ACCRINGTON Stanley chairman Eric Whalley is desperate for the sun to shine on the Fraser Eagle Stadium to avoid their pre-season preparations being thrown into chaos.

Work is currently being carried out to improve the quality of the pitch for the rigours of League Two football.

But progress is two weeks behind schedule because of the adverse weather conditions.

The pitch should have been re-seeded in mid-May for it to be ready for the July friendlies, of which meetings with Burnley, Blackpool and Blackburn Rovers have already been finalised.

The ground has been too wet for the seeding to take effect, but Whalley is hopeful that the pitch will still be in perfect condition in time for the pre-season games.

"Unfortunately we are behind because of the weather.

"The pitch has to be dry for when it is seeded, otherwise the seeds stick to the rollers.

"At the moment it's just like a blanket of sand because the weather is affecting our preparations, and it could have an affect on pre-season if it (re-seeding) isn't done soon.

"But hopefully the weather will improve and we can get it done."

Ground improvements which involve building work have also suffered a set-back because of torrential rain but the club is confident work will be completed in time for their official return to the Football League in August.