hows the pitch

[Turnkey]

Are wet/muddy pitches statistically more dangerous for players than dry ones? We've had two season ending injuries in good pitches this season. I get the frozen pitch issue as that's clearly a risk but you'd think current conditions would be bad for football bt not necessarily unsafe. Or is this not the issue?

Yes as the surface is unstable and breaks away from the sub-base causing twists and muscle injuries, you also see the injuries with studs getting stuck in the surface. As long as a frozen surface is flat it is far less dangerous, it’s really just like a cold 3G, but the problem with a football pitch is is never really flat with ruts and stud marks.

[Anon E Mouse]

The drainage has collapsed during the season not at the start of it. It’s the lateral drain that appears to have collapsed and the only to check these out is to dig the pitch up find the drains and relay them. This takes time and money and with the wet weather it would be a struggle to get machinery onto the surface.

Yep and it’s not as it we have money, despite the money that was made last season in the FA Cup run and wouldn’t have been budgeted for last season, along side with decent attendances.
Worrying times on and off the park!

Don’t worry, we are going to win the Hampshire Cup!

Not on a Thursday night with the youth team.

[charles2004]

You won’t be disappointed going to Worthing.

[Turnkey]

You won’t be disappointed going to Worthing.

Every chance they’ll swap places with us.

[Silasgoldeen]

Are wet/muddy pitches statistically more dangerous for players than dry ones? We've had two season ending injuries in good pitches this season. I get the frozen pitch issue as that's clearly a risk but you'd think current conditions would be bad for football bt not necessarily unsafe. Or is this not the issue?

Yes as the surface is unstable and breaks away from the sub-base causing twists and muscle injuries, you also see the injuries with studs getting stuck in the surface. As long as a frozen surface is flat it is far less dangerous, it’s really just like a cold 3G, but the problem with a football pitch is is never really flat with ruts and stud marks.

Thank you. Loving all your insights on these things.

[brian bloomfield]

The drainage has collapsed during the season not at the start of it. It’s the lateral drain that appears to have collapsed and the only to check these out is to dig the pitch up find the drains and relay them. This takes time and money and with the wet weather it would be a struggle to get machinery onto the surface.

Thanks for the explanation. Wasn’t the issue known about though? I’m sure I read in another message that the problem was known about when Chelsea used the pitch but a decision was made not to spend the money? I may have misunderstood or the two things aren’t related.
I guess it’s looking more likely that we’ll need to find an alternative venue to get games completed.

They aren’t related, you are correct. The drain that got blocked a couple of months back was one of the take off drains a the back of the pitch in the corner in front of the Community Stand. To be fair, this should be checked regulars it’s a known issue but easy to manage. The problem area with the sand on the pitch is a lot more complex as it’s due to the deep drainage on the pitch, to fix this in season will require 3 things -

1, A good spell of dry weather
2, A competent contractor being available at short notice, and
3, About 150k

It could have been fixed when we found it, but Chelsea were paying for pitch maintenance at that time and thought it would be fine for a good few years therefore thought it unnecessary to repair it.

The main issue for the Board now is to find the funds to sort it in the close season, but it won’t be cheap and will take a significant chuck of the clubs budget unless they can find a sponsor who will foot the bill.

The good news is we could halve the £150k cost with the skill sets of the BOD, our specialised construction sponsors and support base. The problem is getting through the rest of the season.

[Martin Patfield]

Excellent

We have a target. Shall we get raising the cash and "help out"

[Mytshot]

The good news is we could halve the £150k cost with the skill sets of the BOD, our specialised construction sponsors and support base. The problem is getting through the rest of the season.

[Sean Chambers]

Excellent

We have a target. Shall we get raising the cash and "help out"

Good idea mate, but times are hard for alot of people, it’s not an excuse just being honest.
Anyway do you think our fanbase could raise that, they’re are a lot of talkers but we need more walkers.

[Josh]

Excellent

We have a target. Shall we get raising the cash and "help out"

The begging bowl will be out soon

[brian bloomfield]

Excellent

We have a target. Shall we get raising the cash and "help out"

No Martin, wait for the club to seek emergency grant funding and specify costs as there are ways to drastically reduce the hit for the club. I'm sure they already have various ideas on how to sort the issue here.

Once the club has created the repair strategy and made it fully public, then if the support base is willing to help that's the time to do it.

I would suggest a 5 year Pitch Bond at 1% interest. (Edited)

Problem solved.

[Harlow Massive]

Excellent

We have a target. Shall we get raising the cash and "help out"

No Martin, wait for the club to seek emergency grant funding and specify costs as there are ways to drastically reduce the hit for the club. I'm sure they already have various ideas on how to sort the issue here.

Once the club has created the repair strategy and made it fully public, then if the support base is willing to help that's the time to do it.

I would suggest a 5 year Pitch Bond at 1% interest. (Edited)

Problem solved.

But Brian is there anyone at the Club who would know how to apply for the emergency grant funding?

[lowerbourneshot]

Excellent

We have a target. Shall we get raising the cash and "help out"

The begging bowl will be out soon

Josh mccoid even worse than junior

[Mytshot]

Excellent

We have a target. Shall we get raising the cash and "help out"

No Martin, wait for the club to seek emergency grant funding and specify costs as there are ways to drastically reduce the hit for the club. I'm sure they already have various ideas on how to sort the issue here.

Once the club has created the repair strategy and made it fully public, then if the support base is willing to help that's the time to do it.

I would suggest a 5 year Pitch Bond at 1% interest. (Edited)

Problem solved.

But Brian is there anyone at the Club who would know how to apply for the emergency grant funding?

Agreed, the club seems unable to co-ordinate basic administration.

[Graham Stovold]

Thanks for the explanation. Wasn’t the issue known about though? I’m sure I read in another message that the problem was known about when Chelsea used the pitch but a decision was made not to spend the money? I may have misunderstood or the two things aren’t related.
I guess it’s looking more likely that we’ll need to find an alternative venue to get games completed.

They aren’t related, you are correct. The drain that got blocked a couple of months back was one of the take off drains a the back of the pitch in the corner in front of the Community Stand. To be fair, this should be checked regulars it’s a known issue but easy to manage. The problem area with the sand on the pitch is a lot more complex as it’s due to the deep drainage on the pitch, to fix this in season will require 3 things -

1, A good spell of dry weather
2, A competent contractor being available at short notice, and
3, About 150k

It could have been fixed when we found it, but Chelsea were paying for pitch maintenance at that time and thought it would be fine for a good few years therefore thought it unnecessary to repair it.

The main issue for the Board now is to find the funds to sort it in the close season, but it won’t be cheap and will take a significant chuck of the clubs budget unless they can find a sponsor who will foot the bill.

The good news is we could halve the £150k cost with the skill sets of the BOD, our specialised construction sponsors and support base. The problem is getting through the rest of the season.

I agree Brian, one solution to help get through the season is to stop playing so many games on the pitch. Save the pitch for league & Trophy games only. With regards to the NL & HC competitions, maybe discuss with the MOD about using their ground, or Fannyboro.

Then start putting a plan together now about fixing the problem as soon as the season has finished. Cancel any commitment for local cup finals & don’t hire out the pitch for your mates to have a game of football just to make a few quid.

I bet if the BOD put out a request for help to the fans, they would get a good response. Because we’re supporters & we care .