uiseley are preparing to build a new stand and expand the seating capacity at Nethermoor to 500 in the new year.

Last season the Lions installed a temporary 200-seat stand so that they could take their place in the Blue Square Bet North promotion play-offs.

But now the regulations require that clubs must have permanent seating in place by March 31 if they are to challenge for elevation to the Blue Square Bet Conference this time.

Guiseley have already secured planning permission from Leeds City and are hoping to submit a funding application to the Football Found ation.

The scheme will cost around £100,000 and Guiseley are determined to go ahead with the scheme.

Chairman Phil Rogerson revealed: “The Blue Square Bet rules were changed in August and what we did last year is no longer acceptable.

“We want to get the appropriate ground grading so we have pushed ahead with plans for a new 200-seater stand.

“It would go alongside our existing stand and meet with the new requirements.”

Guiseley are also waiting to for a ruling from the Football Foundation to see if they are eligible for a grant to build the stand they need to be eligible for the play offs.

“It is a bit of a confusing situation as to whether you can get funding to build facilities to gain promotion or whether you have to be in the higher league first, said Rogerson.

“Whether we get the funding or not we have to have the stand and it will be built in time,” he added.

Rogerson also revealed that the club will be upgrading its artificial pitch and is in discussions to form a partnership for an academy team with Carr Manor High School.

One thing that has delighted the chairman this year has been the rise in the average home gate.

With his team’s next three matches all at Nethermoor he is hoping the trend continues.

Guiseley have league clashes with Stalybridge Celtic and Nuneaton on Saturday and Tuesday respectively, followed by an FA Trophy tie against Eastwood on November 26.

If Guiseley win in the Trophy against Eastwood and land a home tie they will have fixtures at Nethermoor every Saturday in the run up to Christmas.