SAINTS fans will literally be able to buy a piece of their favourite football club as part of a major sell-off bonanza.

The club plans to let fans buy pieces of the hallowed turf and season ticket holders look set to be able to bid for their own treasured seats.

Head of marketing, Paul Blanchard told the Daily Echo there would be a chance to buy any number of fixtures and fittings at The Dell even down to pictures and signs that have adorned the walls for years.

"We are going to be selling off the pitch and with special areas like the penalty spots, centre spot and corner quadrants we think we may run an auction.

"We have had a lot of interest from supporters already who have their eye on particular momentos.

"There is a sign as you come out of the players' tunnel which says Welcome to the Dell and, in the away team dressing room, there is a red wooden door with the Saints icon on it. We are sure items like these will prove very popular," he said.

Mr Blanchard confirmed that proceeds from the sale would be retained by the club and would go towards the cost of building the new £30 million stadium at Northam.

When Sunderland Football Club organised a similar sell-off they netted £150,000-£90,000 for fixtures and fittings.

Saints Director David Jones said: "This will be a one-off opportunity and it is likely to take place following the last game of the season.

"We still have to decide how we will allocate the turf and as yet we haven't fixed a price."

Nick Illingsworth, co-editor of the Ugly Inside fanzine, welcomed the plans and revealed he had his eye on an unusual fixture.

"I would love one of the toilet seats. I like the idea of sitting where some illustrious names from the past have sat before!" he said.

City planners have given the go-head for the Dell site to be bulldozed to make way for 228 flats and houses.

Now developers Barratt Homes look set to get in on the act of selling off memorabilia to fans - following the suggestion by council Development Control Board chairman Councillor Sue Blatchford.

The meeting had earlier been told that Barratts planned to use the debris left from knocking down the stands to build up the level on part of the site.

But Mrs Blatchford said the bricks should be sold to fans, instead.

"There will be literally thousands of Saints supporters who, I am sure, would like a brick as a sentimental reminder," she said.

Barratt Homes Southampton Division Managing Director Steven Wilks said: "This is a novel idea and we will definitely consider it.

"I understand the club is selling off the turf and seats - and the floodlights will probably be sold to another club."

The Dell will be replaced with 228 properties - including 44 affordable homes for young families and the elderly. Before the bulldozers can move in to clear the site a colony of bats must be moved from rafters in the supporters' stands.

Senior planning officer, Alan Sayle: "A condition will be imposed requiring the programme of any demolition to be done at appropriate times of the year to avoid damaging the bats' roosting areas.

"And the developers must contact English Nature over this matter."

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