SUNDERLAND will consider installing a high-tech playing surface this summer in an attempt to end their pitch battles. The Stadium of Light pitch has never really lived up to its surroundings, the problem exacerbated by its use as a concert venue and the harsh weather. The result is a pitch falling behind the Premier Leagueâs increasing standards. Sunderlandâs is one of the few totally natural surfaces in the top-flight, but the club may consider injecting the artificial fibres commonplace on other grounds. Boss Martin OâNeill said: âWe are attracting a lot of people in to watch the football and, particularly in the modern day where pitches seem to be getting better, they want to see the best conditions possible. âI say that, yet I watched Roma play Inter Milan ten days ago. I accept the fact it was minus eight or nine but the pitch was really terrible. âI watched Barcelona away in the Champions League (at Bayer Leverkusen) and that pitch looked poor. âSometimes the weather plays an important part. I have excellent groundsmen at the training ground and stadium â sometimes it is hard to put something into a pitch which does not exist. In the summer it is something we will have to look at so we have a proper pitch to play on next season.â A relaid pitch normally takes six weeks to bed down About time the pitch has been addressed, its the worst in the league according to a few of the players and to improve little things like a better pitch need addressing for that to happen. As for the bits I have highlighted, wonder if MoN has been on a scouting trip or just watched those games on TV
To me the Chelsea pitch didn't look that great against Birmingham. Can't believe this. 3 o'clock on a Saturday with a match to be played at the SOL and I'm still at home.
Alongside Brucey playing people who were clearly not fit, a possible reason for our shocking recent injury history?
