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Just pitch up and play!
THE Keepmoat Stadium pitch is looking "just champion" according to the groundstaff following a major renovation project.
Assistant head groundsman Alan Decent told The Star that he is confident the pitch will do justice to Doncaster Rovers' Championship status next season.
"We've got a Championship side and hopefully we've got a Championship pitch - it's looking that way," he said.
The pitch came in for widespread criticism last season - not least because it hampered Rovers' efforts to pass the ball about at times.
But that shouldn't be a problem when the 2009-10 season gets under way next month, thanks to the work that has been carried out in the last few weeks.
The fact that the pitch hadn't been 'serviced' since the stadium opened at the start of 2007, was reflected in the amount of organic matter cleared from the pitch by the outside contractors.
"The wet weather at the end of May and early June meant that the work was held up and we fell a bit behind schedule," said Decent, who has worked at the complex under head groundsman Andy Thompson since it opened.
"But once they were able to get on the pitch and get started, it was all hands to the pumps and we got the job done.
"In an ideal world, you do renovate the pitch every year, but it costs money. 18 months is probably about right."
Since the pitch has been cleared of the organic matter, it has been covered in sand, verti-drained and seeded.
"It has been good growing weather in the last couple of weeks and everything is looking good," said Decent.
The first football game on the new-look pitch is Mickey Walker's testimonial against Wolves on August 1.
After enduring criticism over the state of the pitch last season, Decent is hoping for a pat on the back from fans this xampaign.
n Meanwhile, Premiership newcomers Burnley, and Championship club Cardiff City - who are looking for a replacement for Roger Johnson following his 5 million move to Birmingham - are the latest clubs to be linked with Rovers defender Matt Mills.
Rovers could come up against former skipper Graeme Lee in their Carling Cup first-round tie at Notts County on Aug 10.
The 31 year-old, who left Rovers at the end of the 2007-20008 season, signed for the Second Division side yesterday after being released by Bradford City as a cost-cutting measure midway through a two-year contract.
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Friday 25 May 2012
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