Brentford chief executive Mark Devlin is hoping relaying the Griffin Park pitch now will mean it is in a fit state for the remainder of the Championship season.

The club has confirmed Tuesday's visit of Birmingham City will now take place on September 29 to allow the current surface to be replaced less than a week into the new season.

Many fans were surprised by the state of the pitch, which had a significant amount of sand on it, for Saturday's season opening 2-2 draw with Ipswich Town.

Posptoning the Blues clash gives the club a two-week window to relay the surface ahead of Reading's visit on August 29.

"Over the past few weeks we have been working hard on the pitch," said Devlin.

"We have now decided it is best to relay it. We can use the next two weeks to replace the current pitch before the Reading match.

“All tickets issued for the match next Tuesday will be valid on September 29 and our ticket office staff will be able to refund anyone now unable to make the rearranged date.

"The club would like to apologise to any supporter inconvenienced by the change, but I hope all Bees fans understand that this is the best solution in the circumstances.

“We would like to thank Birmingham City FC and the Football League for their cooperation and understanding on this issue.”