After three long years of deadlock it seems we’re finally just weeks away from seeing heavy equipment at Lionel Road. Brentford FC really need that to happen.

Back when the proposed Lionel Road stadium received planning permission in 2013 and 2014 it seemed the Bees might become the first major club in London since Arsenal to build their new stadium.

Unfortunately a number of setbacks derailed the project so much that we’re half a year after the first expected opening date and work on site is yet to begin. One of the crucial obstacles was securing all land necessary for the development. This was finally enabled in August, when compulsory purchase order was granted.

Now preparations are well underway to break ground. “I can't give an exact date but I hope it's within the first quarter of this year. Hopefully before we get to the end of March, we'll have started on site,” chief executive Mark Devlin said, quoted by GetWestLondon.co.uk. “We're still hopeful of making the 2019/20 season.”

Breaking ground on the new 20,000-seater soon may be important for another reason. Brentford FC have been ordered to convert their terracing at current Griffin Park into seats by the Football League.

This would seriously limit capacity, which is why BFC asked for a hold on the order until they move to the new stadium. Progress at Lionel Road is necessary to convince the football body to agree.