As previously announced, the second predetermination meeting pertaining to the proposed development at Kingsford will take place at Aberdeen City Council on Wednesday 17^th January with the plans now scheduled to go before the full council on Monday 29^th January.

Stewart Milne, chairman of AFC, said: “We’re very pleased that we’ll have a decision by the end of January and are quietly confident we’ll get the right outcome.

“The recent report from the economic development department at the Council backs up our additional detail and analysis and there is now no doubt about the overall economic benefits to the city and wider region associated with our ambitious plans for Kingsford.

“Our proposals fit with regional and national economic policy which aim to boost communities through investing in people, infrastructure and assets, fostering innovation and promoting inclusive growth. In addition to the compelling evidence of the economic benefits to the wider city region, it’s widely recognised that when AFC performs well, there is a direct boost to the economy in terms of the feel good factor.

“Derek McInnes’ decision to remain at the Club is not only a major signal of confidence in AFC but also in Aberdeen itself and, with our return to winning ways, we must now reward this success by getting on with delivering the facilities our Club so badly needs.

“The latest information in our planning application underlines that there is no other site available or deliverable. As a region we need to continue to deliver progress and at pace; we cannot afford delays that will slow the momentum that has been building recently following one of the worst downturns in our local economy. AFC’s plans are privately funded, economically viable and can help support the delivery of the economic renaissance in the North-east. To ensure continued on-the-pitch performance and for the region to capitalise on these economic benefits we must deliver Kingsford as soon as possible.”