THE go-ahead to build Hucknall Town's new stadium is a 'massive step' forward, believes manager Tommy Brookbanks.

The club were given planing permission by Ashfield District Council last week.

To be built close to the existing Watnall Road ground on land off Aerial Way, the new facility is expected to have a capacity of about 3,000 and be built to Conference standard.

It is hoped Hucknall will be ready to move in for the start of the 2012-13 campaign.

And with Brookbanks determined to revamp the youth set-up at the club – including teams through the age groups – he feels the future is bright.

"It's absolutely fantastic, especially for Brian Holmes and the committee, who have worked so hard," he said.

"Hopefully, we will be in there within two years, which is the time I'm contracted, so it's exciting.

"It would be great if we can go in there as a Conference club and certainly the ground will be up to that standard because there is no point moving with more work needed to be done.

"It's going to be a massive step for this club, because it will open up a lot of commercial opportunities that means we can afford better players.

"It also just gives everyone a lift and a clean start. I have seen that when we moved grounds at Carlton.

"But for the moment, we have to concentrate on the job in hand and make sure things run smoothly on and off the field."

Hucknall were well beaten 4-0 by Northwich last week.

But he was more disappointed with Monday's 2-2 home draw with Stocksbridge, when the Yellows conceded a last-minute equaliser.

Brookbanks said: "We played well in the first 30 minutes at Northwich, but once they got the first, you never really felt we were going to come back.

"I expect them to be up there at the end of the season and I can't see them losing many games at home, even if they might find it harder away at some of the smaller grounds.

"Stocksbridge was one we should have won. Anthony Griffith junior put us 2-1 up but then made the mistake that led to their late goal.

"He went from hero to zero, but he will learn from that.

"But that is what you get with young players."

Tomorrow Hucknall travel to Colwyn Bay. Paul Robinson is unavailable, but Grant Brindley (calf) and Griffith junior (ankle) should be fit. Daniel Fletcher has rejoined Carlton.