Wilder delighted as work starts on installing east stand seats at Sixfields

Cobblers boss Chris Wilder says it is '˜fabulous' that work has restarted on the redevelopment of the east stand at Sixfields.
MOVING ON - the framework is being installed for the new east stand seats at SixfieldsMOVING ON - the framework is being installed for the new east stand seats at Sixfields
MOVING ON - the framework is being installed for the new east stand seats at Sixfields

Workmen returned to duty this week to start putting seats in place, with almost 2,000 set to be installed ahead of the home Sky Bet League Two clash with Notts County on Saturday. April 2.

The framework for the seats is being installed this week, and it is the first activity of any kind on the east stand site since last summer.

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The stand has been closed to spectators since May, 2014, and almost two years on, Wilder is delighted to at last see some progress being made again.

“It’s fabulous isn’t it, to see some hard hats and the first bits of the seats going in,” said the Cobblers boss. “It’s really good, and will be good for everybody to see when they come to the game on Saturday.

“You look at that stand now, and when it is done it will be great to see punters in there for the last four games of the season.”

Chairman Kelvin Thomas has been in charge at Sixfields since November, but has taken his time on how to best move forward with the east stand redevelopment, which has been troubled from the very start.

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The decision was made last month to fix the seats on to the structure as it stands, with 1,924 being installed to ensure more Cobblers supporters can see their team play, with matches now regularly selling out as the team sits 13 points clear at the top of the table.

Further redevelopment will follow over the summer and into next season, but Wilder says this first stage of work outlines the ambition of Thomas and his fellow directors, David Bower and Mike Wailing.

“We are moving on, and a lot has been talked about the run that the team is on, and the form they are showing and stuff like that, but the other part of it is really kicking on as well,” said Wilder.

“I am not surprised that’s the case, and I said at the time the effect that Kelvin and the people that have come in with him would have.

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“I spoke about what they would do, and they wouldn’t stand still, and they have certainly not done that.

“I know it has taken a little bit of work to get the stand to the stage it is, but they want to move the club forward off the pitch, and trust that we will move it forward on the pitch.”