Chelsea’s announcement that they will be commissioning a study into the possible expansion of Stamford Bridge has been welcomed by supporters.

Blues owner Roman Abramovich last night gave the green light to a study of the area from Fulham Broadway town centre to Stamford Bridge and beyond.

It appears the Russian billionaire has now abandoned plans to relocate the club after failing with attempts to regain the freehold of the 109-year-old ground.

Chelsea had previously explored the possibility of developing nearby Battersea Power Station and Earls Court but were unable to find a suitable site for a new home.

A general view of the match in play at Stamford Bridge
Eighth: Stamford Bridge is number eight in the list of the Premier League's biggest ground

Increased pressure to generate matchday revenue to comply with Financial Fair Play is believed to have prompted the Blues to consider redeveloping the Bridge.

Get West London understands improvement work could push the capacity to approaching 60,000 and the Chelsea Supporters Trust is delighted with the news.

“The Chelsea Supporters Trust welcomes the recent announcement by Chelsea FC regarding commissioning a study of the area from Fulham Broadway town centre to Stamford Bridge and beyond,” a statement read.

“We particularly welcome the fact that the study will also assess the feasibility of an expansion of the stadium within the existing historic site boundaries. We note that the study specifically excludes any design or details of a redevelopment on the stadium site which presumably would wait until the study report has been published and decisions made.

A general view of Stamford Bridge
109: Stamford Bridge has been Chelsea's home for more than a century

“As well as engaging stakeholders such as the local community and residents groups, which is clearly essential, we urge the club to actively involve Chelsea supporters in the study (and the implementation of the study results), which is clearly of significant importance to all Chelsea supporters.

“We will pass on to those conducting the study the comments and suggestions we have received from members of the local community following extensive door to door leafleting that we have carried out in the area over the last year, as well as ideas we have been given with regard to Brompton Cemetery.

“The CST are keen to work with the various parties involved in the study, as the stadium issue is of fundamental interest to our members, as was made clear in the 2013 CST Members Survey.”

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Stamford Bridge's capacity currently sits at 41,837, leaving Chelsea lagging behind as the Premier League’s eighth largest ground.

The club are looking into the possibility of installing decking over the railway lines to the east and north of the ground.

This could create landscaped public walkways and cycleways, while also reducing pedestrian traffic on Fulham Road and nearby streets on matchdays.

Meanwhile, Chelsea have discovered their full fixture list for the 2014-15 campaign.