The pitch at Oxford United's new stadium is so revolutionary it is attracting the interest of Premiership clubs.

Dutch pitch contractors SUPPORT have started work on the pitch to get the levelling correct, and the drainage system they are installing is unique in this country.

And United's Mick Moore is now arranging a demonstration for groundsmen of other clubs.

He expects to show it to representatives of Manchester United, local clubs Reading and Wycombe, and possibly others.

Associate director Bill Smith said: "Our new pitch will be the only one of its type in Britain. The contractors are using a revolutionary system of drainage and use of plastic to create a unique field.

"Representatives from clubs like Manchester United are coming down to see what we are doing."

Smith said there were two main differences between United's new pitch and others.

"the drainage system will be covered in a membrane which will make it drain quicker. In addition, the plastic will be put down before the grass seed is sown.

"The plastic looks like a sheet, in black and white squares, and is partly biodegradable. It's quite complicated and all kinds of machinery will be used to pull the plastic through the subsoil and then have the grass on top."

Moore said:"I've already been in conversation with Manchester United, and talked to the groundsmen at Reading and Wycombe about this.

"I don't like being the guinea-pig in some ways, but it's quite an exciting time for us and the Dutch contractors are very confident about its success and have given written guarantees.

"They are very keen to make it work because, after the winter we've just had, and the problems so many clubs have had with their pitches, they know it could make a lot of money for them."

United's new pitch will provide a multi-purpose surface capable of taking other sports, and the hope is to link up with a rugby club.

Smith added: "We have been contacted by more than one rugby club but, as yet, we have not taken things any further."

The planned date for the first game at the new stadium is August 4.