Motherwell FC will lead the way for Scottish Football with innovative new warm-up areas being added to the Fir Park pitch ahead of the new season.
Head Grounds man Paul Matthew and assistant Stuart Harker are overseeing the operation which will lead to extra protection for the pitch during the 2017/18 campaign.
And the new areas, located behind both goals, will be ideal for visiting teams as well as the Steelmen throughout the season.
Paul Matthew said: “It’s something we looked at a couple of years ago when we realised that we had a problem with the intensity of the warm-ups within the SPFL and the top flight.
“It became a problem in terms of the damage that is incurred on the pitches during warm-ups so we came up with an idea of extending the pitch to create a warm-up area for teams to use.
[pullquote]The primary function of it is to take the hardwearing exercises and warm-ups, including goalkeepers, off the park, but still have them on grass.[/pullquote]
“We had more room at the South Stand than we did in front of the Cooper, so we extended the South Stand side by six-metres and we’re going to put in a hybrid carpet, which can take a lot more wear and tear during warm-ups.
“Goalkeepers will now go back there, teams can do their drills, fast-feet and intense work off the pitch area which means the pitch is there for what it is meant for… the game.”
And the exciting development is a first in Scottish football, and could well inspire other clubs.
Paul said: “It is a first in Scottish football. There are clubs that have hybrid pitches, but none are using the surface we will be using called Extra Grass which we have done our research on and we are excited to use over the course of next season.
“We think we can do other small things with it, for example our players will be able to do fitness tests on it, maybe do a bit during the week instead of having to go up to Dalziel Park.
“The primary function of it is to take the hardwearing exercises and warm-ups, including goalkeepers, off the park, but still have them on grass.”