Stand has delivered

HANDSOME: the new stand, full of spectators at last

IT’S official: Boundary Park is a four-sided stadium once again.

It’s been seven years since Latics supporters have been able to sit on the Broadway side of the ground, but on Saturday, the new north stand opened for the first of three test events.

Close to 1,200 fans sat in the middle section of the stand, which will also be home to the club shop, a gym and conferencing facilities.

Planning officers made several visits during the week but final work and checks were completed on Saturday morning after it was confirmed spectator safety could be guaranteed.

Fans lucky enough to sit in the North Stand on its maiden appearance were united in their praise of the new facility. Andrew Huskinson, who joined other volunteers on Saturday morning to wash the new seats ahead of the game, said: “Good things come to those who wait, but I didn’t think we’d have to wait this long before the stand finally opened.

“So many people worked so hard in making this happen. I am glad I could do my bit before the game and it was great to see people mucking in. The atmosphere during the match was great and there were happy faces everywhere.”

Fans on social medis were equally impressed by the new facilities