With just over a month to go until Notts' first pre-season fixture at Meadow Lane the playing surface is looking in terrific shape.

Stadium Manager Greg Smith believes that the pitch is well on course to be in perfect condition by the time County take on Nottingham Forest in their first pre-season fixture on home territory before the 2009/10 season.

Said Greg: "We started our summer treatment of the pitch two weeks earlier than last season, and I think we're reaping the benefits at the moment.

"We've had some decent weather to be fair this year, which in all honesty did us no favours last summer.

"Just because we're looking in good shape now doesn't mean we're resting on our laurels, we're still working very hard to ensure the Gaffer has the pitch in the best possible shape for the season."