Credit Crunch may delay MK Dons Plans

Of all the grounds Hereford United visited last season, Mk Dons stood out. However plans to finish their new stadium may be delayed.

The Dons moved from the National Hockey Stadium twelve months ago to the stadium mk and have been using the lower part of the new stadium which can cater for around 20,000 spectators. Originally there were plans to have a capacity of about 32,000 which would be acheived by adding an upper tier to the seating.

Pete Winkleman is the MK Dons chairman and he has been reported as suggesting that the 'credit crunch' is to blame for the delay but there are also doubts whether one of their partners, Marks and Spencers, will move onto the site.

"We're getting on with things, we're doing it slower than we would have liked but if you come to the stadium everyday you can see work is going on. But it's not happening like it did a few years ago," commented Winkleman.

"The credit crunch and complete change in the economy of course effects major developments and it's definitely effecting us with the stadium. The big capital expenditure, property developments are on hold. Whether Marks and Spencers end up on the M&S site, we'll have to see in the future. That development is key to the completion of the upper part of the stadium."

The new stadium is estimated to have cost £30 million to date. Like any new investment in football grounds it is important to ensure that there is plenty of off-pitch income to help with the cost. Which is why their proposed deal with M&S is very important.

The club has plans a 128-room four-star hotel, over 60 luxurious pitch-view hospitality boxes and a multi-purpose indoor arena for concerts and exhibitions. These may be delayed if the M&S deal falls through.

Hereford United next visit MK Dons on Tuesday November 25th.

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