ACCRINGTON Stanley are hoping to have a roof on the Clayton End Terrace of the Interlink Express Stadium by the end of the season.

The fans have been waiting years for the roof which is expected to help create a better atmosphere at the ground - and keep the fans who stand there dry!

Club officials and the architect met with Lancashire County Council last week to discuss the continuing development of the stadium and the covering over the Clayton Terrace - which will become the Sophia Khan Terrace, after the mother of fan Ilyas Khan who signed a three year deal for the naming rights to the stand.

"Obviously we are keen to get the covering in place," explained Accrington's chief executive Rob Heys on the club's website.

"The design has been altered several times and has been banded about back and forward between various organisations and authorities.

"The County Council have been very keen for us to develop a long term ground development plan to ensure that any work that we carry out now fits in with how we want the ground to look and work in the future. This is now almost complete.

"In addition to a canopy over the terrace, the development will include new turnstiles, toilets and a bar area. We are still confident that we can achieve this by the end of the season."

The meeting also considered the steps that would have to be taken should the Reds be promoted to the Football League at the end of the season.

The chief executive continued: "The ground is close to Football League standard but would require one or two additions such as a police control room, a spectator first aid room and a seated area for away fans.

"Although these can be arranged fairly quickly, it is important that we have plans in place and ready to be put into action as soon as we know at which level we will be playing next season."