£50k project at Stourbridge football club almost complete

It comes as officials revealed thousands of pounds have already been spent refurbishing the Glassboys' clubhouse.

Major revamp plans are in the pipeline for the War Memorial Athletic Ground should the club seal promotion to the Conference Premier.

This including doubling the 2,000 capacity by introducing new seating and stands at the Church End of the ground.

Meanwhile club officials have ploughed thousands into improving hard standing areas around the stadium off Amblecote High Street.

Improved standing is being introduced as part of a scheme to ensure the ground compiles with ground regulations.

Next project being tackled once work finishes next month is work to re-lay sections of the main car park.

Club chairman Andy Pountney says this will improve access for fans on matchdays.

"We are hoping that work will be finished by February so that we start work on the car park later on in March," he said.

"The areas need resurfacing and once they are done it will improve it for fans."

Club officials have spent up to £20,000 on the ground's clubhouse over the past two to three years.

This has included new carpets, blinds, electrics, decorations and improvements to the bar.

Players and matchday officials' dressing rooms have also been upgrades to Conference standards while improvements have also been made to the manager's office, physio and rest room plus laundry and kit room. The work was made possible following a £50,000 grant.

But coffers were also boosted by the club's exploits in the FA Cup where they reached the second round twice in three seasons.

Mr Pountney said: "We have had to play catch up in terms of ground maintenance in recent years.

"The bar and clubhouse are very important. They are the cash cow really which helps us bring in money.

"It is important we had them redecorated."

An application for the upgrades to the stadium including new stands is due to be discussed by Dudley Council's planning department in the coming weeks.

These including introducing seating to the Shed End of the ground.

There would also be a 250-seat stand created at the Church End alongside a terrace for 900 fans.

But Mr Pountney said the scheme would only come to fruition if the club win promotion.