VICE-CHAIRMAN Chris Reeves insisted Poole Town would meet their ground grading deadline after an initial inspection had thrown up “no surprises”.

Dolphins have received the full itinerary of requirements for the Football Association’s C grade – the minimum standard for clubs in the Southern League Premier Division – after their Tatnam HQ was scrutinised last Thursday.

The list of work includes provision for extra covered seating, an additional turnstile, more toilets for supporters, an upgrade of social facilities and permanent hard standing (concrete walkway) around all open areas of the ground.

In line with standard regulations, Poole have until March 31 next year to complete the work with non-compliant clubs risking relegation irrespective of league position.

But bullish Reeves remained adamant that failure was not an option after the club had worked so hard to return to the Southern League’s top table.

On the prospect of getting the work completed, Reeves told the Daily Echo: “It is a significant job but it has to be done, there are no two ways about it.

“We have done our homework, particularly with the stand, and we know who is going to do the work. Everything is in place.

“When the report came through there were no surprises in there, we were aware of everything the inspectors highlighted.

“The two biggest jobs will be the stand and the additional turnstile. When you break it down like that it doesn’t sound significant but with the extras we have planned the size of the task suddenly increases.

“Guidelines over things like stands are black and white but there are shades of grey when it comes to social facilities because the specifications aren’t as precise.

“But we don’t regard them (Tatnam’s social facilities) as good enough and don’t need to be told that they are inadequate. We are very keen to improve our facilities for players and supporters and a lot of hard work has gone into making that happen.”

The club have recently received planning permission and landlord’s consent from Poole Borough Council for the work with Reeves revealing an additional agreement has been reached to put down a permanent path on the school side of the ground.

When the club opens that side of the ground to extend the school field during the closed season, the concrete will be covered by an artificial surface.

Town’s long-serving director also added the current temporary fencing used to surround the dressing rooms and club offices on matchdays would be replaced with permanent structures with access to the public right of way maintained.