The FL have announced that there are plans in place to seek opinions on their return. http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17064905 Here is the survey for you to offer your opinions. Take this chance to have your say, as if the fans dont want it, it might not happen this once!! http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/WEB22ERJWUK6Y6
TBH Syd, if they can get an artificial pitch to play like the real thing I'd have no problem with it. As we are well aware this season grass has it's limitations if it doesn't get the light, heat, wind it requires. Saying that the artificial pitches of old were crap but I'm fairly sure the boffin's have made huge strides to make a viable plastic option.
The PL rules say that no matches should be played on an Artificial Pitch, those in the Championship dont want them incase they get promoted and have to rip them up, in the League 1/2 they will save the clubs money by having them. If it helps lower league clubs money and saves them from administration, then why not, FA Cup/League Cup may be a problem, but then playing on them once every couple of seasons wont hurt that much. and like cyprusmackem said, pretty sure the technology has come on leaps and bounds since the 80`s, racehores race on artificial turf (or all weather tracks, so they have to be artificial somewhere i would presume), so i really cant see it being a problem.
I played on a new artificial pitch at Sutton Utd the other week. It was superb, like grass but in some ways better. It was very consistent ie you pass the ball and it travels at the speed you expect it to. You can slide tackle on it without getting buns etc... I have never played on a premier league pitch so I can't make a real comparisson but its better than any grass pitch I have ever played on. The technology has moved on vastly in that last 10 years.
yep I play for a team on a tuesday night on a 3G surface and it is absolutely fantastic! Just like a proper pitch and as you say it is consistant, I do think you do get more burns, grazes than on a grass pitch but if the lower league clubs are looking to do this it would be great for them as a number of games are called off in a season because of the bad weather and these pitches would prevent that. Technology is moving forward all the time there is now 4G which I have not played on but if its better than the 3G we play on then it must be just like a top standard pitch.
Steve, quite correct. However internationals including UEFA competitions can be played on "FIFA Recommended 2"pitches. Pages & pages on the FIFA site.
I think the one I played on at Sutton was 4G as it was better than the 3G pitches they have got at the local schools. Its a different world now compared to getting sand in your cuts and grazes. I think as others have said its ideal for local league clubs. At the moment all our weekend games are off because of frozen pitches. Its frustrating.
I am a traditionalist and hope we never see the re-introduction of plastic pitches. Keep off the grass. For those who like a smoke feel free to carry on.
