Work has been completed on a new drainage system at the Pirelli Stadium as the pitch is prepared for the 2018-19 season.

Burton Albion groundsman Simon Marshall says the groundstaff are "always keen to improve the surface", and extra work has been undertaken this summer to get the pitch in the best condition for Albion's attempt at earning promotion back to the Championship next season.

Efforts began immediately following the European Under-17 Championships last month, with games having taken place at the Pirelli.

On top of the usual seeding of the playing surface, which is done annually between campaigns and is currently being carried out, the new drainage system was put in place to maintain a better condition for the pitch throughout the coming season.

"Over the years we have had problems with the drainage, so we are having a new major drain system that should keep the pitch in better condition," said Marshall.

"Then we won't need to put down as many waterproof sheets due to the inconsistencies across the pitch.

"From the groundstaff's point of view, we are always keen to improve the surface, and with the chairman and the club's backing, we are making progress year on year."

After a season in which the Brewers went seven months without a home victory, Nigel Clough will be hoping his side can become a tougher proposition at the Pirelli again in 2018-19.

The Pirelli Stadium during Burton Albion's 2-1 defeat to Ipswich Town

That will rely on the quality of football they can produce in League One - and the surface they are playing that football on.

"Pitch work is done every year, but they need continued investment and major work now then," said Clough.

"You can see from the pictures the amount of work going on out there, and hopefully it will give us a good playing surface for next season."