GILLINGHAM chairman Paul Scally has warned of financial disaster unless the club builds the proposed £1.5million new Town End Stand for the start of next season.

As he waits in the hope of receiving local council planning permission to build the structure, to be called the Brian Moore Stand after the club’s late director, Mr Scally has issued a stark warning.

He said: “The chances are that if we don’t build it we won’t be able to use the terracing behind the goal which would be a financial disaster.”

Owing to football licensing restrictions, which do not allow the club to use areas that are not all-seated for the start of next season, Priestfield’s 11,500 capacity would be reduced to 8,370

That potential loss of revenue could be as much as £500,000 a season as the Town End terrace, which is segregated into two areas, accommodates a total of 3,130 supporters.

The home supporters’ terrace accommodates 1,810 while 1,320 is given over to away fans.

Any closure would impact on the rest of the ground with the chairman having to find an alternative area to accommodate away fans. He said: “Our bankers, the Bank of Scotland, have been most supportive. But I have to find the money from somewhere.”

Mr Scally submitted plans for the new stand to Medway Council last week. It will accommodate 3,200 supporters and would be slightly larger than the Rainham End.

Away supporters would have their own section near the Gordon Road side of the ground.