Conference to allow 3G pitch use

[RaidenYeltz]

To be perfectly honest, I don't think that teams as high as the conference need 3G pitches. They are probably good for teams lower down the leagues that can't afford the ground maintenance or the proper drainage systems (such as Willenhall Town that didn't have a game from mid December to mid February this season if I remember correctly due to waterlogged pitches).

What happens when a side using 3G gets promoted? Do they then have to rip up the 3G to get a grass pitch so they can get promoted?

[BBNOW100]

To be perfectly honest, I don't think that teams as high as the conference need 3G pitches. They are probably good for teams lower down the leagues that can't afford the ground maintenance or the proper drainage systems (such as Willenhall Town that didn't have a game from mid December to mid February this season if I remember correctly due to waterlogged pitches).

What happens when a side using 3G gets promoted? Do they then have to rip up the 3G to get a grass pitch so they can get promoted?

Well this is exactly why it wouldn't be good for conference teams to install a 3G pitch. As mentioned by Wednesburystoke, if I were a supporter of say Kiddi Harriers and they decided to install a 3G pitch, I would have serious concerns.

[HurstGreenHTFC]

So I'm guessing if there was ever any inkling of a thought to putting 3G or even the improved 4G in at the Grove many supporters wouldn't like it ?

Apart from the obvious disadvantages there are many advantages too. I'm completely on the fence about it but can see the value to the club of having the pitch installed (not necessarily on the playing side).

[RaidenYeltz]

So I'm guessing if there was ever any inkling of a thought to putting 3G or even the improved 4G in at the Grove many supporters wouldn't like it ?

Apart from the obvious disadvantages there are many advantages too. I'm completely on the fence about it but can see the value to the club of having the pitch installed (not necessarily on the playing side).

Would it help attract players or would it hinder the signing of potential players?

[Homer9796]

The 3G/4G pitch debate is more about finances for lower league/non leage clubs than anything else. A 3G/4G pitch, once installed, is fairly easy to maintain and can be used 24hrs a day, 365 days a year. Managed properly it can generate a huge amount of income for a club. It also allows clubs to fulfil more of its community obligations by renting to schools, sports clubs etc. i think if it was a purely financial decision most clubs would snap up the chance of a 3G/4G playing surface.

As for watching games on it im a litte on the fence like others. Id prefer to watch on grass but wont die ina ditch if i had to watch a game on 3G/4G.

Also, as time goes on, they will become the norm and players will be used to them. Any kid whose played for a professional clubs Cat 1 0r Cat 2 Academy will have been brought up playing/training in domes or on artificial surfaces. My lad is at an Academy and id say hes spent 80% or more of his football life on an artificial surface. Assuming that a club opearting at NPL level will be signing players with some professional or Academy experience means in the future that artificiual surfaces wont be an issue to players.

As i said im on the fence, dont have a huge opinion either way. All id say is that if HTFC, or other similar non league clubs, produced a business plan saying the only real way to survive was to install 3G/4G so as to generate income its a no brainer to me.

[ginger dynamo]

I saw this yesterday on the bbc website:-

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/29919748

[beastyyeltz]

What surprised me is that it cost £500,000 to lay down a 3G turf. Would seem a waste of money for a League One side to spend so much and to then tear it up if they get promoted.

[RobYeltz]

What surprised me is that it cost £500,000 to lay down a 3G turf. Would seem a waste of money for a League One side to spend so much and to then tear it up if they get promoted.

It shows how much money is in the game at the top end more like! Shame more doesn't get filtered down to our level

[HurstGreenHTFC]

Quote taken from the BBC page :

"We did a survey two years ago from our membership, the professional players who actually play, and they were overwhelmingly against playing on the artificial surfaces."

In two years its gone from no one wanting it to half the clubs wanting it - give it another two years and it will be voted through.

[RaidenYeltz]

There's nothing wrong with grass...when maintained correctly.