Sheffield Wednesday issues update on North Stand work as reopening target set
The beleaguered Owls are hoping to have the North Stand back open for the first home game of the season - against Stoke on August 16
After silence from the Sheffield Wednesday last week over what is being done to fix safety issues with the North Stand at Hillsborough, Owls have finally set out a plan.
The club were issued with a prohibition order by Sheffield City Council last week, as work to make the roof of the stand safe promised earlier this summer still hasn't been carried out.
Wednesday say a 'schedule of works is currently being finalised', with the aim being to avoid having to relocate supporters at home games.
Currently, the aim is to ensure work is carried out before the first home game of the season against Stoke City on August 16.
Failing this, a temporary platform will be installed on the West Stand to make it suitable for wheelchair users.
North Stand Season Ticket holders will also get a chance to select seating elsewhere within Hillsborough.
In a statement on the club's website, Owls say they remain 'hopeful' that works can be completed by mid-August.
The club wrote: "Should it become evident that the North Stand cannot open for the first match against Stoke City on 16 August, these measures will be implemented swiftly but we will try our utmost to ensure the Prohibition Notice is removed rather than having to relocate supporters."
"To avoid any additional confusion, the club have held back on issuing North Stand Season Tickets until the picture becomes absolutely clear.
"We fully understand that the start of the season is growing ever closer and will communicate further updates as soon as is possible.
"In the meantime, we apologise sincerely for the uncertainty this situation has caused and thank everyone affected for your patience and understanding."
Meanwhile, it's understood Sheffield Wednesday will fulfil their Championship opener against Leicester this weekend despite ongoing off-field problems.
Owls have been placed under a transfer embargo, a number of senior players have exited their contracts early, and there are mounting calls for chairman Dejphon Chansiri to sell up.