'Plastic pitches' could return Artificial pitches could return to English football after club chairmen voted to hold a formal consultation on the controversial surfaces. Last Updated: 16/02/12 at 16:32 Post Comment Artificial turf: Could return to Football League The so-called 'plastic pitches' were banned in all four divisions in 1995 when the likes of Luton and QPR were deemed to gain too great a home advantage from having an artificial surface. Now the Football League say there is a "clear appetite" among some members to take advantage of the improvement in artificial pitches - they have now been sanctioned by FIFA and UEFA and are used in many countries. Football League chief operating officer Andy Williamson said: "For the first time in 20 years, there is a clear appetite amongst a number of Football League clubs to reconsider the use of artificial surfaces for first-team matches. "It is fair to say that the Football League currently has an open mind on the issue, however it is a decision that will clearly have implications for all those with an interest in professional football. "It is important therefore that everybody gets the opportunity to have their say." It is thought that Accrington Stanley and Wycombe are among those keen to have artificial pitches. The consultation will be open to all clubs, governing bodies and leagues, as well as other football groups such as the Professional Footballers' Association, the League Managers' Association, referees' groups, groundstaff and fans. The issue will be discussed at the Football League's summer conference being held on May 31 and June 1.
I love the fact that QPR were a pioneer of the plastic pitch in the UK. I remember as a kid going to a home game against Burnley which we won 7-1 (I think). There was a young carrot-topped goalie making his debut for Burnley that day, poor kid. Sadly, if memory serves, the poor kid died young too.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billy_O'Rourke Seems it was 7-0 Uber! But at least he was their man of the match. As you say he died before his time.
Dear me, was it 7-0? You see, being a QPR fan makes you such a pessimist that you even ship the opposition a soft goal in your mind's eye some 30 years later. Better still, having now dug it up from YouTube it would seem that my memory is more **** than I suspected, as we are clearly playing on grass that far back! Oh well, Nursie will be along with my medication shortly, and also some much needed embrocation for my chapped parts. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6v-D-24BzI
