City ask fans about Etihad expansion

MANCHESTER CITY have begun consulting supporters about a proposed expansion of the Etihad Stadium, including possible areas of safe standing.

City want to gauge appetite for an enlarged North Stand that would raise the ground’s capacity to about 63,000 from its current 55,000. The club secured planning permission for the project in 2014 but put the idea on hold, instead focusing on adding a third tier to the South Stand.

Fans were invited to give their input in a questionnaire about their experiences at home matches sent out yesterday. The club also asked for opinions on a proposal for two new hospitality bars — called Joe’s, after Joe Mercer, and 93:20, the minutes on the clock when Sergio Aguero scored to win the 2011-12 title — as well as changes to seasonticket and hospitality packages.

The champions are in favour of safe standing and could look to introduce rail seating behind both goals. A Government review may be completed in the near future and City asked fans which areas of the stadium, and at what price, would be most appealing. City also suggested they will cut prices of tickets in the North Stand should they press ahead and add 8,000 seats. An expanded singing section has also been mooted.

City’s players had a stressful landing on their return flight from Lyon yesterday. A storm with 70mph winds made for a turbulent descent into Manchester.

Kevin De Bruyne is set to miss City’s next two league matches as he recovers from a knee injury.