CHAIRMAN Jeff Mostyn insisted Cherries would be remaining “open minded” about the possibility of a permanent return of standing on the terraces.

Mostyn has been heavily involved in discussions on the issue after all Football League clubs were last month sent a consultation document asking for their opinions.

While standing is currently allowed in League One and League Two, Championship grounds must be all-seater after a club has played in the second flight for three seasons.

The subject was initially raised at the Football League’s annual chairmen’s conference in June when clubs voted to investigate the matter further.

Mostyn told the Daily Echo: “The club are currently open minded in respect of safe standing and not under any pressure to make a decision.

“I have been involved in the debate in my role with the Football League and FA Council and am certain it will continue to gather momentum among the clubs.

“The next step is to discuss the findings of the Football League consultation in more detail at the next full meeting of the clubs, scheduled for February 6. Any change would not happen overnight.

“Changes would require the full support of the FA, Premier League, Football League, Police Federations, the Sports Grounds Safety Authority and, of most significance, the Government.

“In my opinion, the Government will not, under any circumstances, change the current legislation unless it is fully convinced there will be absolutely no danger or threat to public safety.”

One solution which has been suggested would see clubs install hybrid rail seats that could be flipped up or down as required to allow safe standing behind chest-high rails.

The consultation paper included the following four key questions

  • Should the Football League approach the Minister for Sport to request that the all-seater stadia requirement for Championship clubs be reviewed with a view to the re-introduction of standing accommodation?
  • Should the Football League approach the Sports Grounds Safety Authority to request that rail seating products be licensed in Football League grounds?
  • Should clubs be permitted to accommodate supporters in rail seating in the Championship?
  • Should clubs be permitted to revert from seating to standing accommodation in League One and League Two following relegation from the Championship?