Rushall Olympic needs a new stand or faces relegation

The stand will improve safety and the match day experience for supporters as well as help maintain the club's status, the club said.

A football club has submitted plans for a new stand and floodlights to avoid being relegated.

Rushall Olympic FC were promoted to the National League North division last season. The Walsall club needs a bigger stand by March or face demotion.

The Pics want a new 252 seat stand, additional turnstiles and to replace four floodlights.

A decision on the proposal is expected in January.

"As many know, the league rules are in place to ensure that all football clubs grow along with their status and level," a spokesperson for Residential and Commercial Engineering Ltd said in the application to Walsall Council.

"A large part of this requirement is to ensure the safety of all supporters and associated people who attend the stadium on match days, as often attendances tend to increase due to success in football, and with additional away supporters visiting the club for match day experiences.

"Under FA/League rules, the proposals must be constructed and operational prior to the end of March 2024 or the club faces mandated relegation from the division."

Club representatives said the work will improve safety and match day experience for supporters as well as help maintain the it status.

In their application, the club said they do not anticipate an increase in people going to games, with the average attendance this season being 506, but accepted attendances could increase with success and with more away fans visiting.