County to be pitch perfect for return

THESE are challenging and dangerous times’, but what few of us know is just what will emerge at the end of the current Covid19 pandemic .

With plans emerging slowly to ensure a tentative resumption as far as County and the National League are concerned, do we know much about the basics needed to ensure any resumption is as smooth as possible?

One concern to many County fans, is the state of the Edgeley Park playing surface.

How is that most essential element of the equation making out?

Well, my information is that the pitch is still receiving TLC from our contractor Premier Turf and a couple of the Help the Hatters volunteers (and Supporters Cooperative members) Mike O’Brien and Adrian Caville are helping out, whilst observing strict ‘distancing regulations’ as per instructions of Stadium Maintenance Manager Richard Hinks.

Since the Barnet game the pitch has been brushed clean and any divots repaired.

The shut down has produced an ideal opportunity to re-seed both goal areas and the centre circle.

In addition a full aeration of the pitch was undertaken using a tractor mounted verti drain (big spiker) and a pro corer (light spiker).

The pitch was then fertilised with a spring feed, which has given the grass a boost, and together with the recent spell of fine weather the pitch is now being cut three or four times per week.

In order to comply with Government regulations, 90 per cent of the tasks can be achieved with a single operative.

Where more than one person is required to complete a task social distancing and other Government guidelines are being followed.

Along with the above tasks the usual work is carrying on, such as weeding and machine maintenance, and it is clear that the Edgeley Park pitch is in good hands, and will be ready when matches resume.

Great stuff !