Greenock’s £8k Pitch Revamp: Life’s a beach for Morton’s groundsman after 60 tonnes of sand was spread onto the Cappielow pitch as part of an £8,000 renovation project.
The hallowed turf is undergoing an annual overhaul to ensure the playing surface is in pristine condition come the start of the new season.
Award-winning groundsman Mark Farrell, 42, is leading the two-week, intensive restoration work.
A total of 52 matches were played on the pitch last term by the Ton’s first team, development squad and Celtic’s Under-20s.
Despite still looking like a carpet come the end of another long season, Mark says it is vital to keep on top of the pitch, which is regarded as one of the best in the country.
He told the Tele: “The pitch had a lot of games and a lot of usage.
“It was getting tired and needed a rest.
“We’ve put some sand deep down to improve drainage a bit more, smoothed off the surface and put some fresh seed in.
“The surface was looking a bit tired so the key now is to make sure it’s looking healthy again.”
Around 150kg of grass seed has also been planted and Mark has been working once again with specialist contractors Campey Turf Care.
Mark said: “It’s coming along nicely and the weather has been great.
“This time last year it was a case of trying to get water off the pitch because it was so wet and this year I’m trying to get water on it.
“It will be fifteen years in September since I started here so I know the pitch inside out now.
“The club have never refused me whenever I’ve asked for anything and that’s a good thing.
“The club wants a good pitch that’s ready for matchday and that’s what I always work towards.”
The Cappielow surface is regularly praised by fans, players, managers and club officials from across the footballing world.
Morton chief executive Warren Hawke paid tribute to the hard-working grounds manager.
He said: “The pitch is one of our biggest assets and that’s why we continue to invest in it.
“We’re lucky to have an excellent person in charge of the playing surface in Mark.”
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