Matlock Town have announced they are to install a brand new, state-of-the-art artificial pitch at the Proctor Cars Stadium this summer.

The Gladiators have long suffered with drainage issues that have seen large numbers of games postponed in recent years, which severely affect the club’s finances and see the current grass pitch deteriorate rapidly during the winter months.

As a result, the privately-funded and high quality pitch, of a similar kind to those used at England’s base at St George’s Park, will be installed and and will be fully available for use by football teams of all ages throughout the community and have the potential to create a substantial revenue stream.

Work is expected to take place during the summer months, and will also see the perimeter wall around the pitch replaced by safer steel standing rails and bounce-back boards.

The Proctor Cars Stadium will have a 4G pitch installed during the summer.

placeholder image — The Proctor Cars Stadium will have a 4G pitch installed during the summer.

A club spokesman said: “These improvements are being fully funded by the club, without the need for external borrowing or FA grants. This financial independence ensures the club retains complete control over booking systems and usage.

"The pitch will feature just the standard white pitch markings, with no multi-coloured lines often seen on other 3G surfaces, and fixed goalposts rather than those on wheels.

"A 25mm shock pad will be installed to ensure a more natural playing experience and enhanced injury protection, while a comprehensive new surface water drainage system will be installed across the entire pitch and surrounding stadium areas.

“We will install new LED floodlights, enhancing visibility and energy efficiency, as well as LED perimeter advertising boards and a new 6m x 3m LED scoreboard.

”Investment in new machinery will also ensure the pitch is consistently maintained to the highest standard.”

"This move will reduce fixture congestion caused by postponements, bring in secured revenue streams, generate income from daily pitch hire, competitions, summer camps, charity events and pitch sharing initiatives, and ensure an enhanced community hub given the club’s sports bar will operate seven days a week.

"It will also provide a central location to bring the entire Matlock Town family together, from junior sides through to the ladies and senior teams.”