*This isn't a wind-up thread, so don't bite... and FC fans don't turn it into a wind-up thread*

What's happened to the stadium plans? I thought the East Stand extension was due for last close-season, and the new North Stand due to start in the next close season? Obviously the recession will have hampered plans, but is there a new date on the table yet?

Respect to your club for growing the attendances in the way they have, but they aren't gonna get any bigger without improving the facilities, as although you have the capacity, there is no way you're gonna get any regular fans in that away end. What about an additional temporary stand at that end (with a roof) for your home fans and leave the away fans with the North Stand? How much does/did the North Stand cost you?

As you suggest, the reccession has taken a hold and Rovers aren't immune to it's effects upon businesses. The south stand is far from ideal, but the RFL left us out of the firing line last week when they told certain clubs that their current grounds aren't up to scratch. I for one thought, because of the south stand, that we may have been one of the clubs.

I'm sure Rovers want the ground finished as soon as possible because it does have, and will have an adverse effect on income, but it has to be done properly and without damaging the club in it's plan to build upon our progress in our short life in SL.

Four years ago I sat at Blackpool watching Rovers defeat Cas at a half built Bloomfield Road, four years on and they are only just starting to build one of the ends of the ground, and that's in a sport that has a lot more revenue flying around it. If Rovers could at least manage to finish of the East Stand and then progress with a second temp stand on the south end within the next twelve months or so, then I feel that would be an achievement in itself.

Do you find it a bit strange that the club seem to be prioritising computerised turnstiles over ground developments? Not trolling, serious question. Surely increasing capacity is the route to increasing revenue. If people are lowlife enough to cheat the club and get in for nothing, surely they won't pay £22 or whatever the gate price will be next year?

I know I've got previous, but it really wasn't meant that way. I don't get the computerised turnstiles being a capital investment priority when there are other, better income-generating opportunities like greater capacity. A lot of my work is appraising projected returns on investment. To me adding computerised turnstiles will add in signficant cost and will not generate the same revenue uplift as extra capacity.

Sorry to de-rail, Wellsy, but it does look, from what I've seen, that the computerised turnstiles will be in before ground extensions. Just seems odd.

Back on topic. What are the off-season plans?

I don't know really, probably asking the wrong people. I know the people running the club are doing plenty of things right, and as a fan I can't ask any more than that.

I'm sure Rovers will have taken stock of Hull fans feelings regards the south stand, and I'm sure they will act accordingly, in time.

In fairness to Mrs B, it's a question that's been raised in our house too, surely these turnstiles could have waited a little longer and the priority given to other more pressing ground improvements? The funds raised from the Club Rovers scheme are apparently paying for this so maybe there is a separate pot for ground improvements, I hope so.

I think the recession, pure and simple, is the reason no further work has been done on the East Stand, once things pick up I'm sure that will be first on the job list.

Lets presume Rovers have a serious problem with people gaining entry to the east stand when they shouldn't be, lets then say a major incident occured within the stand, caused by the capacity being higher than it's stated number, and lets then presume the HSE slap a significant fine upon the club, in that scenario, then I'd suggest the new turnstiles aren't such a bad idea.

think like most computers it will replace actual people on the turnstiles thus cutting expenditure

But for all the times the turnstiles go wrong, and we have to have staff (which lets be honest, we can't be paying that much for) hanging around The East anyway?

For walking the streets

Fair comment, but that could've been happening for the last three years. If that is a genuine concern then fair enough.

true but stewards could do that who are getting payed anyway.plus i may be wrong but even part time staff have rights to things like holidays nowadays or they could be agency which means they are not getting payed much but cost rovers maybe double

I could be a long way from the truth, but the club will look at every scenario, and if they feel the turnstiles are a priority, then so be it in my opinion.