Work on new Links Park pitch to start next week

Having first moved from grass to synthetic over 20 years ago, last summer saw the installation of the third artificial surface.

The pitch was expected to be state of the art, with an environmentally sustainable infill, and capable of delivering another decade of reliable use.

However, as winter arrived the pitch began retaining water, leading to repeated flooding and postponements.

This not only affected the first team, but also the Women, Academy, and Roselea, as well as cancellations of community bookings.

Urgent discussions with the main contractor began and after months of detailed investigations it was agreed return to a traditional rubber infills.

Work begins on Monday and is scheduled to be complete for the visit of Ross County on October 10.

Montrose chairman Peter Laird said: “I want to thanks the pitch supplier, the SFA and SPFL, who have all been incredibly supportive during this unprecedented period.

"We could not have achieved this satisfactory outcome without the collaborative approach that was taken by all parties.

“To our fans, the Comm4unity Trust and community groups, I can only apologise again for the disruption this caused.

“This past year has shown how much the community relies on the facilities at Links Park, and we’re confident this new playing surface will continue to allow them to.”

Montrose won 3-0 away to Peterhead in League One on Saturday as Jamie Barjonas grabbed a double and Jake Sutherland was also on target.

Ewan Loudon got a brace and Sutherland struck in a 3-2 at home to Dundee u-21s in the KDM Evolution Trophy league phase on Tuesday.

It is back to league duty on Saturday when Cove Rangers come calling.