Marco Silva gives verdict on new Fulham swimming pool plan for Craven Cottage | OneFootball

Dom Smith

has welcomed Fulham’s audacious plans to revamp the matchday hospitality experience at Craven Cottage, which will feature a rooftop swimming pool.

The new Riverside Stand, which is already part-open to Fulham fans, is set to become the home of the club’s hospitality packages. The first photo concepts were released on Wednesday, including a CGI photo of the new ‘Sky Deck’, complete with a swimming pool.

Matchday experiences will also include a roof terrace, large restaurants, and food inspired by Michelin Star chefs. A statement from Fulham said ticket-holders can choose the package that suits them from April 9.

Addressing the club’s luxury plans, Silva said: “What I want is to see, as soon as we can, the stand full of fans to support us. That's the main thing for me.

Swimming pool in Craven Cottage’s Riverside Stand

Fulham Football Club

“It is something the club decided will help the club to grow and to develop, and more revenue in some situations.

“About myself, as a manager, and our players, what I would love to see and as soon as possible, is to see that stand full of people to support Fulham.”

Fulham Football Club

Meanwhile, Silva revealed he has held talks with Willian over the possibility of the Brazilian further extending his stay at Craven Cottage beyond the end of the season, but insists a decision will not be made yet.

Fulham found themselves in the same situation last year, before he renewed, and Silva recalled: “We decided to leave it until the end of the season, and this season is more or less the same. I’ve had some conversations with him, but he’s going to wait until the end of the season.”

The Cottagers expect to have a clean bill of health for Saturday’s trip to Bramall Lane to face the Premier League’s bottom club, Sheffield United, after assessments showed an injury concern that forced Calvin Bassey to leave Nigeria duty early this week was not as bad as first feared.