New pitch pictures

The season may be over for Micky Adams’ side but for Head Groundsman Steve Speed the real work has just began.

Steve’s team will be tending to the Vale Park pitch over the coming weeks in preparation for the first pre-season fixture at home against Derby County on July 16.

Work has already begun, 10 inch deep trenches have been dug a metre apart across the pitch. These trenches are being filled with rye grass seeds.

The aim of this method is to allow natural water drainage that will help keep the pitch in a near-perfect condition all-year round.

To help aid water drainage further, a massive 60 tonnes of sand will be going onto the Vale Park pitch.

Steve Speed, Head Groundsman, said: “The preparation for next season has started already in terms of the pitch, all we need now is some nice warm weather to help it grow."