Discussed at some length at our table at the Burns Supper on Friday night - good night by the way. Several people with connections to the club, commented that the option presented to MFC by the 'experts' was considerably more, in cost, than had been expected and the company were advised to trim back the quote. Although the drainage and USH were to the initial recommended spec - the substructure and re-seed of the park was the area that was 'trimmed' - at that time the club were informed that given the reduced specification to the substructure that it was inevitable that the pitch would be seriously damaged over the course of the winter and would require a complete overhaul.
Although not straight from the horse's mouth,those in attendance have connections within the club and while I will not divulge the source, I certainly have no reason to doubt their validity. Might just explain the reason why the pitch is in such a state now. Also as an aside - funny how our groundsman friend hasn't posted in a while? Given his enthusiasm to post during the construction period, I would have thought this was an ideal opportunity to share his knowledge with us.
Onthefringes - care to comment? You seem to have a better grasp than most on here of the industry and what was required/carried out close season.