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30 July, 2010
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Published: 27 March, 2009
LOSSIEMOUTH are inviting supporters to buy a 'seat for life' after announcing plans to build a new £40,000 stand at their Grant Park ground.
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The 150-seat construction could be in place by the end of this year if the coast club rallies enough support from fans and local businesses to meet the costs. Long-serving club secretary Alan McIntosh said he was hoping to secure 60% of the funding from a new club licensing scheme launched next month to help the SFA's full member sides. That would leave £16,000 to be collected through various fund-raising events, including a unique opportunity for individuals to purchase their very own seat within the new stand. "The pilot scheme for the club licensing is going to be brought in on the 10th of April, and we can possibly get some funding towards the stand from that," he said. "After that, we plan to sell 100 seats at £100 each – for life. It could appeal to ex-players, members of the social or football club or anyone wanting to help us out." Grant Park has been served by its old wooden stand for over half a century, but increasing costs to maintain it have forced Lossiemouth to look towards replacing it. The proposed new stand – similar to the one being built by Highland League newcomers Formartine United – would be built closer to the pitch than the existing one, leaving an access route behind it. New dugouts would be built at either side of the 19m long construction, which would consist of four rows of tip-up seating.
McIntosh admitted part of him would be saddened at the loss of the old stand, where he sat as a youngster to cheer on his beloved Coasters. "I suppose it's the end of an era, but it's the start of a new one as well," he said. "I've been at the club since 1985 but I used to come here as a boy and I've got some good memories. "But it's had its day now, and with health and safety coming in and more work needed to be done on it, we just felt we were throwing good money after bad." The club licensing will help Highland League clubs to upgrade their facilities by offering matched funding to assist any improvement projects. Offers have already been accepted to help dismantle the old stand at the end of the current season, and a new concrete base will be laid over the summer. The new structure – which is ready-made and can be erected in three days – will then go up once the full funding has been achieved. "We're not setting any targets – we'd like it in by the New Year but we may be looking at the start of the season after next." Related articles: |
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