Sheff Wed working to have stand ready for opener

Sheffield Wednesday said they hope to be able to open the North Stand for their first home game of the season against Stoke City on 16 August but have contingency plans in place if not.

Sheffield City Council closed the stand last month because of concerns over its structural integrity.

Fans who have season tickets in the stand told the BBC earlier this week they had still not received any communication about their seats for the coming season.

"We continue to work closely with our professional advisors and contractors to ensure the North Stand can safely operate as usual from the first game of the new season," the club said in a statement.

"To provide the necessary assurances, a schedule of works is currently being finalised. Our priority is to avoid relocating supporters for upcoming fixtures wherever possible.

"Preliminary work has also been undertaken over the past week, carried out by a specialist team to prepare for the next phase."

The club added: "While we remain hopeful that all necessary steps can be completed ahead of the first home game of the season, contingency plans are being prepared in case this target cannot be achieved.

"These include the erection of a temporary access platform on the West Stand along with designated accessible entrance for wheelchair users if relocation is necessary.

"Ensuring that North Stand season ticket holders have a method online to select alternative seats for any affected matches as simply as possible.

"In the meantime, we apologise sincerely for the uncertainty this situation has caused and thank everyone affected for your patience and understanding."

The closure of the stand has come amid a tumultuous summer in which the Championship club was placed under a number of registration embargoes, while fans have called for owner Dejphon Chansiri to sell up.

The North Stand at Hillsborough was finished in 1961