The annual close-season renovation is a vital part of maintaining the high standards expected at the Towbar Express Stadium, ensuring the playing surface remains in the best possible condition for players, staff and supporters alike.

The programme began with the pitch being cut down to an extremely low setting, effectively "scalping" the surface, to remove excess growth and prepare the ground for the intensive renovation process ahead.

The following day saw a full scarification and clean-up operation carried out. The pitch was worked in multiple directions, including lengthways, widthways and along both diagonals, allowing all unwanted organic matter and debris to be removed thoroughly. This stage alone required around nine hours of work to complete.

With the initial preparation complete, the pitch has now been handed over to Josh from Cutting Edge Grounds Maintenance Ltd to oversee the next phase of the renovation.

The process begins with vertidraining the surface to relieve compaction and improve airflow through the soil profile. The pitch is then reseeded using 300kg of professional turf mix, helping to establish strong, healthy new growth across the entire playing area.

Following seeding, approximately 60 tonnes of silica sports sand are applied to the pitch. This dressing helps improve drainage, levels the surface and creates the ideal growing environment for the new grass.

Fertiliser is then spread across the pitch to give the fresh seed the best possible start. From there, attention turns to a carefully managed daily watering programme, which will continue over the next six to eight weeks as the new grass establishes itself.

Once the new grass leaf is strong enough, further fertiliser treatments will be applied and regular mowing will begin. The grass height will gradually be lowered throughout the summer to achieve the optimum playing surface ahead of the new campaign.

The final stages of the programme will include accurately measuring and marking out the pitch, reinstalling the goalposts and carrying out the finishing preparations ahead of the club’s first pre-season fixture at home to Pickering Town on Saturday, 18th July (3pm kick-off).

The club would also like to place on record its thanks to East Riding Turfcare Ltd and Craig Housley, who continue to supply the materials and support required throughout the renovation process.

Supporters will no doubt appreciate the amount of work that goes on behind the scenes each summer, with countless hours invested to ensure the Seasiders once again have a surface worthy of the football played upon it.