Oxford United could get fourth stand before next season

The Kassam Stadium currently has three stands, with the area of fourth set to go on land providing car parking

Oxford United could build a fourth stand at its Kassam Stadium before the beginning of next season.

Oxford City Council is in talks with the club over plans to erect a "temporary stand" which could seat an extra 600 supporters.

The council has said it is "pretty confident" the stand could be built before the start of next season.

Oxford United gained automatic promotion to the third tier after finishing second in League Two.

'Big crowds' expected

The U's have played in the three-stand stadium since 2001 which currently has a capacity of 12,500.

The stadium sold all its seats for a number of games, including United's third-round tie in the FA Cup with Premier League side Swansea.

The former League Two side were hailed as "giant killers" after beating the top-tier team 3-2 in January.

Oxford United gained national acclaim in January after beating Premier League side Swansea at the Kassam during the FA Cup third tie

Leader of Oxford City Council Bob Price said: "The intention would be to put the planning application in very soon.

"I think we can expect some very big crowds next season if the club continue to be as successful as they have been this season."

United moved from Manor Road in Headington in 2001 to the Kassam in Blackbird Leys

Mr Price said he did not foresee any "significant problems" with the application, and said the club had already employed a contractor.

He added: "I'm pretty confident we'll see the stand there for next season. "