hows the pitch

[Weybourne Shot]

The enormity of the situation with the pitch is becoming apparent. It seems that our only chance of getting games played is a long sustained period of dry weather but what are the chances of that happening? We might get lucky but March and April can be wet momths and we have just had nearly a fortnight of dry weather. The Club must be looking at alternative venues now just as Halifax had to do last season. And that will have huge implications for the Club both financially and in trying to maintain our National League status.

[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.

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

Of course there is. Financially the pitch is not all doom and gloom and to be honest the directors could cover this off personally in shares or loans subject to National League Financial Regulations.

Just waiting for the 10.30 pitch inspection now. Fingers crossed

[Turnkey]

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.

This is the most important thing. For the last few years the renovation (in imho) has been done far too late and allowed little or no leeway for unfavourable growing conditions. Do it as soon as the season ends and you give yourself the best chance of a robust surface that will last the full season.

[Weybourne Shot]

Farnham Town's pitch at the Memorial Ground has passed a 10am inspection so their game against Leatherhead goes ahead.

[Aldershot]

Farnham Town's pitch at the Memorial Ground has passed a 10am inspection

Cue the comment from Alex asking "so?".

[Mytshot]

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.

This is the most important thing. For the last few years the renovation (in imho) has been done far too late and allowed little or no leeway for unfavourable growing conditions. Do it as soon as the season ends and you give yourself the best chance of a robust surface that will last the full season.

I don't know how the volunteers keep the motivation to keep going when they're not supported by those in charge. They're better men/women than me.

[Graham Stovold]

Farnham Town's pitch at the Memorial Ground has passed a 10am inspection so their game against Leatherhead goes ahead.

I will go & watch that then if ours is called off.

[IanShots]

Game is on!!

[brian bloomfield]

That's a shame.

If I was the Chairman I'd open the bar and have a supporters forum at 3pm to galvanise the club.

I'm getting old I read that as off apologies.

Happy Days

Really pleased for the Strays

Well done to all who got the game on.

[Reg's corner]

Game is on!!

[Anon E Mouse]

Will it stay on when the match officials turn up at 1.30 ish though. They are the ones that are ultimately responsible for player safety.
Lets see, but pleased for the stray Shots as it stands.

[SteveyAsp]

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?

Of course there is. Financially the pitch is not all doom and gloom and to be honest the directors could cover this off personally in shares or loans subject to National League Financial Regulations.

Just waiting for the 10.30 pitch inspection now. Fingers crossed

I keep hearing that the BOD don't have any money or is it just that they don't want to spend it?

[Birdman]

Will it stay on when the match officials turn up at 1.30 ish though. They are the ones that are ultimately responsible for player safety.
Lets see, but pleased for the stray Shots as it stands.

https://www.theshots.co.uk/game-on-hartlepool-united-h/

“Our Match Official has conducted a pitch inspection and has deemed the pitch playable.”

[Graham Stovold]

Well done to all volunteers & staff & to the club for the good communication

[Sean Chambers]

Well done to all volunteers & staff & to the club for the good communication