WORK has begun on getting the Burton Albion pitch ready for the start of the Championship season on August 5.
The top surface was taken off the pitch yesterday ready for relaying to create a top quality playing surface for Nigel Clough's team.Head groundsman Simon Marshall said: "We take the top off, get rid off all the vegetation and then we top dress it with some new clean fibre sand, mix that in six inches or so, level it out and then we will re-seed it by the end of the week.
"Weather plays a big part and the forecast isn't ideal but it's usually only a week to get the whole job done."
Pre-season begins in July so the pitch will have to be ready in the next two months.
Simon says: "The longer we have to get it established the better - every day makes a difference. But it's a decent break and we should be in good shape.
"We try to improve, do what we can and produce the quality of pitch that is expected at this level."