At Marine having a 3G pitch has made a big difference financially, it can be hired out every day and the reliability of not having any postponements at home has been great too. However we wouldn't have been able to afford it without our FA Cup run, the money from that paid for it so for most clubs at this level it won't be financially viable I imagine. For me the positives far outweigh any negatives, especially as the chance of us reaching the EFL any time soon is basically zero so no risk of having to rip it up again.
The other issue is I understand the toll on playing on 3G for the home players and why some clubs with it have a higher injury rate. As for playing on grass, (not that we would want to back) but I remember when by this time of the year the only grass at Underhill was a small patch around each corner flag, those were the days.
I’m becoming more of a fan given the amount of last minute called off announcements on grass. I wouldn’t want to see grass go at Championship or PL level but am not sure it makes sense for lower league teams to stick with grass.
I think we all prefer grass, but the advantages of 3G/4G over grass to non league clubs is immense. It gives a 7 day a week money maker, no postponed matches and if you listen to Chesterfield supporters an advantage of making you play like the famous 1970 Brazil team.
At Marine having a 3G pitch has made a big difference financially, it can be hired out every day and the reliability of not having any postponements at home has been great too. However we wouldn't have been able to afford it without our FA Cup run, the money from that paid for it so for most clubs at this level it won't be financially viable I imagine. For me the positives far outweigh any negatives, especially as the chance of us reaching the EFL any time soon is basically zero so no risk of having to rip it up again.
The other issue is I understand the toll on playing on 3G for the home players and why some clubs with it have a higher injury rate. As for playing on grass, (not that we would want to back) but I remember when by this time of the year the only grass at Underhill was a small patch around each corner flag, those were the days.
I’m becoming more of a fan given the amount of last minute called off announcements on grass. I wouldn’t want to see grass go at Championship or PL level but am not sure it makes sense for lower league teams to stick with grass.
This website reckons it costs £5500 a year to maintain a 3g pitch. I must add that personally I don’t like them.
I think we all prefer grass, but the advantages of 3G/4G over grass to non league clubs is immense. It gives a 7 day a week money maker, no postponed matches and if you listen to Chesterfield supporters an advantage of making you play like the famous 1970 Brazil team.
Agree!!