Barnet chairman Tony Kleanthous revealed last night that after a series of discussions with borough of Barnet planning officers he hoped that a "slimmed down" version of his deferred plan to upgrade Underhill to meet Football League criteria would find favour with councillors on December 11.

He said that a "reduced impact" of the development would be heard by Chipping Barnet Planning and Environment Committee on that date, including removal of most of the roof from the North terrace, a redesigned South Stand (with a reduced rotunda that does not impact so much on the Green Belt) and reduced height on the changing rooms.

Mr Kleanthous has already announced that builders are in place to start the upgrading to meet the League deadline by the end of this season - all that is needed is the green light from Barnet Council.

The chairman spent an hour on Thursday evening being interviewed on Hospital Radio Barnet by presenter Brett Ellis. In addition to talking about the current ground planning problems, he detailed his life as a Football League chairman, dealing with players' contracts and the struggle to keep hold of them when offers were made by clubs higher up the League.

Mr Kleanthous also met 13-year-old Bees fan Charlie Casson, a pupil at Finchley Catholic School.

Brett Ellis told www.barnetfc.com:"'Tony proved yet again what an invaluable asset he is, not only to Barnet FC but also to the borough of Barnet.

"Without Tony, I am under no illusion that the club would have gone under at various occasions over the past few years. He has fought like mad to save the club, to the detriment of other facets of his life, and for that he should be admired and commended. Lesser mortals would have walked away a long time ago.

" He really is the best chairman Barnet FC could wish for and I am positive that the fans will continue to give him the support he deserves in his ongoing crusade to ensure that Barnet finds a new home in the community it serves'".



Dennis Signy