We never run away from the fact that the surface is not what we would have wanted

David Kells Hampden plc

The work started on Monday morning.

The existing pitch will be ripped up and replaced with brand new rolls of turf.

The contractors, SIS, have already re-turfed the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff and Amsterdam's Ajax Arena.

Hampden plc chief executive David Kells said the cost would be "less than six figures."

Mr Kells told BBC Scotland: "The pitch was laid three-and-a-half years ago.

Unfair comments

"I think in the days of new stadia design with the stands coming over and covering the actual pitches, it is happening more often.

"Down south for instance the pitch at Manchester United has been re-laid seven times in five years."

Mr Kells added: "The experts recommended that relaying the pitch in April was the best time because you immediately get growth from the new surface that goes down."

Comments about the pitch being "rutted" were unfair, Mr Kells said.

"We never run away from the fact that the surface is not what we would have wanted and expected.

Hampden bosses expect the surface to be ready

"We tried some remedial work last year which didn't recover the pitch and that is why we took the decision at the end of 2001 that the pitch would be re-laid."

Mr Kells said the pitch would be ready for the Scottish Cup final on 4 May.

"What we want to do is ensure whoever plays on the pitch enjoys a first-class surface," Mr Kells said.

The Champions' League final is expected to generate up to �20m for Glasgow, with about 75,000 extra visitors due in the city.

Tourist bosses say all of Glasgow's 12,500 hotel beds will be fully booked during the big event and late-night licences will be allowed in the city.