By PON_News
The home of Notts County, Meadow Lane, has undergone a transformation that promises to elevate the club to new heights. The stadium, steeped in history and tradition, has had its first full pitch reconstruction since the 1990s, a project that signifies the club's ambition and commitment to progress.
Despite the commendable efforts of the ground staff, it has become increasingly evident that the pitch was in desperate need of a complete overhaul. The underlying drainage system and sub-soil base had begun to fail, necessitating a total replacement. It's a testament to the resilience of the team that the club managed to avoid match postponements due to waterlogging this season. "We had massive problems with the underneath of the pitch. Everyone sees it nice and green and lush, but we struggle with drainage," explained Matt Hallam.
The board had recognised the urgency of the situation and agreed to modernise the entire infrastructure of the pitch and its surroundings. The comprehensive project has introduced a state-of-the-art drainage system, virtually eliminating the threat of waterlogging. "Many times last year, we had a really bad winter with a lot of rain and waterlogging. We did get lucky a few times, but this really had to be done," Hallam noted. He also mentioned that after removing the turf, "you could see the standing water on the actual soil," highlighting the extent of the drainage issues.
Furthermore, a new hybrid SIS pitch has been installed, bringing the composition of our playing surface up to Premier League standards. Hallam elaborated, "We still use perennial ryegrass when we seed, and they probably won't see the artificial fibre stitched in because it's only like 4% of the surface. But it just means it's a lot stronger for us."
The improvements will also enable Notts to meet FIFA standards in terms of playable area, positioning us to host top-class football events and other sports such as rugby, should it make financial sense. "We've extended the pitch widthways and lengthways as well so that it gives us a chance to host events in the future if we needed to," Hallam confirmed.
In anticipation of consistently lengthy cold spells, an undersoil heating system has been installed. However, due to the costs involved, it won't be connected to a boiler until such time as a number of matches are put at risk. "We're putting undersoil heating in to future-proof it. If we put it in now, there's a choice in the future that we can then just connect it," Hallam stated.
These upgrades reflect the club's forward-thinking approach and dedication to providing the best possible facilities for both players and fans. Hallam expressed gratitude, saying, "I just want to say a massive thanks to Jay Hearn, Martin Kavanaugh, and Sean Robinson for all their work last year and with their work here. We're really thankful for the owners putting all the investment in; I think they've been absolutely amazing for the club, and we couldn't ask for more."
The tireless efforts of the Notts County ground staff, led by Hallam, have ensured that Meadow Lane is not only a historic venue but now also a state-of-the-art facility. Their dedication and hard work have been instrumental in this transformation, providing a playing surface that rivals the best in the country. The club's commitment to enhancing the ground and facilities exemplifies their ambition and forward-thinking vision, setting a solid foundation for future success.
The entire Notts County community can take pride in these achievements, as they symbolise a new era of excellence for the club. The rejuvenated Meadow Lane is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved, and it stands ready to host countless memorable moments in the years to come.
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