Albion now have a better pitch than Manchester United.

That is the bold message from Mike Hall, general manager of Withdean bosses Ecovert. Hall's claim follows major repairs to the playing surface at Withdean.

More drainage has been installed after the postponement of the Seagulls' last two home League matches against Lincoln and Barnet. Almost half of the pitch has been re-turfed by Inturf, the company which looks after the grass at Middlesbrough's Riverside Stadium.

Alex Ferguson was fuming as rugby matches turned Old Trafford into a muddy mess for Man United's FA Cup exit against West Ham last Sunday.

The weather has taken its toll on pitches up and down the country. St Andrew's, home of Worthington Cup finalists Birmingham City, has also been badly hit.

Hall said: "I guarantee Albion now have a better pitch than Manchester United or Birmingham.

"There is good quality turf up there now. I hope the players and Micky Adams will be pleased and that the fans look across next Saturday to see a pitch which in mid-season is in tremendous condition."

The Withdean pitch saga is by no means over, despite the emergency repairs.

Hall revealed: "We still have other hurdles to get over for the permanent works in the summer.

"There is a proposal being put forward by the club and Ecovert to the Council for a meeting in the middle of February to discuss future arrangements at Withdean.

"We want to make sure everything is in place for Second Division football should Albion get promoted."

The Cardiff crunch will be Albion's first Saturday home game since the victory over Halifax on December 2.

Adams prefers evening matches at Withdean. He thinks they create a better atmosphere, but a staggering record for the Seagulls might persuade him to change his mind.

They have not lost a Saturday home fixture since Leyton Orient won 1-0 at Withdean on January 15 last year.