Herne Bay will next week embark on a programme of improvements to breath new life into the problem Winch’s Field pitch.

However, the Ryman League Division 1 South club have decided against a full renovation ahead of plans to completely overhaul the ground’s drainage system in the summer of 2015.

Treasurer and commercial manager Ron Boddy explained: “We think it will be self-defeating to do major work on the pitch first.

“The drains have been here since the 50s, and we are hoping to attract funding for the project, which is likely to cost between £10-15,000.”

Mr Boddy added: “Andy Chapman of C&W Groundcare will carry out the work in stages, beginning with scarification and aeration to a depth of 100mm, with plans to also verti-drain the surface, which is showing signs of wear and tear after a combination of bad weather and too much football played on it.

“We also plan to re-seed the entire pitch, level off the goalmouths and centre circle, before putting down 30 tons of top dressing, containing soil and sand, and then fertiliser.”

Meanwhile, Bay’s injury problems flared up again at the weekend with Dean Grant (rib) and Stuart King (knee) both injured in the warm-up before the 2-1 final-day defeat at Three Bridges.

Boss Sam Denly said: “The end of the season has come at a good time for us, and the boys need a rest."