Chairman Tony Kleanthous says Barnet are to embark on an accelerated building programme to bring Underhill up to Football League standard.The Bees have received planning permission to redevelop their ground and work will start immediately on a £500,000 project to bring the ground up to standard by the end of the season. This will involve the construction of a roofed south stand and part of a covered north stand as well as provision for viewing for disabled supporters.

The council's decision came as a major boost for the League Two club, who could have been expelled because the current facilities at Underhill do not fulfil Football League requirements. The new south stand, replacing the temporary seating that was dismantled a fortnight ago, will hold about 1000 spectators and allow the club to meet the Football League's criteria of 2000 covered seats.

The part of the north stand which is being redeveloped will provide around 200 covered seats for away fans. The club are looking for sponsors for the new stands.

He told the club's official website: "We want to start straightaway, although we have the approval it still has to go to (Mayor of London) Ken Livingstone to be rubber stamped and we hope they won't have any issues.

"We have to meet the league deadline. It has to be built, in place and in service by the end of the season so we are going to be moving very quickly. I am an optimist so I think we are going to accelerate the building programme and see if we can get it ready by the end of January."

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