THE task of ensuring AFC Bournemouth's pitch is in perfect condition for the club's first foray into the Premier League has begun.

Undersoil heating is being installed under the playing surface at the Goldsands Stadium to ensure it meets the strict guidelines governing Premier League clubs and is ready for the start of the season.

The pitch was resurfaced a year ago and was last year recognised as one of the very best playing surfaces in the Championship, earning a place on the shortlist for the Sky Bet Championship pitch of the year.

But with the Cherries winning a place in football's top flight for the first time in the club's history, the club decided to invest in undersoil heating to make it easier to maintain a consistent playing surface, whatever the weather.

The first stage of the work has seen the top layer of the pitch removed ready for pipes to be laid beneath the excavated land, currently scheduled for the first week in June.

Once this is complete, seeding will commence in order to regrow the pitch ahead of the first home fixture of the 2015/16 campaign.

Head groundsman James Lathwell said: "The pitch performed well last season and wouldn't have looked out of place in the Premier League.

"I'm hoping we can bring it on even more next season and have one of the best pitches in the Premier League.

"It's a shame to lose it (the pitch from last season) but looking at the positives we don't have to worry about frost covers and snow in the depths of winter.

"The undersoil heating will maintain the temperature and make things easier. It's something we have always wanted and hopefully will produce a better playing surface."