Yeovil hope to build a new 3,500-seat stand having welcomed Plymouth-based entrepreneur Chris Dawson as a major new partner at the League One club.

The tycoon is worth an estimated £300m and plans to create a retail park on land around Yeovil's Huish Park ground.

However, he will play no part in the footballing affairs of the Glovers.

"This is to ensure the club has the resources and supporters facilities to continue to compete in the Football League," said chairman John Fry.

"By developing the area around Huish Park we have the opportunity to bring in much needed investment to the club and the area.

If the planning application is successful, we will deliver more than 300 new jobs for the town as well as some established retail brands Entrepreneur Chris Dawson

"Without this investment there is a high chance that we won't meet the Football League's future demands for stadium improvements, which will mean that we may not be able to stay in the League.

"If this proposal is given the go-ahead by the council, we can deliver a great new leisure, sports and retail environment."

Dawson set up The Range chain of stores in 1990 and has previously been linked with a takeover at Yeovil's struggling League One rivals Plymouth Argyle.

He said: "If the planning application is successful, we will deliver more than 300 new jobs for the town as well as some established retail brands.

"I must, however, stress that at present any development plans for the site are in the very early stages. However, our proposals are being developed with the supporters, the community and the club's needs very much in mind."

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