Paul Barry knows his Hampton & Richmond side might not yet be pitch perfect ahead of Queens Park Rangers’ visit tonight – but he is certain the Beveree grass will be.

Barry and joint manager Darren Powell cannot wait to get their new-look squad on the club’s much-improved surface, even though they accept they could be spending 90 minutes trying to get the ball back from the up-and-coming Rangers players.

Chairman Steve McPherson has spent thousands this summer in an attempt to sort out the pitch problems that contributed to a high number of postponements – seriously hampering the club’s chances of promotion from the Ryman Premier.

Barry claimed the football he and Powell want to play next season will be suited to the new surface and hopes the fans buy into the new style of football.

He said: “The pitch is in great shape, it’s looking the best I’ve ever seen it.

“All credit to the chairman for putting his hand in his pocket. The players are keen to get out there tonight – even though they may not have too much of the ball.

“We’re looking to use the surface this season. We want to play a brand of passing football that will excite the supporters and give them a reason to come and see us play. It needs to be winning football, we know that, but we’re confident we can produce both.”

Barry welcomes Harry Redknapp's side tonight with work still to do on his Beavers squad.

“It is still early days,” he said. “We’re not there yet, but we’re getting our numbers down slowly. We still need to sign three more.

“It’s been a productive summer so far. The boys have worked hard but pre-season starts with the QPR match.”