TONY NORRIS wants to see a stadium built which both supporters and Swindon residents can be proud of.

The Swindon Town Supporters Trust spokesman said: "It is exciting news and while the devil is in the detail, it has to be the way forward.

"Throughout all the club's troubles in recent years, the constant was various parties stressing the need for Swindon Town to find a new home in order to really progress and prosper.

"Personally I would like to see a Reebok-style stadium built, a bowl with the whole thing enclosed.

"I want a bold stadium that supporters and indeed the town of Swindon can be proud of.

"The design is important. We want a home and not four sheds to sit in.

Norris, who does not live far from the Shaw Tip site which looks to be the favourite, said: "Facilities do play a part in attracting supporters to a match. It is that along with how well the team is doing and how much it costs to get in."

Norris expressed support for the idea back in August. He felt the minimum-maximum capacities should be between 12,000 and 25,000.

Seven months on, his views have not really changed.

He said: "If they are talking about 23,000, then that's obviously room to cater for more fans, hopefully as the club succeeds on the pitch.''

As for those who feel reluctant to go, Norris said: "I think people sometimes fear change but we have to move forward."

The expected new stadium announcement combined with a lofty Division Two position demonstrates just how far Swindon Town has come in a very short space of time, says Swindon Town Supporters' Club spokesman Nigel Bennett.

He said: "This is an issue which has been bubbling along for a long while now and one the supporters club brought forward for debate more than three years ago.

"There is no doubt that many clubs who have taken this step in the past have benefitted by doing so.

"Personally, I'd be happy to see a Madejski-style stadium built rather than an Oxford United.

"The club has made real efforts in terms of consultation over the last year or so and I hope that will certainly be the case with this issue.

"Clearly not everyone is going to be happy but then you're never going to get 100 per cent backing."

As for the name of Town's future home, Bennett feels it should look to the future rather than the past.

He said: "You should acknowledge the past but not be blinkered by it.

"Whatever the name, let's build something that sends out a positive statement about Swindon."