A MAJOR overhaul of the Cappielow pitch is under way ahead of the new season with 70 per cent of the surface stripped away.

Morton groundsman Mark Farrell has teamed up with grass specialists Campey Turf Care Systems to carry out a three-day mini-renovation of the surface.

Nearly three-quarters of the renowned pitch has been cut away leaving the park almost bare.

But the award-winning Ton groundsman says there is a method in the madness.

Mark told the Tele: “You’ve got to be pretty brutal at times.

“We’ve taken away about seventy per cent of the park.

“It’s not the soil but the turf and vegetation.

“The idea is to try and get rid of as much material as possible to create a blank canvas but not a full blank canvas because that would be too costly.

“The plan is within three weeks to have full coverage and be able to play on the park in four weeks’ time.

“It’s been so far, so good.”

Mark, who was previously at Loch Lomond Golf Club, has been working for the last few days with experts from turf firm Campey as well as representatives from Dutch company Stadium Grow Lighting (SGL), which provides the lamps which are rolled onto the pitch to help stimulate growth.

But they also opened the gates to fellow groundsmen and Ton fans to come along for a unique insight into the work that goes on behind the scenes to make the Cappielow surface one of the best in the country.

Mark, who has been with Morton for nearly 13 years, said: “It’s been tremendous.

“We’ve had over 50 people turning up looking at machinery and chatting, including people from the golf course industry, football and Morton supporters as well.

“Chatting to them has been great.

“It’s good for people to ask questions and for me to ask some questions as well and learn about what they do.

“It’s been about engaging with people from supporters of the club to professionals.

“Everyone has thoroughly enjoyed it. Our chief executive Warren Hawke and the club have been great about it and very supportive of what we have done.

“It’s been great to catch up with people, meet new people and talk about the industry, football and the Morton team.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it.”