CHERRIES manager Eddie Howe has welcomed the club’s proposals to increase capacity at Dean Court.

Chairman Jeff Mostyn reiterated last week that the club was pressing ahead with plans to expand the ground after initially revealing the scheme in an interview with the Daily Echo in August.

Mostyn has admitted there is a “desperate need” to facilitate bigger crowds at the venue and the club is hoping to increase capacity to 18,000.

In an exclusive interview with the Daily Echo, Howe said: “Any progression of facilities has to be welcomed. It is showing the club is continuing to move forward, both on and off the pitch. I think that is so important and this would be another step in the right direction.

“If we could bring in more home supporters, it would have a knock-on effect and create a better atmosphere. This, in turn, would benefit the team so I am all for it.

“The atmosphere against Ipswich on Saturday was very good. There is always a great feeling around the place when you have a sell-out crowd. From our perspective, you cannot underestimate how much of a difference it makes to the players.

“I know they love playing in front of packed houses and, hopefully, if the plans get the go-ahead, an increase in capacity would benefit us further.”