The Addicks improved sales over 100% in the six months to 31 December 2000. More importantly, on the pitch, the club looks certain to retain its crucial Premierhip status. Although the club unveiled a net loss of £1.6m compared to a profit of £1m, increased commercial activity and a place in the top division boosted revenues from £5.9m to £11.9m. Keeping the club at the top though is proving expensive. £10m was spent on new and loan players during the period. However, success on the pitch looks to have guaranteed the South London outfit a slice of the new BSkyB TV deal which begins next season. Under the command of young turk Alan Curbishley, the club currently sits in ninth place and has an outside chance of a UEFA Cup place. The emotional highlight of the season was the awarding of an England cap to left back Chris Powell, the first Charlton player to sport the three lions for 36 years. Chairman Richard Murray stated that work had commenced on the £9m development of the Valley's North Stand, which will raise the ground's capacity to over 26,000.