Following receipt of prices from six contractors for the new training facility and a period of final negotiations, we are happy to announce that we have appointed a contractor to construct our new building at the training ground.

Announcing the news, Head of Development Richard Smith told stokecityfc.com, "The contract has been awarded to the Kier Group who have extensive experience in sports and leisure facilities and recently completed the Finch Farm complex for Everton Football Club.

"Kier have a strong presence in the city and it is hoped that the local population and businesses will benefit from being involved in the scheme.

"This was a factor in determining the outcome of the tender process."

Over the coming weeks Kier will be mobilising their team and completing necessary design work on the facility in order that they can commence works on site in early August.

The first task will be to erect the new perimeter fencing which will help us to provide enhanced security to our site.

In tandem with this, the contractor will be hoarding off the area of the training ground where the new building and ancillary structures will be erected.

During the construction work, the first team and some of the Academy will continue to train at the site.

The phasing of the project has been focussed around avoiding disruption to the team while construction takes place as this is the top priority.

It is anticipated that the new building will be available for use in readiness for pre-season training for the 2010/11 season with all works on the project complete by the end of July 2010.

More good news was received last week when the second phase of the training ground development was granted planning permission by Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council.

The Club will now be able to install a new floodlit synthetic pitch and erect floodlights around the main Academy match pitch.

This is again a major step forward in establishing Premier League facilities for the Football Club.