![]() Tuesday, 2nd Jun 2009 08:29 Chief executive Simon Clegg says that rebuilding the Cobbold Stand is back on the Portman Road agenda. The Cobbold Stand, built in 1971 and known for many years as the Portman Stand, is the oldest of the ground's stands. Plans for redeveloping the Cobbold Stand were first mooted during Town's time in the Premier League and TWTD has previously seen plans for a new structure along the lines of the current North Stand. The proposal was put on hold after the Blues' relegation and subsequent ongoing financial problems, but Clegg says it could be revived if attendances justify an increased capacity: "We have one very historic stand and we will just have to see how the club develops, but it is a natural long-term plan at some stage. "If we are filling this stadium week-in and week-out and we need extra capacity, then there is only one place it can come from and that is the Cobbold Stand. "If we had a fundamental shortfall in capacity then we would expand, even if it meant doing so when we are still in the Championship.†Clegg says dropping the Cobbold name from the stand could also be considered in favour of sponsorship: "What we would have to do is balance between driving revenue and appreciating tradition. "The values and traditions are very important to me and to this club. I hope we will be seen as a club fit for the 21st century while recognising what has been achieved and the values and traditions of where this club has come from.†The current Cobbold Stand was built in 1971 at a cost of £180,000 and was extended to the full length of the pitch during the 1974/75 season when the old club shop and office accommodation was added, taking the overall cost to £500,000.
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