In another landmark week for Chelsea Football Club, the Premiership leaders were given approval to build its new stadium by Sadiq Khan.

The London mayor said he was satisfied the new 60,000 seater stadium was a “high-quality and spectacular design”, which would significantly boost capacity for the Premier League club .

He added: “I’m confident this new stadium will be a jewel in London’s sporting crown and will attract visitors and football fans from around the world.”

While fans look forward to an exciting future , there will also be sadness at the prospect of seeing Stamford Bridge demolished.

The ground has been home to Chelsea since the club was formed, and has witnessed some highs and lows for the Blues.

So as Chelsea prepare to bring the curtain down on Stamford Bridge after more than 100 years, we take a look at some fascinating images from yesteryear.

April 23 1921: The famous stadium hosted FA Cup finals too. Here Tottenham take on Wolves in a match the Londoners won 1-0
November 1912: The Danish footballer Middleboe, a newly signed player for Chelsea FC, on the pitch for a match against Derby County at Stamford Bridge

New Chelsea stadium fact 1:

The club was given planning permission for the new stadium by Hammersmith and Fulham Council at the beginning of the year. It has three years to begin work.

Circa 1919: A general view of a match in progress at Chelsea's Stamford Bridge ground
Circa 1930: It wasn't just football which drew the crowds to Stamford bridge. Here, R A Beaver narrowly fails in the pole vault competition at the British Games

New Chelsea stadium fact 2:

Chelsea's ground capacity, which currently stands at 41,663, will increase to 60,000.

August 1 1935: Chelsea players report for training at Stamford Bridge, where their first duty is to erect the goal posts
September 1918: A bulldog with a collection box strapped to his back is helping with a sports day at Stamford Bridge in aid of disabled men

New Chelsea stadium fact 3:

The cost of the stadium is expected to be £500 million.

Stamford Bridge stands empty before the 1920 FA Cup Final between Aston Villa and Huddersfield
September 6 1913: Latecomers at Stamford Bridge manage to get a good view of the match between Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur

New Chelsea stadium fact 4:

The stadium will take four years to build. It is expected that Chelsea will have to find a temporary home for three seasons, with Wembley the favourite destination .

September 1918: Crowds on the pitch at Stamford Bridge during a sports day in aid of disabled men
May 14 1948: American actress Lana Turner travels around the track during the Midget Car debut. It wasn't to be the first time a car would be seen behind a goal at Stamford Bridge, as Chelsea fans who can remember back to the 1980s will recall

New Chelsea stadium fact 5:

Neighbouring council Kensington and Chelsea opposed the planning application for the new stadium .

And for those who have been living on another planet, here's how the new stadium will look.

Chelsea's vision for the new Stamford Bridge

The stunning stadium is designed by Swiss architects Jacques Herzog and Pierre de Meuron, who created the Beijing Olympic Bird’s Nest Stadium, and is inspired by Westminster Cathedral.

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