PLANS have been unveiled for a 200-seat stand at the home of Dunbar United.

Ambitious proposals to continue the redevelopment of New Countess Park show a new stand being created, which the club hope will not only provide comfort for their fans but also help attract the right calibre of player to the club.

The Seasiders, who sit in the top tier of the East of Scotland Football League, can already look forward to a debut in the Scottish Cup this campaign after being granted a Scottish Football Association (SFA) licence.

Now, they are keen to continue that momentum as they bid to cement themselves as one of East Lothian’s top football teams.

Stuart Robertson, chairman of Dunbar United, was hopeful that a planning application for the stand would be with East Lothian Council by the end of the month.

He said: “I think it has always been the ambition of the club since we took over last summer to get the SFA licence and then turn our attention to getting a stand project up and running.

“This was the next thing.

“Our objectives for last season were to get the licence and to remain in the EoSFL Premier Division.

“We recognise in order to be competitive in the league, the challenge is getting players to travel to Dunbar.

“We really need something that sets us apart and that is facilities.

“It is difficult to compete on budgets but the thing that sets us apart is the facilities that the players get here.”

The specification of the proposed stand is still being finalised, with somewhere between 200 and 250 seats planned.

The project is likely to cost about £80,000, with Mr Robertson pleased to say that about 50 per cent of the funding for the stand was already in place.

The chairman praised the efforts of Dougie Gray, the club’s operations director, who has been a driving force in seeing the scheme move forward.

Mr Robertson stressed that the creation of the stand was not only an attempt to attract new players but also for the Seasiders’ faithful, many of whom would welcome a seat during a game.

He said: “I know the demographic of people following East of Scotland clubs.

“There are a lot of local guys and we have got more season ticket holders in the concessions category than the adults.”

East Lothian’s MSP Paul McLennan, who is also a councillor for the Dunbar and East Linton ward, backed the scheme.

The former Hibernian Football Club academy coach said: “I think it is fantastic news.

“It is a fantastic facility there but adding the stand will help that and help try to bring a better calibre of player and improve the overall experience.

“Somewhere with cover would be a massive improvement.”