Bristol Rovers Chairman Confirms Woodlands Golf Course on Stadium Shortlist

Bristol Rovers Chairman Hussain AlSaeed has confirmed that the Woodlands Golf and Country Club site is among the options being explored for a new stadium, while reiterating that redeveloping the current Memorial Stadium is 'impossible.'

What did the Chairman say about the new stadium site?

In an interview with ITV West Country before Saturday's 1-0 win against Exeter City, AlSaeed said the golf course land, located north of the M4 and east of the M5, is on a shortlist of potential locations. 'Well, I mean, I think it's among the shortlist that we're looking at,' he said, adding that no final decision has been made.

'But nothing for sure, which one we're going for. But where we want to be, really where our fans is suitable in terms of traffic, suitable in terms of, you know, everywhere, the location, and so, you know, it's a difficult task,' AlSaeed explained.

How is the club evaluating potential stadium sites?

AlSaeed detailed a methodical approach: 'We have a shortlist, and, you know, we've created, like, experts that help, you know, looking at those sites, and we've taken that shortlist, one by one. We don't really talk to all of them at once.'

'So what we've done is that we put priority, like option one, option two, and so on, and we start talking to the first one and see if there is something that can be done. If not, then we go to option two and option three, and like that. And that process takes time,' he added.

What is the Woodlands site's connection to local development plans?

The site on Trench Lane, Almondsbury, sits across from a proposed new town housing development near the M4/M5 interchange. Developers have submitted plans for 1,800 new homes, a primary school with nursery, a 'mixed use local centre' with shops and facilities, a sports hub, and an extra-care complex of 100 apartments. The application, submitted in March, took nearly five months to be validated by South Gloucestershire Council and has already drawn objections.

Why is redeveloping the Memorial Stadium 'impossible'?

AlSaeed described the existing stadium as a 'red flag' in feasibility studies. 'I think we moved from the idea of redeveloping the Memorial because of that red flag that we had in our studies,' he told Sky Sports News on September 14. 'All the results came back with a red flag, so it was impossible, so since last year, now we concentrated on going outside the Memorial [Stadium].'

He acknowledged the emotional attachment: 'I want to stay here,' but stressed it is 'impossible to get all what we need in this stadium.'

What is the club's stance on manager Steve Evans?

AlSaeed praised manager Steve Evans, who has led Rovers to 15 points from eight League Two games in the 2026/27 season, including a club-record 11 consecutive home league wins. 'We're obviously very much pleased with what Steve has done, in terms of the results, and in terms of off the pitch, it's been really terrific in terms of getting the players back,' he said.

When Evans came in, 'the players were down, you know, we were in the relegation zone. The fans were angry, disconnected. And I think he did a marvellous job in, really, first building a good team, a good squad that actually can, you know, start winning, and then he took it from there and to the fans, and he took it there to the club and continued.'

AlSaeed dismissed reported interest from Hibernian, saying, 'I think he did very well. He loves the place here. He loves the fans, and I think he will be staying with us.'

How does AlSaeed view his relationship with fans and the club's future?

Describing his rapport with supporters as a 'love-hate relationship,' AlSaeed said, 'At the moment, we are in the love relationship.' He added, 'Last year, of course, when, you know, when things were not going well, obviously, they are upset. We are upset all along, understand their feeling, and we, you know, I came out last year, and I said, 'Look, you know, this is happening, but we will do it, we will fix it and we will get the things right.''

On promotion hopes, AlSaeed called returning to League One a 'very legitimate target,' and reaffirmed his long-term commitment: 'Yes, absolutely. We haven't started yet. We're just in the beginning. Big, massive club. Hopefully more things yet to come.'

The Chairman was seen celebrating with Evans in the Thatchers Bar after Saturday's win, five months after announcing the manager's two-year contract on the pitch at The Mem.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Woodlands Golf Course site confirmed for the new stadium?

No, it is on a shortlist of potential sites. Chairman Hussain AlSaeed confirmed it is being explored but said no final decision has been made.

Why can't Bristol Rovers redevelop the Memorial Stadium?

AlSaeed said feasibility studies returned 'red flags' on all renovation options, making redevelopment 'impossible' to meet the club's needs.

What is the timeline for a new stadium decision?

AlSaeed said the club is working through its shortlist one option at a time, a process that 'takes time,' with hopes for 'good news soon.'

Is Steve Evans staying as Bristol Rovers manager?

AlSaeed indicated Evans is staying, praising his performance and dismissing reported interest from other clubs.