THE Nationwide Football League today left the door open for Gillingham to delay the building of a new stand at Priestfield's Town End.

League regulations stipulate that Division 1 clubs must have all-seater stadia within three years of promotion. Under those rules, Priestfield would have to be all-seater for the start of the 2003-2004 campaign.

But with all clubs throughout the three divisions experiencing severe financial difficulties following the collapse of ITV Digital and the loss of millions in what was regarded as guaranteed revenue, the league may think again.

Gillingham chairman Paul Scally disclosed he would welcome an extension of the deadline for another year.

He said: "I'm going to ask for dispensation because nobody could have pre-empted what would happen with the ITV Digital deal. It would be grossly unfair if the Town End was shut down so I'm hopeful that we'll get another year or that we find another £1.5 million to build the new stand."

Today Football League spokesman Ian Christon said: "We have not heard from Gillingham about this matter but if we did then it would be considered by the board of directors of the Football League."

Within the game, the feeling is growing that the League may be forced into a re-think on deadlines for all-seater stadia in view of the present financial climate.

That decision could come once the League have installed a new chairman and chief executive following the recent resignations of Keith Harris and David Burns.