Head Groundsman Chaz Woolnough has provided an update on the summer pitch renovation works, as him and his team gear up to get the surface ready for the 2023/24 season.
Extensive renovation works began this week at St James Park, and Chaz has explained why it was necessary to improve the surface.
"Having had tests done, we found that there were not enough fibres in the pitch, so we have killed the grass and then the guys came here yesterday (Sunday) and we shaved the top layer of the pitch off - the boys were here til 10.30pm. The pitch is going to be taken away and recycled.
"We've made even more improvements - we've adjusted the gradients round the edges, and there are 180 tonnes of fibresand going on. It has to be worked wet so the irrigation will be going on, so the fibre content will go on.
"This club has come a long way and it says a lot about the club that we can invest this money. We'ver got a great team, and they'll be playing on a great surface next season."
Hear from Chaz 👇