SPECULATION about a potential new home for Sale Sharks is rising after co-owner Brian Kennedy made it clear that Heywood Road is not big enough for his plans, by Michael Crockett

Speaking earlier this week, Kennedy said, "My company, Genesis Communications, has made a major investment in the team and that has been reflected by the success on the field this season.

"However, we do need to improve attendance figures - ideally to around the 10,000 mark - in order to make the whole thing commercially viable," he added.

This raises the question marks about Heywood Road's suitability, as the maximum the ground can hold at the moment is less than 6,000.

A previous plan to find a new home at Stockport County's Edgeley Park has been scrapped, as has rumours about a possible ground share with Warrington Wolves.

An added talking point is English First Division Rugby's plans to introduce criteria regarding minimum stadium capacity.

Although these plans are in their infancy, clubs such as Bath, Gloucester, and Sale would not meet the criteria at their present headquarters.

Te criteria would also include a rule that ground sharing with soccer clubs would not be allowed unless the rugby club owned the stadium.

This would open the way for a move to Manchester City's Maine Road, which will be vacant after the summer of 2003, although it is understood that Brian Kennedy is unwilling to consider that option.

SALE Sharks get their Powergen Cup campaign off the ground on Saturday, with the visit of NEC Harlequins (kick-of 2pm).