Liverpool’s further expansion of Anfield hinges on the success of the new Main Stand, club officials have revealed.
Completion is nearing on the newly-constructed stand, opened in September, which increased the stadium’s capacity to 54,000 for the first time since 1977.
But Reds owners Fenway Sports Group are yet to decide on whether to redevelop the Anfield Road Stand despite having outline planning permission granted.
Should Liverpool press ahead with the plans, which would see attendances rise by an additional 4,800, but Anfield chiefs have regularly urged caution over the plans.
FSG’s principal owner John W Henry hinted that the ongoing furore over ticket prices may force the Americans to reconsider their plans to expand the stadium.
Outgoing CEO Ian Ayre warned that the costs of renovation would stand in the region of £70 million.
In a meeting with Liverpool’s supporters’ committee last month, operations director Andrew Parkinson has set this September as the time frame for the club’s decision on expansion.
He said: “In terms of Anfield Road, and making a decision, it would be based on how well the Main Stand had performed. This is still very much the case.
“However, the club has been investigating numerous options with regard to the re-development of Anfield Road and this is similar to the programme the club undertook with the Main Stand.
“Each will review different economic and construction models, all of which would need to be in the best interests of the club.
“The club has outline planning consent and is working within the timeframe set therein.”