Work will begin on Gloucester City Football Club's new stadium in the first week of 2020.

Construction firm Soldi will start work on the foundations of the new stands on January 6, the club have announced.

Groundworks to raise the level of the stadium has already been completed and now work will begin on building the stands that will make up the new 3,068 capacity stadium.

While that building work takes place, extensive renovation will take place at Arriva House - the main building that will house changing rooms, the club's offices and function room.

The club have also confirmed that work to level and put in appropriate drainage for the pitch will begin in February.

Steel for the two 350 seat stands that will sit either side of Arriva House and for the covered terracing at either end of the ground has already been ordered.

City co-chairman Alex Petheram said: "This is a massive step forward for the Club and its supporters, the city and in truth everyone involved in football. 

"Over the past six months we've moved mountains as a team to put things in place and square away a number of loose ends.

"As this project has been nothing but a dream for so many years, getting to this stage is fantastic."

Co-chairman Eamonn McGurk added: "It's been a long time coming, the Club has needed the drive, passion and investment for some years now.

"It's important we embrace the journey we're on as we build towards our return."

Vice-Chairman Steve Harvey said: "Without people like Eamonn and Alex our Club would just not be here. The time and not to mention money they have put in is massive.

"I'm very pleased to be a part of the team that finally brings Gloucester City back home."

The club hope to be home in time to play their first match of the 2020/21 season, but have started discussions about what they call a "plan B" groundshare agreement in case of delays.

City currently play at Evesham United's Jubilee Stadium and according to National League rules they must have an agreement lodged with the League and FA by March 31 to compete in the League.

The club have also confirmed that long-standing fan and current supporters trust chairman Dave Jones will become the club's new stadium manager.

He will vacate his current role in the Trust - who have raised more than £500,000 for the club - at the end of the current season.