Return of the (Tar)mac

During the middle of the last week of August, and a week later than expected, the Tarmac laying started, to cover the area of the new pitch.

Video credit: Colin Ashman

The official word from the club was that perimeter work had been done (not clear what) and that the pitch Tarmac work was being done this week, which it was.

By the Wednesday of that week quite a lot of the new pitch area had been covered.

Pictures credit: Adrian Dawkes

By the end of the week the entire pitch are was covered in Tarmac. It'd make a great school playground (jumpers for goalposts?) or a big car park (park the bus?).

Pictures credit: Clive Arnold

Apparently another layer of rubberised material has to be laid before the final pitch is laid. How long will these activities take?

Additionally, some questions form many sources still remained:-

• Is the early-October 2025 first match realistic?

• Possible that the pitch will be completed early October, but not tested & certified?

• Have the club booked the accreditation test, as the accreditation resource is fully booked for September 2025?

• Clubs undertaking similar activity (eg Glebe) completed their pitch with sign-off in 16 weeks, which would mean end-October for us if the timescales are similar.

• Will the club communicate and market the first game back well in advance, as any last minute move / delay will undermine confidence among drifting fans.

• Looks as if the Council need to consider environmental impact of surface even when the new pitch is laid. How long will it take for them to do this?