New pitch can take the strain

ATHLETIC have kicked off their pitch renovation work at Boundary Park.

The top half-inch of the surface is to be removed and a new dressing applied before re-seeding takes place.

It is expected the pitch will be ready to stage a game eight weeks after seeding is completed.

The work on the Dutch-constructed Desso pitch, which is 95-per-cent sand based, will cost £7,000.

Athletic are one of only 250 teams worldwide to have a Desso pitch which is reported to be three times more durable than a traditional grass surface.

That is because 20 million artificial grass fibres measuring a total of 40,000 kilometres are injected to a depth of 20cms to prevent it from breaking up.

Other clubs with Desso pitches include Manchester City, Arsenal, Tottenham and Feyenoord.