Portadown general manager Mark Beattie said that this is just the beginning of the process for clubs eager to carry out much needed upgrades to their stadiums.

The £36.2m will be allocated to clubs through an application scheme, with money being handed out from April next year.

“It has been a long time coming, it is good to see movement finally. The pot isn’t enough but there has been a promise and an eye to increase that,” he admitted.

“It is much needed and there is no doubt about that, we just need the proof in the pudding and everything to follow in behind the talk and get the wheels in motion.”

The Ports, who won promotion back to the Irish Premiership this season, have plans to redevelop their stadium, Shamrock Park.

“Talking from a Portadown perspective, we’ve been working on this for a long time we have planning permission and our ducks in a row to be as prepared as possible for when applications come out, so we are at the front of the queue,” Beattie explained.

“This isn’t the end of the road just the beginning. We have ambitious plans, and we just want to see that come true.”