Derry council reiterate Brandywell support

Derry City Council has reiterated its support for the future plans of Brandywell Stadium after receiving criticism from the city's main football club.

Derry chairman, Jim Roddy is believed to have questioned the commitment of the council over its plans to redevelop the stadium.

Things have gotten so bad that if certain improvements aren't made by November Derry City will not be able to use the ground next season in domestic competitions, namely the eircom League Premier Division.

However, Jim Sanderson, Director of Recreation and Leisure, said the Council was continuing to work with the club in reviewing future facility plans.

He added: "Derry City Council is fully aware of all the development issues and the priority case made by Derry City Football Club to have interim work carried out to help the club meet the pending UEFA regulations for the 2004/5 season.

“To ensure we have a comprehensive overview of the implications of the UEFA regulations the Council has received a report on the stadium and is currently awaiting an additional structural engineering opinion.

"It is our intention to review these reports, cost implications and funding options to help both parties make an informed decision on whether the UEFA requirements can be met. It is important that all decisions relating to investment in the Brandywell are taken in the context of overall development plans and ambitions for the facility”.

In operating since 1928, the Brandywell is currently owned by Derry City Council. At present, the maximum crowd capacity, standing and seated, is in the region of 8,000. However due to UEFA seating regulations a capacity crowd of approximately 2,000 is only possible for a forthcoming European tie against Cypriot side, Apoel Nicosia.

Failure to improve the ground in the coming months mean European ties, such as the Nicosia game, will not be able to take place at the Brandywell from next season onwards.

(MB)