Blackpool take advantage of break in English football to dig up Bloomfield Road pitch

The Gazette has been sent the below picture which shows the surface being dug up.

A basic renovation is now underway to get the pitch in best shape for when football returns to ensure the club is prepared for both the remainder of the season and the beginning of the 2020/21 campaign.

With football not expected to return until June at the earliest because of the coronavirus pandemic, that gives Blackpool’s grounds staff plenty of time to get the pitch in tip-top condition.

The Seasiders have been told by the EFL not to return to training until May 16 at the earliest.

The EFL have, however, pledged to give sides adequate time to prepare for the resumption of the 2019/20 campaign.

In a letter sent to all clubs playing in League One, EFL chairman Rick Parry revealed plans to finish the season in just 56 days - with all games set to be played behind closed doors.

That timeframe – which equates to just eight weeks – would see all remaining League One fixtures, plus the play-offs, completed.

Blackpool currently have nine games remaining in their league campaign.

In the letter, Parry writes: “We currently estimate that the League will require approximately 56 days to complete the outstanding matches in the season (including Play-Offs) and we are committed to ensuring that clubs are provided an appropriate notice period to ensure you are able to prepare operationally given the scale and impact of the postponement in place.

“The EFL Board is currently working on the basis that end-of-season play-offs will take place across all three divisions as normal with two-legged Semi-Finals and a Final, although no decision has been taken on the likely venue as it will depend on the circumstances at play at the time.”

“It is our working assumption at this stage that matches will be played behind closed doors when we eventually return and as part of our contingency planning we are absolutely mindful of the need to try and mitigate the cost of this to Clubs as best we can.”

“Clubs should be advised not to recommence any training activity with players until May 16 at the earliest,” he continued.

“How and when we return (including training) is clearly subject to change and any decisions will be taken in conjunction with the Government and relevant health authorities.”