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Oyston's October South Stand pledge
KARL Oyston has vowed the south stand WILL be ready for October – and says it will be "a real lump in the throat moment" when Jimmy Armfield opens it.
With the likes of Newcastle and Middlesbrough coming to Bloomfield Road next season, it is more important than ever to increase capacity and improve facilities.
But although the new south and the south west corner won't be online for the start of the campaign, Oyston insists it won't be too long before it is ready.
All the chairman can do now is keep his fingers crossed and hope that Pool aren't paired at home with one of the big boys of the division early in the season when the fixtures are announced on Wednesday June 17.
"Mid to late October is the latest finishing date we've got regards the south stand," said Oyston.
"It is price sensitive rather than programme sensitive but having said that I don't think there is going to be any benefit now to delay it in order to hold out for better prices.
"I think we are far enough on with letting the various packages that we can effectively obtain the best rate without further delay.
"So it's full steam ahead really with it now and it's going OK.
"The ground workers are doing very well and doing a good job, and the steel is ordered.
"If there are any further delays or problems I'll let people know, but the current programme is mid to late October. That is looking like a viable one."
There is little evidence of the stand taking shape at the ground, with work still at the foundations stage.
But Oyston says it won't be long before the building work proper begins.
"From a perception or enthusiasm point of view, by the time we come back from pre-season the stand will be there for everyone to see. It will be physically there and I think that will be a big thing," he added.
"I know one or two people are getting a bit edgy but believe it or not, it is going OK.
"Steel should be on site shortly and that soon goes up as people will remember from when we built the first two stands.
"By pre-season the stands will be there for all to see, but obviously there will still be a lot of finishing off to do."
When it is finished and has received the necessary safety certificates from the council, the stand will be opened before a home league game.
Guest of honour will be Blackpool and England legend Jimmy Armfield, after whom the stand is being named.
"There will be a real lump in the throat when the stand opens and Jimmy is there to take part and see it all happen," added the chairman.
"We'll make a big deal of it because he more than deserves every accolade that anyone can give him."
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Weather for Blackpool
Tuesday 14 February 2012
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