Cumbernauld Colts boss has target date to play on new Broadwood pitch as side prepare for 'outside' friendlies
John Doyle on the Lowland League side's pre-season schedule
Cumbernauld Colts boss John Doyle is hoping his side can get their first game on the new Broadwood pitch before they kick off their Lowland League campaign on July 26.
The pitch at the stadium is being relayed this summer and owners North Lanarkshire Council have told the club - and groundsharing Hamilton Accies - that the surface will be ready in time for the start of the new season.
Colts will play their home friendlies on the outside public pitch at Broadwood while the works are going on, but Doyle is hopeful their final friendly on July 19 against local rivals Cumbernauld United for the pre-season Cumbernauld Cup will be played inside Broadwood.
He said: 'Broadwood outside is not ideal preparation. You would want to get a few games on the new surface and find your feet on it before the start of the season, but it is what it is.
'We are hoping to play our last friendly on July 19 against Cumbernauld United on the pitch, but it is still to be confirmed yet that the pitch will be ready in time.
'We hope that will be the first time we get to use it and we will get to train on it that week in the build-up to our first league game of the season.
'The council haven't told us a date but they have guaranteed it will be by the first league game of the season, which is July 26.'
Colts announced their pre-season friendlies will kick off on June 26 with a clash against West Park United, kick-off 1.30pm outside at Broadwood.
That is followed by a trip to Kirkintilloch Rob Roy on June 30, kick-off 8pm, and a clash with St Mirren B is scheduled for July, although details for that are to be confirmed.
Shotts Bon Accord will come to Broadwood on July 12, kick-off 2pm, and Colts will then visit Camelon Juniors on July 15, kick-off 7.30pm, before finishing up with the clash against Cumbernauld United on July 19. The club will announce exact details on that in due course.
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