13-05-2025
Motherwell pipped by Rangers to pitch of the season as Fir Park surface 'highly commended'
The Steelmen have been recognised in the inaugural
Motherwell's Fir Park pitch has been recognised as one of the best in the country in the William Hill Premiership Pitch of the Season awards.
The North Lanarkshire side installed a hybrid pitch in 2022 after significant investment and their efforts over the last few years have led to them being 'highly commended' by the SPFL in the awards' inaugural season.
The home of Rangers, Ibrox Stadium, came out on top in the ratings, with Aberdeen's Pittodrie surface also high commended alongside the Steelmen.
Motherwell chief executive, Brian Caldwell, said: 'This is recognition for all the hard work Alan [Carlin], Derek [Young] and their team put in, on a daily basis, to maintain the playing surface at Fir Park.
'It's great that they have been recognised for their exceptionally hard work. The pitch has been in magnificent condition for the entirety of the season, and that is a credit to their efforts and dedication.
'With the pitches now being monitored by the SPFL's pitch consultants, Propitch, this has raised the standards of all the grass pitches across the top-flight. There has been significant work and expenditure to achieve and maintain the high standards we have set for our playing surface. It's great news that this has been recognised.'
Head Groundsman, Alan Carlin, added: 'I want to thank Derek Young, James Gray, Steven Drummond and all the staff who help us on matchdays for their continued hard work to maintain the playing surface at Fir Park and at the training facilities.
'They work around the clock, all year round, to ensure the players have a professional pitch to play football on at the weekend. I would also like to extend my gratitude to Brian Caldwell and the Executive Board for their continued support, which has allowed me to purchase the correct appliances.
'Although the season is drawing to a close, the work begins to ramp up for us during the off-season. This is the part many people don't see behind the scenes, and it shows the dedication the staff at the club have to producing a surface they can be proud of.
"It's nice for everyone to receive this recognition, as it's thoroughly deserved.'
A statement from the SPFL read: "Rangers, Aberdeen and Motherwell have all been recognised in the inaugural year of the SPFL's partnership with ProPitch.
"In a bid to drive up standards of the natural and hybrid pitches in the William Hill Premiership, the league began working with the leading pitch consultancy firm at the start of the 2024/25 campaign.
"Based on data from three pitch assessments over the course of the campaign, ProPitch awarded Rangers with the William Hill Premiership Pitch of the Season prize. Aberdeen and Motherwell received a highly commended award for their surfaces.
"The SPFL's partnership with ProPitch has been extended and will also include William Hill Championship clubs in season 2025/26."
