I hadn't realised that players are not allowed to comment publicly on artificial pitches. There seems to be big money backing artificial pitches but PFA isn't happy. http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/29549466
and from me .. this issue is often discussed on here .. with modern plastic and turf integrated surfaces (some 20-25% of most professional club playing surfaces are composed of various polymers) and drainage, there is no need .. This is a sop to help out the money loaded Russians and ice-bound nations .. during the winter, let them play indoors on proper turf
Question: If 3G pitches can only be used as high as League One what happens if one of those teams get promoted...
Will they then have to spend £180k to go back to a grass pitch which for a team like Yeovil could blow their budget and chances of survival in the Championship?
Its a yes for me, financially for league 1 and 2 clubs it'll be life saver as the stadiums will be used more for community use, less postponements and potentially better football being played.
The Championship should give a little grace to those coming up
Its a yes for me, financially for league 1 and 2 clubs it'll be life saver as the stadiums will be used more for community use, less postponements and potentially better football being played.
For this reason Id vote Yes... I do think the vote should be across every team though (Premier League and Championship too)
They just aren't the same as grass. Ive watched a few of the Eastern European teams in Europe play on it, against good European sides and its not only very 'home friendly' but it also makes the game worse. The ball doesn't seem to bounce true and rolls far to cleanly, especially in wet conditions. Its also bad for joints, something i can testify as ive played on it a few times.
I understand that with 4G the surface is improving all the time but there is no substitute for grass (cue weed jokes)
They just aren't the same as grass. Ive watched a few of the Eastern European teams in Europe play on it, against good European sides and its not only very 'home friendly' but it also makes the game worse. The ball doesn't seem to bounce true and rolls far to cleanly, especially in wet conditions. Its also bad for joints, something i can testify as ive played on it a few times.
I understand that with 4G the surface is improving all the time but there is no substitute for grass (cue weed jokes)
Agree it isn't as good as grass but that's only when compared to a proper manicured golf green like pitch that you get at the top level. If it was a choice between 3G or a potholed, mud bath of a pitch I know which I'd rather play and watch football being played on. I think if it also does save clubs that are in financial difficulty a lot of money in terms of maintenance and to stop games being cancelled then that can only be a good thing.
Agree it isn't as good as grass but that's only when compared to a proper manicured golf green like pitch that you get at the top level. If it was a choice between 3G or a potholed, mud bath of a pitch I know which I'd rather play and watch football being played on.
One of the Chairman of a lower league club has stated if clubs have 400k to spend it would be better spent upgrading dressing rooms, floodlights and facilities for fans. I can see a few 2nd division clubs going for these pitches as the Championship is a far away dream. It is probally viable if your a lower league club having a new ground built as Maidstone.
No brainer for me - i've seen lots of games on Maidstones and the only gripes i'm ever aware of are when a team has lost, besides Maidstones home form was far from spectacular on it last year!
Also the extra money you can make from having a pitch available 24/7 makes a massive difference ecspecially lower down the leagues.
Also there should be a lot less postponments which again is good for clubs, players, the league and fans!
I can see it from both sides but I would hate to have the game played on 4G, glad it has been rejected, for the time being.
4G makes entertaining 5 and 7 a side matches, as the balls pace in a smaller enclosed area keeps the football rapid. Imo I don't believe it would be as good on an 11 a side.
Also the injuries from 4G over years has had a torrid time on me and thats playing a couple of 5 a side matches a week. Surely playing on it all the time wouldn't be a good idea for the players?
Happy days. Football is a game for grass. 4G is for 5-a-side.
agreed .. though the plastic pitches near me, laid and secured along with changing rooms at a cost of £3 million, are used by Grimsby Town when training .. the players say that they are lovely for running, ball skills training & 5 a side, rubbish for 'real' games
Comments
Would have been very interesting had Maidstone been at home v Stevenage in the Cup
Will they then have to spend £180k to go back to a grass pitch which for a team like Yeovil could blow their budget and chances of survival in the Championship?
The Championship should give a little grace to those coming up
I understand that with 4G the surface is improving all the time but there is no substitute for grass (cue weed jokes)
Absolute genius
Probably not.
Is it better than playing on this?
I'd have to say yes!
Also the extra money you can make from having a pitch available 24/7 makes a massive difference ecspecially lower down the leagues.
Also there should be a lot less postponments which again is good for clubs, players, the league and fans!
4G makes entertaining 5 and 7 a side matches, as the balls pace in a smaller enclosed area keeps the football rapid. Imo I don't believe it would be as good on an 11 a side.
Also the injuries from 4G over years has had a torrid time on me and thats playing a couple of 5 a side matches a week. Surely playing on it all the time wouldn't be a good idea for the players?