Greenfinger wanted, apply within

Last updated : 15 June 2011 By Firparkcorner

The horrific and expensive history of the playing surface hardly needs repeating to 'Well fans who have become used to the annual outcry as players try to cope with an almost unplayable surface in the winter months.

The club has spent around £600k in the last few years in an attempt to remedy the deep seated problems on the pitch. A fortune has been invested in the latest machinery, the groundstaff has been increased and the club is now one of the very few in the SPL to retain the services of the SportsTurf Research Institute (STRI) with an ongoing consultancy.

The new appointee will have every chance to deliver one of the best playing surfaces north of the border.

Here's a summary of some of the major happenings in recent years.

 tractor_2004

 Undersoil heating 2004

It seems that the subsoil was baked by the heat from the pipes and water was prevented from reaching the drains.   As a result the surface became waterlogged in parts.

rolls_feb2008

 New turf - February 2008

Rather than the expense of a complete fix following the puncturing of the pipes in an attempt to ensure that water could drain away.  An emergency returfing exercise took place in 2008.

SPL_pitchinspector_feb2010

The SPL inspector calls - February 2010

The pitch deteriorated as the harsh winter led to the undersoil heating drying out the soil.  It crumbled. The SPL made a public display of their concern.

 


newpitch_june2009

June 2010 New pitch, new undersoil heating and seed rather than turf

The complete rebuilding of the pitch in June was a very costly and thorough exercise.  Surely we would have the best surface in Scotland?

 

 

fibre_sand_june2010

Fibre sand - June 2010

Bind the roots together with some magic dust (actually, fibre sand was used)  and reseed (again)

 

pigeons_march2011

 The best fed pigeons in Lanarkshire