Cricket Field Stand set for facelift

Last updated : 08 March 2007 By Tony Scholes
Cricket Field Stand - extensive maintenance may need to be performed

There has been much speculation in recent weeks regarding the stand, which opened at the beginning of the 1969/70 season, and much of the speculation has come about following the recent problems with the roof that forced the Stoke fans into the Jimmy McIlroy Stand.

That speculation has ranged from suggestions of it being demolished, down to just patching up the roof, although the likely scenario is of some extensive work being carried out that might even see the dressing rooms etc. moved from their current position.

No details have been given by the club but they have warned season ticket holders in the Jimmy McIlroy Stand that they could be moved for part or whole of next season to accommodate away fans in that stand. And with this in mind they are not accepting new applications for season tickets in that stand.

The club have said: "Due to the continuing deterioration in the condition of the Cricket Field Stand, and the possibility that we will need to perform extensive maintenance to this area, we cannot guarantee this stand will be available to visiting supporters for the whole of the 2007/08 season.

"After consultation with the police and our ground safety advisors, the best alternative location for these supporters is considered to be the Jimmy McIlroy Stand lower tier.

Season tickets in the Jimmy McIlroy Stand lower tier will therefore be only sold to existing season ticket holders on the basis that supporters may need to vacate this area for all, or part of the season.

"In the event that supporters are asked to move, the club will upgrade season tickets for this area to the James Hargreaves Stand lower tier, free of charge."