Diggers ripped  into the outdated playing surface at the Kassam Stadium today to make way for a completely new pitch.

The combination of grass and synthetic fibres will be only the second of its kind in the UK, after Coventry City’s Ricoh Arena, where work began earlier this month.

Called XtraGrass by manufacturers Greenfields, it is specifically designed to handle pitches used by multiple teams.

The old pitch was already well past its natural life and has suffered since London Welsh began sharing the ground in 2012.

Mark Ashton, United’s chief executive, would not comment on the cost of the work, believed to be a six-figure sum, or whether it would be split with the Exiles and stadium company Firoka.

He said: “We all saw last season the pitch at the Kassam Stadium wasn’t of the standard we would want.

“We want to give (boss) Michael (Appleton) and the team the best opportunity moving forward.

“It’s a long-term investment for us, but we think it is fundamental to what we are trying to build at the football club.

“I want to go on record to thank Firoz Kassam and his team led by Michael Doyle for their help.

“Without that we wouldn’t have got here.”

Along with the money spent on installing the pitch, there will be a significant increase in the amount of maintenance done during the season between fixtures.

If done correctly it will give the surface a ten-year life.

Colin Lyons, Greenfields’ commercial and technical lead for XtraGrass in the UK, estimated the maintenance required 70-80 man hours per week – meaning two full-time staff.

It is part of a highly scientific approach, with soil samples already taken at the Kassam to determine the best combination of nutrients to assist the grass.

Speaking from the Ricoh, where they are ahead of schedule, Lyons expected the new asset would stand up to two sports better than a grass pitch would handle one team.

He said: “Absolutely, without a shadow of a doubt.

“That’s not me being biased. We have spent millions of pounds as a company refining it to make it like that.

“Hand on heart I would say our pitch with dual use would be of a better standard than a grass pitch with single use.”

For Appleton, United’s head coach, the move is good news.

He said: “It was a massive hindrance to us last season.

“I think it was a bit of a leveller for some teams when they came here, so I’m really pleased we get an opportunity to address that.

“I think it’s a good thing the club are prepared to go all out that they give the team the best opportunity.”