ANNFIELD - The forgotten plans

by Scott McLean

In 1987 Stirling District Council released the below sketch, to indicate how the new look Annfield would look. Plans included a new main stand, which did not materialize. Alison Jenkins from the Stirling Observer reports on the Council's plans.

It is all systems go for the new-look Annfield. Stirling District this week released sketch drawings of how the ground will look when work on the new stand and artificial surface is complete. It will cost between £0.75 million and £1 million to carry out, but it is expected that about 50 per cent will be grant aided.

Last week the council's leisure and recreation committee agreed to accept the conditions laid down by the Scottish Football League and an action plan for the project was approved. Committee chairman Jack McConnell said " What we have agreed gives the green light to officials to go ahead with the full range of activities proposed for the project."

He praised Stirling Albion FC and the leisure and recreation officials who managed to persuade the league management committee to allow an artificial playing surface to be laid. "Only 18 months ago they were strongly opposed to any such surface appearing in Scotland, but a tremendous job has been done to win them around and get the conditions changed."

Councillor McConnell said a massive injection of leisure opportunities for people in Stirling District would be provided. The new surface will be sand-based and is considered the most suitable for football.

There will be a new east stand and the west stand will be replaced. New changing facilities and toilets as well as various spectator safety measurements are included in the plans. A proportion of time will be allocated to Stirling Albion for matches and training, but that will be a small part of the development's use.

"The rest of the time will be booked through the leisure and recreation department. We expect regular bookings from Stirling hockey and football teams as weel as one-off bookings" said Councillor McConnell. He also said that "This development will enhance the town and give a major boost to Stirling's image."

A suggested programme of use has already been drawn up and it is envisaged that Annfield could be used from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

Councillor MConnell said there was some concern that the Scottish Football League's permission was for a three season trial period. "If at the end of the three years the League say they don't want the pitch to continue, we could have a slight hitch.

This photograph shows the cow-shed stand at the town end of Annfield.