Blues considering ground extension

Carson Yeung's regime today mark a year at Birmingham City by announcing plans of a £20million redevelopment of St Andrew's to increase the capacity to 46,000.

Blues' main Garrison Lane Stand is the only relic of the old ground.

And acting chairman Peter Pannu said: "Things are in the pipeline.

"For us to build this extended capacity, the indication from our experts is that it would be an increase to 45,000-46,000.

"The capacity of St. Andrew's is 30,000 and we are considering pulling down our old Garrison Lane stand as another option.

"What prompted this is I have considered lots of fans' feedback. They said 'why don't you consider developing the ground - we've got an attachment to this area, rather than go to a new field.' That's made me look into this option as well.

"For us to build this extended capacity, the indication from our experts is that it would be a size increase to 45,000-46,000."

The club are also looking at reviving the City of Birmingham Stadium concept in Saltley first mooted in 2005.

Pannu added: "We're talking with the City Council and doing project reports.

"Once they are available, I'll study them and I'll discuss with Carson and our consultants on this issue.

"It is important to understand that this is a long-term plan and eventually nothing may happen."

Pannu admits the Blues fans will have to embrace the proposed schemes to make them viable.

He said: "If we go up to 46,000, with our current average home gates of 25-26,000, then we would be 20,000 short of filling a redeveloped ground.\

"That's why I call upon our fans to actively participate in making this dream a reality.

"There's no point in having a 46,000 stadium if we are not going to fill it."