LEE CLARK has signed a new contract – now he’s looking forward to getting down to business on the new Galpharm pitch.
While Town don’t have a home friendly in pre-season, the boss, who along with the rest of his coaching staff has agreed a rolling deal, is planning to stage at least one training session on the freshly-laid surface ahead of the big League I opener against Bury a week today.
The Giants will christen the £700,000 pitch, which incorporates the artificial Desso system, when they take on Hull KR tonight.
Town could have played a friendly next week, but Clark wanted it clear after today’s run-out against League II Rotherham.
It’s the first time the surface has been fully re-laid since the stadium opened in 1994, with work beginning after Town’s play-off semi-final showdown with Bournemouth in May.
“It’s great to see the progress being made with the pitch, and it’s looking really good,” reported Clark. “We all know it was getting a little bit worn last season, and it’s important to have a good surface, especially given the way we like to play.
“The timescale of the work meant fitting in a home friendly at a suitable time wasn’t possible, but hopefully we’ll get the chance to have at least one session on the pitch before the Bury game.”
On his new contract, Clark said: “I’m delighted. I’ve said all along that I enjoy my job immensely and I have a great relationship with everyone I work with.
“The coaching staff and I are very, very happy here and the one thing we want to do now is take the club further.”
Today’s hosts Rotherham are being linked with Town striker Robbie SImpson.
