Head Groundsman Trevor Hutchinson is delighted with the Meadow Lane turf…
The pitch is showing early signs of a fantastic playing surface despite only in it’s third week of growth.
Hutchinson has taken up extra responsibilities following Stadium Manager Greg Smith’s resignation.
He told Magpie Player: “With Greg leaving, the decision to do with the pitches will be mine and I can’t wait to get started.
“It will be the first year without the rugby and it’s probably the best germination we’ve ever had, the plants already strong after ten days or so.
“If we’re not in the running for the top three of groundsman of the year this time round, I will be kicking my own backside.
“We have changed the seed mixture now we don’t have rugby on there. We have 100% germination rather than struggling.
“I’m very happy at this stage. There are a couple of stubborn areas that we tend to get and we’ve over seeded them last Monday.”
And it’s not just Meadow Lane where Hutchinson’s team is concentrating on. The Groundstaff have been at the club’s training ground at Arnold with the players returning in early July.
He added: “The Training Ground at Arnold is looking very well. The rain has helped the growth and I’m sure they will be slightly better than last year.
“We changed the seed again and we are expecting a real germination and a quick establishment. We’ve also got the news that water will be accessible for the pitches up there and that’s key or the players and management.”
The club would like to thank Stadium Manager Greg Smith for all his handwork at Meadow Lane and wish him all the best with his new role.
Magpie Player subscribers can watch the full interview by clicking here.
A preview of the interview can be found below on the club’s You Tube channel.