HADDINGTON Athletic were given a boost as the new season kicked off.

The East of Scotland Football League (EoSFL) side are hoping fans will soon be able to cheer on their team from a seated stand at its Millfield home.

East Lothian Council approved the club’s plans for a 158-seater stand, which will be on the opposite side of the pitch from the existing enclosure.

Drew Donaldson, club chairman, was “delighted”.

He said: “We will need to speak to a supplier or provider and get things moving.

“It is a good start and gives us a boost for the start of the season.

“The next step will be to confirm prices, speak to a contractor and hopefully get that done in the next few weeks and get things moving.

“It would be good to have it done at some point this season, especially for the winter if possible.”

The club has enjoyed an impressive couple of seasons both on and off the pitch.

Millfield has hosted Scottish Cup football, while the 2021/22 season saw them race to promotion from the First Division Conference A with 77 points from a possible 84.

Last season, the club finished seventh in their debut campaign in the top flight of the EoSFL.

Mr Donaldson, who has been involved with the club for more than 50 years, had previously described the bid for the stand as the “last piece of the jigsaw” after floodlights were installed.

The local authority’s planning department gave the proposals the go ahead after they attracted no objections from members of the public.

Mr Donaldson had been concerned that the ground’s location in the town’s conservation area could delay progress.

But the planning officer’s report noted: “The design of the proposed spectator stand would reflect the simple functionality of its use and in its position on part of the existing recreational open space land would be appropriate to its location.

“Its mono-pitch roofed form and its external palette of materials of olive green metal cladding would sit comfortably within the park.

“By virtue of this context the proposed spectator stand would not appear visually incongruous within its surroundings.”

It is expected the stand could cost between £80,000 and £90,000, with various funding avenues being explored.