Crusaders manager Stephen Baxter with IFA Facilities Manager David McVeigh

Irish League side Crusaders are hoping to unveil their new synthetic 3G surface at Seaview in late October.

The FIFA2 regulated pitch will be laid as part of the north Belfast club's massive drive to upgrade facilities.

"There's quite a revolution going on down the Shore Road both on and off the pitch," said Crues boss Stephen Baxter.

"As a manager, I would admit some reservations about about artificial surfaces, but financially we also have to live in the real world."

The old pitch as Seaview, which has been in operation since 1921, will be dug up and the new pitch laid and hopefully ready for Crusaders home game with Ballymena on 23 October.

"Things are moving in the right direction at Seaview and we've had the most successful season in 40 years," said Baxter.

"We must generate more non-football income so that Seaview is not lying idle for much of the week.

"We want our ground to be a focal point for the community and in use seven days a week, but clearly the existing pitch could not sustain that level of usuage."

The new surface, which has received endorsement from FIFA President Sepp Blatter, is expected to cost around £250,000 and will take just over three weeks to install.

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