in place. 

Brentford, run by the Bees United Trust, have resisted a move until now. But with few assets besides Griffin Park and currently £4.5 million in debt, the club are keen to move to another purpose-built site. 

Brentford would see Loftus Road as a short-term measure, but the sale of Griffin Park would wipe the slate clean at a stroke and set up the groundwork for a new home. 

Rangers would be ready to receive their new guests as early as next season, by which time Brentford hope they’ve escaped the tug towards the second division drop zone. 

The deal could also encompass rugby league outfit London Broncos, who currently share Griffin Park. 

The only other possibility on the horizon is the move back of rugby side Wasps to Loftus Road. 

The two clubs are in negotiation over a settlement which should keep the black-and-gold at The Causeway Stadium in Wycombe. 

Wasps are settled there but have a deal to return to west London. QPR would prefer a more lucrative arrangement with a football club.
 

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