THE start of a £7 million major redevelopment at the Brandywell Stadium in Derry is due to get underway in days.
When work at the Lone Moor Road ground commences it will mark the end of an era at stadium which has been home to Derry City since its entry into the Irish League in 1929.
Among the many international stars to have graced the pitch down the years are former French international David Ginola, the stars of FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester United and Celtic.
The legendary Eusebio was a visitor to the ground when Derry met Barcelona while the club – known as the Candystripes – even boasted a range of internationals on its books.
When Derry first entered League of Ireland football in 1985, it included former English international, Dennis Tueart in its early teams. It has also been a nursery for some of the best known names in the modern game, including Ireland international, James McClean.
When complete the redeveloped stadium will include a 955 seater stand, changing rooms, media facilities, meeting spaces and safety control areas and standing room for 270 spectators. It will bring capacity for the ground to 3,700 fans.
Welcoming the development, Derry’s DUP mayor Hilary McClintock said it was a hugely important investment for Derry City and Strabane District Council which owns the ground.
“The council is delighted to have reached this stage in the process and acknowledges the hard work that has gone into getting the project to this state," she said.
“It is a major project that will see real benefits for the local sporting fraternity and will have positive economic and social benefits for the people of the Brandywell and wider areas.”
It is anticipated that the newly redeveloped stadium will be opened within the next 12 months.
