Ebbsfleet United chairman Dr Abdulla Al Humaidi: £5m new main stand heralds a new chapter in the history of Ebbsfleet United FC

EBBSFLEET UNITED have announced this morning that it has appointed Trak Special Projects Ltd to construct the new £5m main stadium in Stonebridge Road.

Work will be undertaken in two phases. Preparatory work starts on 4th January 2016 and demolition of the existing Liam Daish Stand will start in early May with the seating in the new stand becoming available in early October.

Chairman Dr Abdulla Al Humaidi told www.ebbsfleetunited.co.uk: “This heralds a new chapter in the history of Ebbsfleet United FC.

“The new main stand will transform the stadium as well as the perception of our club to the wider community at large.

“We hope it will help us to attract a new generation of supporters particularly at a time when the local area is to undergo radical transformation.

“I know how excited everyone is that this project can now start after the delays from last season which were beyond our control and no one is more excited than I am!”

David Grief of Trak Special Projects said: “TSP are delighted to enter into contract with Ebbsfleet United Football Club to provide a new state-of-the-art football stadium.

“Enabling works will commence early in January with demolition and main contract works to follow in May 2016.

“These works, together with associated developments over the next few years, will make a significant positive impact on the area and we hope that we may continue to be a part of what will be a very exciting time for the club, the community and those living and working in the surrounding areas.”

There will be no disruption to supporters in the Liam Daish Stand in the period between January and the end of this season.

Meanwhile, it is with great sadness that the club learned on Wednesday of the death of much-loved groundsman Peter Norton, 80.

A club statement said: “Peter was an ever-present fixture at Stonebridge Road in recent years and hugely popular amongst staff and fans alike.

“Having only celebrated his landmark birthday in October, when he was presented with the gift of a TV and a cake by the club, Peter suffered a fall a few weeks back and was being cared for in hospital since.

“A right-half for Empire Paper Mills FC in his days playing on a pitch, he found national fame off it during the lead-up to our 2008 FA Trophy final when he reached No.15 in the iTunes dance chart with his ‘Beat The Weather’ single – a feat he accepted with his usual humility and good grace.

“In that time and since, Peter worked diligently on the pitch at the club he loved. His customary good humour in his work.”

Vice-chairman Peter Varney told the club’s website: “I cannot put into words how much this news has affected all of us who work for the club. I visited Peter in hospital twice in the last week and could see how ill he was.

“The club has lost a true legend, a man with a tremendous work ethic and a passionate supporter of the club. Stonebridge Road will never be quite the same.

“On a personal level I will miss his humour and the chats which accompanied his delivery of the local newspapers. He was so proud of the team’s performances this year.

“There will be a minute’s silence at the home match versus Truro City in respect for a true gentleman.”

General manager Dave Archer added: “We have lost a Fleet legend; it’s a very sad day for everyone connected with our club.”

www.kentishfootball.co.uk wish to pass on our condolences to family, friends and everybody at the club.

Visit Ebbsfleet United’s website: www.ebbsfleetunited.co.uk

Article published: 13:10 - Friday 1 January 2016