A ROOF is to be built over the Clayton End of the Fraser Eagle Stadium in time for the start of the new season.

And the Telegraph understands work on the much-maligned £150,000 development will get underway imminently Reds chairman Eric Whalley said: "I expect it to be up for the start of the new league programme.

"The spectators keep telling me it's very important and the lack of a roof stops people from coming, but the proof of the pudding is in the eating.

"It's only a small stand, but it should make a big difference. "

It is over six years since supporters started raising funds for the roof, but they have since been forced to endure rain, hail, sleet and snow as the plans were never put in place.

Lancashire Telegraph columnist Stephen Lowe admitted the news was "better than a new signing".

He said: "This is one of the best things I've heard in weeks. They say that good things come to those who wait and we've certainly waited long enough for this.

"A lot of other clubs at our level, like Telford, have spent money on their ground and gone bust in the process, but we've managed our money and we're not going to do that, because we've got a man in charge who plans properly."

However, Andrew Mann, from the Stanley Ultras group, was more sceptical about the plans.

He said:" They've been saying this for the last six years and it's never come to fruition.

"I'll believe it when I see it."