Good news: safe standing may be installed in Kingsford Stadium. Bad news: Aberdeen remind that relocation from Pittodrie is still years away.

Aberdeen FC chairman Stewart Milne confirmed that safe standing is a highly demanded feature of the planned stadium in Kingsford. As consultation is ongoing, supporters seem eager to see rail-seating at their new home. However, Milne reminds that it’s not happening for a few years…

Speaking at the club’s AGM Milne said: “When we come down to developing the detail, and we won’t be doing that for a few years yet, we will have had the feedback from some of the other clubs (such as Celtic) who will have been trialing safe standing. […] We would like to think by the time we finalise the plans for the stadium we will incorporate a standing area in it.”

As standing areas are legal in Scotland now, Milne shows cautious enthusiasm for the solution. But first Aberdeen need to secure funding for the stadium and training complex. Or, should we say, training complex (phase 1) and stadium (phase 2). First, by mid-2017, the team hope to have £10 million ($12.5m) for the five playing fields planned in Kingsford.

Once that phase is delivered, construction of the stadium may commence. It’s much more expensive than the first phase, expected to cost £40 million ($50m), but also has more potential to raise the needed funds.

Aberdeen will sell Pittodrie, increase share sale and seek naming rights partner for the stadium. Should there still be a gap in financing, the club is likely to cover it with a loan.