Two weeks on from the pitch renovation work beginning at Plainmoor, the progress on United’s beloved playing surface is now there for all to see.
With Matt Baird enjoying his first pre-season as The Gulls’ Head Groundsman, plenty of hard work has already taken place to ensure the hallowed turf is well-prepared for another full season of football. With an abundance of green shoots of grass now clearly visible all over the pitch, the 2026/27 campaign already feels that little bit closer.
“The renovations began fourteen days ago with the sand banding and koroing,” explained Matt.
“The sand banding is the process where a machine goes down into the ground and puts the sand, which acts as extra drainage. Following that, the pitch is koroed – which means the top of the surface is taken off – so it removes thatch and weeds, and leaves a nice, clean surface. Once this has been done, we verti-drained the pitch, and put sand on top to top-dress it.
“On the first Friday after the sand banding and corrowing, the seeding then began, which was followed up by adding some fertiliser to kick-start things, and then making sure the pitch is kept wet through regular watering. It’s important not to drown it, but keep it moist”
With a fortnight now having passed, Matt is pleased with how the pitch is looking so far.
“I’m really happy. What has really helped has been the weather, because with a strong wind the sprinklers would have have been forced off the pitch. The rain, though, puts the water evenly everywhere all over the pitch.
“I always say I’d like it to be sunny in the daytime, and then wet in the evening – but with the British weather, that doesn’t happen!”
With the pitch transformation now in full-flow, Matt is now like all Gulls fans – eagerly looking forward to the beginning again, starting with a trio of home friendlies next month against Plymouth Argyle, Cardiff City U21s and Exeter City.
“I’m really looking forward to it, it’s going to look really, really nice.
“We have three home games here, and they will be good games, and I’m really look forward to the start of the season after that.”
Torquay United – Pre-Season 2026
- Saturday, July 4 – Buckland Athletic (A), 2pm
- Wednesday, July 8 – Cullompton Rangers (A), 7pm
- Saturday, July 11 – Brixham AFC (A), 3pm
- Tuesday, July 14 – Plymouth Parkway (A), 7.30pm
- Saturday, July 18 – Weston-super-Mare (A) 3pm KO
- Tuesday, July 21 – Plymouth Argyle (H), 7.30pm KO
- Saturday, July 25 – Cardiff City U21s (H) 12pm KO
- Friday, July 31 – Exeter City (H), 7.30pm
The Early Bird Is Here To Stay!
Having taken on board supporter feedback, an amendment to our Plainmoor Pass pricing arrangements will see our Early Bird discount rate remain in place until the first home game of the 2026/27 season!
With prices frozen across the board, United’s unique season ticket package, Plainmoor Pass, now offers supporters more value than ever before, with holders able to access over 40 men’s, women’s and youth team matches held at Plainmoor throughout 2026/27.
Looking to spread the cost? The addition of Klarna to our other payment methods has provided Gulls fans with a flexible alternative to paying in a one-off payment. Further information regarding Klarna can be found HERE.
