Portsmouth unveil 'substantial' North Stand work - but capacity under threat if season resumes soon

And, with a 14-week timescale, it is likely to impact on capacity for the current season – should it eventually resume.

The Blues are installing a new roof and introducing cladding, along with essential attention to the stand’s beams and other associated works.

The club have opted to carry out improvements now, utilising the break in fixture schedule during the coronavirus crisis.

It remains to be seen whether the 2019-20 campaign will be completed, while a resumption may initially consist of matches behind closed doors.

And during that wait, Pompey will be carrying out work to the North Stand.

In a club statement, Mark Catlin said: ‘These works are substantial and were planned as part of the 2020 summer programme.

‘However, due to the current uncertainty related to the Covid-19 crisis – and the potential of a short close season period – we have had to take the decision to start work now or risk it not being completed for the start of the 2020-21 campaign.

‘This could potentially have resulted in the stand being completely closed to our supporters.

‘It’s not a vanity project – this is essential work required to keep the North Stand open once football resumes.

‘The decision was a difficult one to take, as the time to complete these works is approximately 14 weeks.

‘We have taken a calculated risk that even if football does come back in the short-medium term, there is an assumption that it will be some time before supporters will be allowed to congregate in large numbers in stadiums.

‘Having consulted with our board and executive team, we have therefore made the decision to start the works now.

‘We are liaising with the construction company and local council to make sure this is done safely and in accordance with current government Covid-19 guidelines.’