Construction of a new £1.4m hybrid grass pitch at Derry City FC’s Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium in Londonderry has started ahead of schedule. The previous 3G plastic pitch has been removed, and diggers are preparing the groundwork.

Work was expected to begin in April, but removal of the old grass carpet, rubber shock pad, and bitmac subbase is already complete. The new surface will feature mostly natural grass with a small percentage of synthetic grass filaments.

Derry City FC is funding the project. Club officials confirmed that work is now in progress to replace the Brandywell pitch.

Installation is due by June. The team, known as the Candystripes, will play scheduled home matches at Celtic Park during this period.