Brentford reaction after what has just happened with Gtech Community Stadium

Brentford fans have celebrated news that London Irish may look to move pitch to the Cherry Red Records Stadium, the home of AFC Wimbledon.

Over the weekend, the League 2 side confirmed that the club had "been approached by London Irish about using our stadium, but no detailed discussions have taken place".

A statement released by AFC Wimbledon added: "We have built a wonderful facility in a fantastic location and frequently get approached by third parties, including sporting organisations, to use the Cherry Red Records Stadium.

"For example, in the past month we have proudly hosted Ukraine versus Brentford B and our first full international between Australia Women and Scotland Women, and both of these events were a great success for all parties."

The news comes just three years after London Irish moved into the Gtech Community Stadium from the home of Reading FC, formerly the Madejski Stadium.

The rugby side compete in the Premiership and are currently in fifth position this season.

Earlier this year London Irish defended the level of support they've seen at the Gtech Community Stadium since moving in, despite regularly only selling around 8,000 tickets in the 17,250 capacity ground.

After just 6,353 and 5,630 fans watched matches during the Six Nations, London Irish coach Declan Kidney maintained that the club was on an upwards trajectory - the side's average attendance during their final season at the Madejski Stadium was 5,832.

Kidney said: "The commercial and marketing team have been brilliant. We were hit with a closed stadium for the first year.

"You mix that up with some of our own form being a little bit up and down and you are trying to do that [market the new ground] in the middle of a pandemic with all the financial savings that clubs have had to make – we have done really well.

“I know it is where I work but there is a cracking atmosphere and a massive buzz, just whatever way the stadium is built."

Should London Irish move to the home of AFC Wimbledon, it would mean that three clubs of different sports use the ground as rugby league side London Broncos also play home fixtures there.

Reacting to the news online, Brentford fans were overwhelmingly in favour of London Irish leaving the stadium with many citing hopes for a better pitch quality in years to come.

One said: "Fantastic news, perhaps we will have a half-decent pitch to play on with them gone."

Another added: "Quite possibly the BEST news to wake up to on a Sunday morning."

London Irish still have a further three years on their contract at the Gtech Community Stadium and it is reported that the decision not to renew may come from the football club to prioritise the pitch for Brentford FC.

The rugby club is currently nearing a takeover deal as owner Mick Crossan, completes a deal with a consortium.