Life's a pitch

[Southport - TOWNER]

With all the new ground grading coming in over the next couple of seasons, has anyone at the FA addressed what quality pitches should be?

[andyetfc]

It does help if you have a pitch with grass and white lines on it!

[Two Fat Feet]

The Isthmian League used to grade pitches many years ago, and I think they were looking to reintroduce it recently. Luckily we got the hell out before they had to introduce a special grade all on its own called 'Sungate'.

[Southport - TOWNER]

but what is the point in having a pretty ground, with capacity 20 times average attendance, with lots of facilities, and a cr&p pitch.

 

not having a go at any club,

 

But a novel idea that the quality of the pitch may have something to do with football?? rather than a PA system for 20 people to hear team names.

[Two Fat Feet]

I understand what you're saying and I agree that all clubs should strive to keep as good a pitch as possible.

 

Two things though - firstly many clubs at this level would struggle to find the resources (financially and in manpower) to keep a good quality pitch, and secondly it's frequently wasted anyway this far down the pyramid as so few teams can play it on the ground!

[Southport - TOWNER]

but the point I'm struggling to make is the finances HAVE to be found for all the peripherals, and the pitch (which is kinda central to the game) is being ignored.

[Two Fat Feet]

When money's tight, sometimes 'good enough' is good enough. If the pitch is playable that might be all you can ask for. I've been there!

[The Invisible Man]

I know what ST's saying. The powers that be decree that scarce resources have to be spent on seating and terracing each for 150??? people (sorry forgotten the step 5 figure for this week) and gawd knows what else at levels where average attendances are between zero and 50. What on earth is the sense in that? Why don't they make the figure a percentage of the previous season's average gate?

 

Surely the money, if it exists, would be better spent on pitches and facilities for the youngsters and so on.

 

Now, if Sky TV money was distributed throughjout the game instead of going straight to Ferrari and the local crack dealer......