The Spireites are hoping that building work on a new stadium can commence as early as next July for completion for season 2007-08.

To meet that timescale full planning permission will be needed by early summer 2006 to provide for the twelve month's construction time required.

A meeting between Wilson Bowden Developments, who have bought the 25-acre Dema Glass site, and Chesterfield Borough Council, has already taken place. 

Dema site on the Old A61 Sheffield Road

Other key meetings between the new owners and McAlpine, who are lined up to build the 10,000-capacity stadium, have also taken place. 

Next key step soon for the football club will be to acquire, on an affordable basis, ten acres needed for the new stadium. 

It is expected that Wilson Bowden will be submitting their proposals for the overall Dema Glass site to the Borough Council in the near future. 

When they reach agreement on what can be acceptably developed on the remaining 15 acres, the football club will then be able to submit outline planning for their new stadium early in 2006.

Speaking to the press this week, Chesterfield's managing director Mike Warner said he was delighted that the club's proposed relocation had taken another step forward.

''Everyone is in a very positive frame of mind. The council earmarked the location, the developers want to get cracking and we are desperate to move,'' said Mike Warner.

''It could all fall into place very quickly. If everything goes well we could move there the season after next and Saltergate would be sold off as part of the deal,'' he said.

The designs for the new ground are still being worked on but a key element will be a main stand incorporating the corporate hospitality areas and banqueting suite. 

Also important will be provison for the club's community initatives, included in The Club's The Hub policy, probably located in the opposite stand.

It is expected that a new stadium, with all the comfortable facilities that spectators have now come to expect, could increase crowds by up to 40%.

Last season 2006-07?

Mike Warner said: ''The new ground will be developed on an affordable basis.  We want a quality design and the main stands are a priority as they will provide the facilities for seven day a week income as well as the concourses for supporters." 

Mike Warner added: "The final design of the ground will follow when we know what we can afford after our negotiations.  The stadium architect has already started work so we can make some early progress ahead of seeking final planning permission next year."

The club is hoping that some standing areas for home supporters can be incorporated into the design as well and this could even increase capacity.

Meanwhile, the club is also talking to the Borough Council about potential training facilities in the town and a couple of sites are being lined up for consideration. 

No details of the two options are being made available at this time as the owners of the two sites have still to be consulted.