Tigers secure new stadium

Castleford's long-term future in Super League looks to be secure after the Tigers received the green light to build a new stadium.

Castleford's long-term future in Super League looks to be secure after the Tigers received the green light to build a new 15,000-capacity stadium. Clubs applying for a three-year licence to play in the Super League from 2009 have to meet certain standards on and off the field - including the stadium and facilities. Castleford's current home at the Jungle unfortunately does not meet the criteria needed. However, having got planning permission for a new £15million stadium on the site of an old colliery, the Tigers believe they now should have no problem in making it into the proposed 14-team top-flight. Castleford chief executive Richard Wright said: "This is a massive step forward in making the Tigers dream of a purpose-built 21st-century stadium becoming reality. "We can now progress with confidence because whilst awaiting this news we have been moving ahead in tandem on the finances and again are confident of everything being in place. "As a result, we expect work to start soon with the aim of moving into the new stadium by 2010 at the latest, although we haven't as yet ruled out 2009. "This could prove one of the most significant days in the club's history and we will now be moving full steam ahead to reach our objective of becoming one of the leading players in Super League, operating out of a high-quality stadium."