THE World Cup ends and a fortnight later, we’re on the brink of a new campaign, although some clubs have been playing pre-season games since the start of July. I doubt too many people have thought about it, but in … Continue reading Forget the heatwave, would summer work for non-league?
ASK most non-league clubs if they have regretted installing an artificial pitch and you’ll struggle to find one that rues the day they rolled out the green carpet. They’ve come a long way since Luton Town and QPR’s omniturf mats … Continue reading A magic carpet: How an artificial pitch can change a club
Those who consider 3G pitches unacceptable at the highest level should have been at the Gallagher Stadium, the home of Maidstone United, for the top-of-the-table clash against Dulwich Hamlet. What a game! Seven goals, a big crowd, plenty of excitement. And not once did anyone comment that the pitch had made much difference. There’s no shortage of luddites in the football world, but 3G is definitely the way ahead. Admittedly, these were two teams at the top of the Isthmian League table, but the quality was far higher than anything I have seen in non-league circles this season. Maidstone United … Continue reading If the question is 3G or not 3G…the answer is yes
So, the debate over artificial pitches goes on. In 2012-13, the FA permitted them in the FA Cup up to the fourth qualifying round, which says a lot about what they really think of non-league football. “It’s OK chaps for you little boys, but we don’t want the big boys to use it.” But it’s acceptable in UEFA circles, and World Cup qualifying games have been played on 3G pitches. So, there’s inconsistency all over the place. Today, as we look at a nation flooded, at the mercy of the elements, and hundreds of games have to rearranged, it seems … Continue reading 3G could split the code we all know and love
3G pitches all round. That is the future of non-league football. Why? It’s simple. When the subject of a winter break was couched, not many people felt it was a good idea. Above all things, football fans don’t like the idea of a few weeks without football. But that’s what they get by default given the unpredictable weather in Britain. A case in point was last weekend. Almost total wipe-out of the non-league programme due to rain. Now I have to admit, I have often scratched my head in bewilderment at how easy it is to postpone a match, but … Continue reading So, you don’t want a winter break? Consider this.
