News

Diggers stop play

Work has started this week on the new drainage system and outfield replacement at Old Trafford.

Oxford-based company, “White Horse Contractors”, were awarded the contract to install the new state-of-the art drainage system and outfield earlier this year, and they moved in swiftly to get started after last Sunday's R.E.M. concert at the ground.

“White Horse” have extensive experience in this area, most recently constructing Chelsea Football Club’s new Training Facilities at Cobham in Surrey and the rebuilding of Ascot’s Racetrack.
 
Lancashire Head Groundsman Peter Marron explained; “We are rebuilding the entire outfield and replace the existing drainage with a system similar to that of Lord’s.  Everyone witnessed during the Test against India earlier this year just how effective the Lord’s drainage system is – and although our new outfield will work on the same principles, we are making sure that we have a system tailored towards the specific needs of Old Trafford.”
 
It is expected the job will take around eight weeks to complete, and this of course will mean a brand new outfield for the 2009 season.

Website editor Ken Grime took these photographs of the ground at the start of the work, an you can keep up to date with progress via the club's Webcam at: http://www.lccc.co.uk/weatherstation/