Aberdeen Football Club (AFC) has confirmed it hopes a decision on plans to build a new £50 million stadium and training complex will be made before the end of this year.

Proposals for the new community sports hub, football training facilities and stadium at Kingsford were put on hold by the club in October to allow planning officials more time to properly assess the plans.

AFC Chairman Stewart Milne said: "Given our proposals are so vital for the club, but also have a major socio-economic significance for the city and wider region, we felt it was too important to go forward for a decision when it transpired that greater understanding was required, particularly around our approach to site selection and the need for co-location of the stadium and training facilities.

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"With one complex at Kingsford that encompasses a new stadium, football training academy and community sports hub, we will have a focal point for our footballers and their coaches to train and interact with the community, as well as off the pitch operations."

Mr Milne added the club and its planning experts are meeting regularly with council officers to go through all submitted information to ensure there is 'absolute clarity and understanding' on the key issues.

"This delay is obviously disappointing, but it's crucial that we have the best chance of getting the right decision for the club, the city, the region, our fans and the thousands of individuals from all communities who benefit from the activities of the Trust," Mr Milne said.

If approval is granted in December, the club aims to start work on site early next year, and to complete phase one – the community sports hub and football training facilities – with a year.

The new stadium is aiming to be ready for the 2020/21 season.

(LM)