That's the verdict of chairman Andy Firbank as Celtic's attempt to sell off part of their land for housing which in turn would pay for the upgrade of Throstle Nest enters extra-time.

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The scheme was rejected by Leeds City Council's west plans panel last month despite a submitted report recommending it for approval, but it is now back on the agenda for March 20.

And Celtic are working overtime to try and ensure the plan will be acceptable to all parties as the future without it could make grim reading for a club which has won three promotions in four seasons to reach their current heights.

Firbank said: "The bottom line is we can't continue to operate at this level without changing the infrastructure of the club. The facilities on a busy match-day are stretched beyond the limit, they are now at breaking point.

"We need to do something to expand the facilities and make the match-day experience more pleasant for everyone.

"If we can't develop we can only go one way because we are struggling to cater for the football requirements of the success story that is Farsley Celtic.

"We have got to improve. To do that we need money and the only way to get that is to sell part of the ground. That would generate better facilities, better car parking, and would enable us to keep the momentum going and go forward.

"We simply can't stand still. We need to go forwards because if we stop now we will go backwards. That's the reality of the situation."

Firbank has been more than happy with Celtic's crowds this season, which are averaging out at more
than 760. Their highest attendance was more than 1,600 for the visit of York City in November.

But the average is the second-lowest in the division and if Celtic, who are currently embroiled in a relegation battle, are to compete at the business end of the table in the future, they are going tohave to improve on that.

And Firbank sees the way to attract bigger crowds regularly is to stay in the Conference, have a good product on the pitch and provide the best possible facilities.

If their latest plan, which would involve the building of 26 houses and 31 flats by Bellway Homes, gets the go-ahead, it would enable them to extend the main stand all along one touchline, redevelop the club
house, sports hall and junior pitches, and significantly improve car parking.

The move would also benefit the local community, and the 23 boys and girls teams under Celtic'swing.

Sport England and the council's sport and recreation officer have supported the application.

"The match-day would be a more pleasant experience for everyone and in that instance they would be more likely to come back," added Firbank.

"We are really happy with the way the crowd has developed this season. It's the biggest growth in the Conference and over the last four years I would say we are one of the biggest success stories in football in general if you take things on a percentage basis.

"We need to increase it further, we're very aware it takes time to build these things up, but in order to do that we will have to increase the facilities. That's the top and bottom of it."

Firbank is happy he and his board made the right decision when they opted to promote John Deacey from assistant to manager when Lee Sinnott was head-hunted by Port Vale in November.

Deacey's January rebuilding job is starting to pay dividends, with Celtic climbing out of the relegation zone following a victory at Stafford Rangers and at home to Cambridge United.

Firbank is now hoping football fans can do their bit and help Celtic fight the corresponding battle.

Football supporters in general are being urged to sign a petition by visiting www.farsleyceltic1908.co.uk which would support Celtic's planning application.

Petition sheets will also be included in the match-day programme for forthcoming games.

"It's fair to say we currently have the best team we have ever had at Farsley Celtic," said Firbank. "The passion in the dressing room is immense at the moment.

"We can also see a shift in the supporters' position. The feedback we are getting is it's like being on a
rollercoaster again. It's something we haven't had in the last six months after enjoying the ride for
the previous four years.

"We are confident we made the right choice when we made John manager and that we have the right
players in place to keep us at this level of football with a view to building on it next season.

"We want to still be playing in the Conference, but challenging at the business end. We are absolutely
adamant that there is room in Leeds for two football clubs of League status and we thoroughly intend to be
that second club.

"The rest of them talk about it, but we get on with it and we want that to continue.

"Our plans are not dead in the water but we do need people to vote on the website and I appeal to all
sports fans in Yorkshire to log on and register their support."