ROB Small says there will be no excuses from him as Bowers & Pitsea prepare for the switch to an artificial surface.

The Len Salmon Stadium pitch is currently being dug up and being replaced by Velocity, with work not scheduled to finish until the first week of September.

If all goes to plan, Felixstowe & Walton United will be Bowers’ first opponents at home in the Isthmian North this term. Matches against Aveley and Grays Athletic, who already play on 3G, follow.

But Small says there will be no excuses.

“Felixstowe will be our first home game assuming Velocity deliver on deadline,” said Small. “We are fortunate we can play our matches against Barking and Canvey Island at Aveley as we have a chance to get used to the feel of the pitch.

“The FA Cup game against Barking gives us a chance to prepare for the Canvey match. It is not ideal but we went into it with our eyes wide open so there are no excuses.

“There will be adjustment needed on our part but it is up to us to not let it affect us mentally. We are a tough competitor and we have been able to sign some really exciting players.

“We had the best home record last season, so changing the conditions does bring about a risk but we have to get on with it.”

Bowers have recently signed a trio of wide players - Quentin Monville, Correy Davidson and Aaron Thomas.

And Small says work continues on his squad.

“We have a few in training with us and we have scope to add more,” he said. “With a reduction in the amount of midweek games I expect it to be less demanding, so the need to have a bigger squad has reduced, which is positive.

“We have signed players that give us width, which we lacked last season. They felt a good culture fit in our group and have an appetite for the game.”

Thomas is the brother of Bowers full-back James.