Harrogate Town’s 3G pitch is being replaced with grass as the club prepare to play in the EFL for the first time.

Synthetic surfaces are not permitted in League Two, so Town is now in the process of changing back to turf in order to be allowed to compete in the EFL.

The new ground is expected to cost a hefty total of around £200k to complete.

Garry Plant, managing director at the club told the Stray Ferret that it’s a “great shame” that it has to go:

“The EFL criteria says we have to play on grass so the plastic revolution is over and grass will be going down. It’s a bag of mixed feelings… it’s a great feeling to promoted, but this pitch has been amazing for the club, one of the best things we ever did and I just wish we could leave it down…

“It’s time off the pitch and so many teams train here, but it’s time to say goodbye to a very old friend that’s done brilliantly for the club.”

Turf delivery to CNG Stadium

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It is full steam ahead with the work at the stadium to be finished by the October 10 – though the new season starts on the weekend of Saturday, September 12. Town will ground share with Doncaster Rovers until the new pitch is finished.