OXFORD United have officially ruled out building a fourth stand at the Kassam Stadium for the time being, but the project will ‘remain under review’.

The club’s promotion to Sky Bet Championship led to suggestions that the U’s could erect a fourth stand at Grenoble Road, in order to get the most out of playing second tier football.

However, in a lengthy statement released on United’s website, chief executive Tim Williams said the idea won’t be going further at the moment.

READ ALSO: Oxford United fans can subscribe for £4 for four months during flash sale

He said: “As some of you might be aware, we have also been exploring the potential of a fourth stand at the Kassam Stadium.

“We have undertaken extensive feasibility work and modelling, and looked at various proposals to see if this could be viable for the upcoming campaign.

“Unfortunately, both operationally and financially, this simply isn’t something we can take forward at this current time, but it will remain under review.”

He added: “There will be a lot more demands on us as a club this year, particularly given the increase in games broadcast on TV.

“Promotion to the Championship means we have to meet very strict facilities criteria, which requires significant investment.

“At the Kassam, we have a major works programme taking place that will see the installation of goal-line technology, new floodlights, enhancements to the changing rooms, new dugouts being installed, an upgrade to the tunnel, plus numerous other improvements.

“None of this happens without the enormous commitment and hard work of all of the staff here and I would like to thank each and every one of them for all that they are doing to get us ready for the new season.”

Last week, independent supporters’ group OxVox all but confirmed that the fourth stand project would not go ahead.

OxVox chairman Paul Peros said in a statement: “Conversations regarding a temporary fourth stand have been going on since shortly after our promotion.

“OxVox stated the case that we felt a fourth stand would be a massive boost for atmosphere and match day experience and potential fanbase.

“The club agree and have been working on feasibility. Sadly as it stands the money involved to rent, build, and run the stand under the strict EFL conditions would mean it not only would not make a profit, but it would also cost the club the price of a good midfielder. 

“While we have not given up on this cause as we feel it would make such a positive impact, we do understand the financial realities and as things stand, it seems unlikely to go ahead.”

Oxford United Supporters’ Panel said in their latest newsletter: “There has been detailed feasibility undertaken, but it is a complex issue and for both operational and financial reasons it is not viable.

“There is no one reason alone for this decision, and the club were keen to stress to us that all stakeholders worked constructively with the club in the process.

“This is another demonstration of why we need to relocate to our own stadium as soon as we can in order to have autonomy over such issues.”