The current training facilities, based at Brockhall Village, were built 30 years ago and, whilst both sites service the basic needs of the senior squad and the young players at the Academy, the club says a more modern approach and the introduction of a fully integrated football model would better reflect Rovers’ ambitions.

The club is looking at a plan to develop a new coaching structure – to support and accelerate player pathway through the system – and integrate its two training centres into a single training base that would bring players, coaches and facilities all under one roof.

This enhanced focus on football development and future-proofing the club’s competitiveness in attracting and retaining the best players will provide the club with the best possible platform for future success.

The new facility would be built on the site of its current Academy, which will be financially assisted by redeveloping the Senior Training Centre site for new homes and community facilities.

The two pre-planning applications are inextricably linked, meaning the residential development can only go ahead in conjunction with the building of the new training facility on the Academy site.

The club is working with specialist consultants, who are in the early stages of engaging Ribble Valley Borough Council and the local Parish Council, and have submitted a screening request to inform a future potential planning application.