WREXHAM’S FA Cup fourth qualifying round tie will not be played at The Racecourse - even if Phil Parkinson’s side receive a home draw.

The club has announced that the playing surface at the iconic north Wales stadium will be re-turfed after the National League fixture against Chesterfield on Tuesday, October 5.

Wrexham, who head to Aldershot this Saturday, have a free weekend after the Chesterfield showdown because there are an odd number of teams in the division.

The Reds’ FA Cup campaign starts on Saturday October 16 and the club has been given permission to play the tie at a neutral venue if Parkinson’s men are drawn at home.

A statement read: “This decision has been taken because the works to the pitch over the summer have failed to provide a playing surface to the standard we believe is required and not acting now could well lead to more significant problems during the season.

“To enable the new turf the maximum amount of time to become established, the Club have secured the approval of the FA to move any Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round Qualifying tie that would have been scheduled to be played at the Racecourse Ground to a neutral venue. The draw for the tie will take place on Monday October 4.”

After facing Chesterfield, Wrexham’s next league game at The Racecourse is on Saturday October 30 with Torquay United the visitors.

Although disappointed to relinquish home advantage if his side receive are drawn out first, Parkinson stressed the importance of having the pitch replaced.

“The playing surface at the Racecourse Ground has been a concern from our first pre-season friendly,” he told the official club website.

“The decisive action taken by the Board to have it re-turfed at a substantial expense is appreciated and, while it is not without risk, it should mean that we have a reliable playing surface through the winter months.

“It is disappointing that we are having to potentially relinquish home advantage for this round of the FA Cup, but it is a decision I fully support, to allow the pitch the maximum time to settle before we play Torquay United on October 30.”