ALEX GATES COULD GO UP TO 10,000

Plans for the all-seater stand, which will replace the old Main Stand, were unveiled at a press conference last week.

The deal, which will see Railtrack sponsor the extension for the first two years, was secured by an agreement over former railway land which it will be built on.

Alex chairman John Bowler said the new 6,500-seater stand will be the final and most expensive stage of the stadium's development.

"We are waiting for planning permission and hopefully we can start building in May so we can be ready for the start of the '99 season," he said.

"Although the project is still in its infancy, our aim is to replace the old wooden stand with a spacious modern facility that offers improved standards for staff, players and spectators alike."

Richard Fearn, director of Railtrack North West Zone, said he had been a lifelong Crewe Alex fan and jumped at the chance to get involved with the project.

"It is a very proud moment for me. I have supported Crewe since I was 12 and at long last I have a chance to put something back into the club," he said.

"Crewe itself is steeped in railway history and the club are actually known as the railwaymen so we thought it very fitting to lend our support to this excellent project."

Alex team manager Dario Gradi said the new capacity of 10,067 would also help improve matters on the pitch.

"It will be brilliant. It looks magnificent and it will be a real uplift for the players," he said.

"I notice it when we go to other grounds that the players appreciate other teams' stadiums and this will give us a chance to appreciate our own.

"We are trying to capitalise on having more people coming to watch us, not only for the atmosphere, but for the financial support it gives us. The more money we generate, the more chance we have of building a good team."

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