HOPES have been raised that work on a new 158-seater stand at Haddington Athletic's home ground could soon get under way.

Permission was given to the East of Scotland Football League (EoSFL) Premier Division side for the improvements to Millfield 12 months ago.

At that time, Drew Donaldson, the club’s chairman, was hopeful that the stand could be in place in time for the winter.

However, work has not progressed as quickly as the club hoped.

This week, Mr Donaldson told the Courier that they were trying to get a company to carry out the groundworks for the stand.

Once that was done, he was hopeful that work would continue.

READ MORE: Haddington Athletic's goal of seated stand given green light

He said: “The funding is all in place.

“I had high hopes it would be done for the start of the season but complications with the foundations set us back a couple of months.

“We are actively pursuing that at the moment.

“I would hate to put a timescale on it but, as soon as we can get somebody to do it, we will get started.

“It has taken a wee bit longer than I would have hoped but it will be worth it.”

The club are now in their third season in the top flight of the EoSFL - the sixth tier of Scottish football - having previously enjoyed seventh and eighth place finishes.

At the same time, the ground has hosted Scottish Cup football and welcomed Highland League duo Formartine United and Deveronvale, as well as Darvel.

Former Junior heavyweights Auchinleck Talbot will visit this Saturday in the first round of the national cup competition.

Mr Donaldson, who has been involved with the club for more than 50 years, previously described the prospect of the stand being put in place as the “last piece of the jigsaw”.

He said: “It will certainly enhance the viewing experience.

“Some people are not comfortable standing for 90 minutes and it is an alternative option for them.”

Already, a seated stand is in place at Dunbar United’s New Countess Park, Preston Athletic’s Pennypit Park and Tranent’s Foresters Park.

A covered area is also in place at Musselburgh Athletic’s Olivebank Stadium, while plans for a covered stand at Ormiston Primrose’s New Recreation Park are also progressing.