Keeping up with the Jones's

Last updated : 18 November 2005 By Alistair Murray

From The Times: The catchment area is due to grow thanks to plans for the development of the Thames Gateway.

Murray said: "The regeneration of our local area and the South East region provide us with a unique opportunity to expand our support and commercial operations.

"There are 500,000 homes being built in the Thames Gateway region, plans are now in place for the development of the Greenwich Peninsular and the Millennium Dome, and the construction of a new bridge connecting the east and south of London has been approved by central government and is now the subject of public consultation."

The club have also taken steps to maximise support in their traditional Kent hinterland, launching the "Valley Express" bus service to home matches last season, which was used by up to 2,000 people for some games.

The club is also preparing to make room in the stands for more spectators. Planning consent has been given by Greenwich Council for an expansion of the capacity of The Valley from 27,000 to 31,000, with an eventual target of 40,000.