Why artificial pitches are returning to these shores

Introducing artificial surfaces is necessary to football because although clubs like Manchester City and Chelsea have an abundance of cash, many clubs in the lower leagues are struggling for funds and an opportunity to make savings should be welcomed. Wycombe owner Steve Hayes said that to maintain the grass pitch currently installed at Adams Park costs around £75,000 a year and although clubs would have to shell out to make the change, it would see a huge chunk of that money stay in the kitty. Rather than heating the pitch to prevent it being icy or covered in snow, a blanket would be all that is required and instead of cutting the grass it would only require sweeping every so often to get rid of some of the rubber. And take away the cost of replacing the turf once it gets cut up beyond repair and your team is already onto a winner.

And after the problems last winter with games being called off for frozen and snow covered pitches, a plastic surface would put an end to that so no longer would fans be travelling to the match only to hear it has been cancelled.

It would also mean that the team could train and play at the stadium rather than finding a traditional training pitch which again saves money and when the club are not using it other groups could get involved, creating possible opportunities for community groups and sport centres which could in turn lead to more people coming to the ground, meaning more money.

And for the traditionalist, who wants sexy football from one side and tough tackling from the opponent. The new surface would not have patches that cause the ball to bobble or bounce differently so that in itself will encourage passing football rather than the long-ball game that everybody loves to hate. Players will be more comfortable playing the ball along the ground because they know there is less chance for an unlucky break and slide tackles will still be possible on the natural-feeling pitch, so a non-contact game is not on the horizon.

Top-flight clubs in Italy, France, Switzerland and Russia use them without major problems and there is not a noticeably higher rate of major injuries in their leagues. Our players have experienced them in Europe and World Cup qualifying. Do not think of the old plastic pitches because they are as ancient as the Romans, plastic is the affordable and effective way forward.

The article was written by Joshua Robbins for FootballFancast.com. Make sure to check out the latest news, blogs and podcasts at FFC – ed.

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