Aberdeen have moved to ease fears about plans for a new stadium following the city council's cash crisis.
The football club have pledged to complete a key stage of the feasibility study into finding a site.
Aberdeen FC will underwrite partners Aberdeen City Council's share of the business case and concept design stages of the study.
The Pittodrie club hope the feasibility study for the 22,000-seat stadium will be completed early next year.
Kings' Links and Loirston Loch are the two designated sites being considered for the new ground.
"The redevelopment of Pittodrie is not an option, so it is absolutely crucial that we continue to look at the deliverability of these two sites"Aberdeen managing director Duncan Fraser told the club website: "With the start of the feasibility study, we are now really starting to push forward with the arena project and discuss how various key partners can get involved and it is vital for Aberdeen Football Club that we don't lose this momentum.
"As the council is reviewing expenditure on capital projects, we have taken the decision to underwrite the business case and concept design work, which is being tendered at the moment and follows the award last week of the environment and transport assessments as part of the feasibility process.
"This decision by the club should enable the full feasibility study to be completed by the turn of the year.
MY SPORT: DEBATE"There is a very strong feeling amongst the fans, business leaders, sports organisations and the general public that Aberdeen needs to have a community stadium.
"The redevelopment of Pittodrie is not an option, so it is absolutely crucial that we continue to look at the deliverability of these two sites."
The new stadium is likely to cost around £50m and could be built by 2012.
~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~26~RS~)