Building a modern East Stand with all the facilities that a professional sports club needs within it is a fantastic leap forward for the club. In the era stretching from 2001 to 2014 such a development was unthinkable, we were all more concerned with survival of the club due to financial mismanagement. Even when we felt safe from insolvency events we were almost always preoccupied with thoughts of relegation.
The new floodlights, the new Cats Bar roof, the purchase of the ground along with the former Super Bowl land have been major redevelopments, let’s not dismiss them as something minor.
As for what’s to come, I have mixed feelings about an artificial pitch, they’re not for me and despite advancements they still don’t compare with natural grass. Overtime they perform less and less like a real grass surface and despite upkeep they lose their aesthetic and begin to look worn.
Equally I’m ambivalent regarding the refurb of our North terrace, I’m delighted that we’re doing something to improve the terracing but Id have loved to see something more substantial and modern replace the roofing.
Once we have the new East Stand built, I hope we redouble our efforts to continue with the redevelopment of the ground. Something modern down the West Terrace and eventually something to replace the hospitality block.
I’m aware that I seem to contradict myself a little with being positive and realistic while also being a bit disappointed but,from what I can tell, I’m pretty typical of how many fans feel