FOOTBALL fans were at "serious risk" of being crushed at a match at Meadow Lane, a safety review has found.

It happened at half-time in the match against Chesterfield on March 9, when maximum capacity for away fans was breached.

On match day inspections, fire exit doors from the Jimmy Sirrel stand onto County Road were found not to open correctly, the review found.

And the movement of spectators between stands was "insufficiently controlled".

Despite the findings of the annual review into the club's general safety certificate, managers said they hoped to increase capacity at Meadow Lane as the club prepares for the forthcoming season in League One.

Last year, the club had its capacity of 19,318 slashed by more than 5,000 seats by Nottingham City Council, because of safety concerns.

This year, the capacity for most football games will stay at 13,459.

The council has highlighted further safety fears and is also worried about spectator parking around the ground, including in Iremonger Road, preventing access for emergency services.

Jim Rodwell, chief executive of the club since February 17, said: "There have been incidents while we've been in situ but it's like anything else, there's problems which have hung over for four or five or six years which we've inherited.

"Chesterfield is an example – we've now gone out of our way to change the issue of segregation in the Jimmy Sirrel stand, we've made positive steps to change that."

Away supporters will now be moved to the other end of the Jimmy Sirrel stand, by the family stand, which will increase capacity for away fans.

Since Mr Rodwell's arrival at the club, a safety officer – a retired police chief inspector – has been appointed.

Safety stewards will also be re-interviewed and new computerised ticketing systems introduced to reduce queuing and monitor fan numbers.

Mr Rodwell said: "We believe we've made really great strides, what we're trying to demonstrate is that we do take it very seriously, the safety of our supporters is absolutely paramount."

The club will soon ask for the capacity to be reviewed.

Mr Rodwell said: "The team have strengthened this summer, we've got bigger clubs coming here next year and we want to make sure the stadium is utilised. It's crazy to have 20,000 seats and not use them."

A spokesman for the city council said: "The club has taken some positive steps to provide reassurance of its commitment to ground safety and management.

"We will continue working with club officials to ensure that robust arrangements are implemented and embedded in their day-to-day activities."

Councillors are expected to approve the club's annual safety certificate at the regulatory and appeal meeting on Monday. Capacity can be increased during the year, if safety improves.