Southampton FC proposes safe standing area in Northam Stand

Digital impressions of what the Northam Stand could look like have been created

Southampton Football Club has announced plans to introduce a safe standing area at St Mary's Stadium.

The club has said it wants to improve the matchday experience and create a "red and white wall" of home supporters in the Northam Stand.

The proposal would involve moving away fans to a different part of the ground instead.

The planned changes by the Championship side follow fan feedback and advice from acoustic experts.

The club is also considering the best location for the family section, which is currently in the corner of the Chapel and Kingsland Stands, as part of the changes.

The changes would be the most dramatic to the 32,500 capacity stadium, since it was opened in August 2001, when the club moved from The Dell.

St Mary's has been home to the Saints since 2001

Standing in the top two leagues of English football was banned in August 1994 following the Taylor Report, which was ordered following the Hillsborough disaster of April 1989.

In January 2022 five clubs in the Premier League and Championship took part in a trial of standing areas following a change in the law.

From July that year, all clubs in England could apply for a licence to allow standing at matches.

Southampton FC said it has been discussing the future of St Mary's Stadium with its Fan Advisory Board, but its also inviting season ticket holders to take part in focus groups into the proposals.

Saints are currently third the Championship and vying for an immediate return to the Premier League, following relegation from the top flight.

Follow BBC South on Facebook, X, or Instagram. Send your story ideas to [e-mail]