The Tigers last year were successful in obtaining a State government grant for the project. This would include work on the roof of the grandstand as well as badly needed extensions to the change rooms.

The club will also upgrade the canteen and replace fencing along the perimeter of the ground. Mr Spencer expects the canteen and fencing will be finished in time for the start of next year’s premiership.

Related reading: Tigers facilities destined for upgrades

Club officials met with MidCoast Council last week to discuss the matter. Mr Spencer said the delays have been caused by ‘bureaucracy.’

“We had a productive meeting with council,’’ he said.

“But somethings these things move slowly. It has been a bit frustrating and ideally we would have liked the work finished by the start of next year. But I won’t be holding my breath.’’

This will be the first major project undertaken at the sporting complex since it was opened in 1977. Funding was originally obtained through the Whitlam government’s RED Scheme.

Mr Spencer explained this is part of the problem.

“Because the ground was originally built in the time of the old Wingham (Municipal) Council they’ve had trouble finding the plans,’’ he said.

“That’s caused a bit more of a delay. It is frustrating, but the the work will be worth the wait when it is finally completed.’’

The Tigers were the best performed of the southern clubs in last season’s Group Three premiership, bowing out in the minor semi-final when beaten by eventual premiers, Port Macquarie.

Wingham go into next season full of confidence after signing club junior and former NRL star Mick Sullivan as captain-coach. Last season’s player-coach Danny Russell has also re-signed as has former North Coast representative Kurt Lewis, who last turned out for Wingham in 2017. Lewis played with Group 21 club Muswellbrook Rams.