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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
Sport
Gareth Fullerton

Glentoran submit ambitious plans for Oval redevelopment

Glentoran have submitted ambitious plans for the redevelopment of the Oval.

The Mersey Street club have lodged plans with Belfast City council for a major revamp of the venue.

Proposals include a two new all-seater stands totalling 4,000 capacity and the reconfiguration of existing standing terracing at both goal ends providing 2,000 person capacity.

The East Belfast club hopes to install new turnstiles with additional car parking and improved circulation routes within the site.

It has been reported that the redevelopment could cost between £8m and £10m, with the money expected to come from club owners and the government's sub regional funding.

The application was received by Belfast City Council on March 3, and it is understood the club plans to install a new 3g artificial pitch at the ground.

Glens boss Mick McDermott recently said much of the club's progress depended on quality facilities at the Oval.

"We're trying to build a team and a club," he told the BBC.

"There are things that have to be done. People think that you build a football team just by buying players and coaching them, and that being full-time is just giving players more money and you train five days a week.

"No, there are a lot of structures that need to be put in place to support a full-time environment. What about your support staff, physios, doctors, kit men and assistant coaches?

"Part of that structure of building a club for the future is facilities. We know that Glentoran, as well as other clubs in the Irish League, are a Third World country when it comes to football facilities.

"Our plans for the future for Glentoran are to strengthen not only the football team and the squad, but also the facilities available, to take this club into the future. I have no doubt that if and when the plans come to fruition that they will make a big step forward for Glentoran Football Club."

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