TURF LIFE
. . a view from the dug-out
Blackpool FC are calling in the IOG to help with their pitch, which is in a shocking state. The Metro have even referred to it as "a total insult to football".
An article in the Blackpool Gazette says that the Football League has contacted the club following a spate of complaints by managers, players and fans. Whilst the League and the club are not making any public statements, a response to a fan's enquiry obtained by the local paper says, "Blackpool FC have provided some information with regards to the actions taken to improve the playing surface at Bloomfield Road. They have recently instructed the Institute of Groundsmen (sic) to attend and survey the current state of the pitch. And after discussions between BFC ground staff and the IOG, remedial work will take place over the next few weeks. Longer term, the club has stated that following the conclusion of season 2014-15, works will begin on the pitch to renovate ready for season 2015-16.”
This picture from the satirical Twitter account BBC Sporf shows how bad the pitch was before Saturday's remarkable 4-4 draw with Nottingham Forest.
Falmouth Golf Club recently held a celebration to mark the 40th year of hard work and dedication of greenkeeper Keith Kellow. The Falmouth Packet reports that Keith was presented with an engraved tankard from all the members as well as flowers and a £500 travel voucher. Keith told the paper, "It’s been a great evening, seeing all these smiling faces and I’ve kissed every woman in the room."
The Denver Bronocs are changing the surface at their Sports Authority Field from a synthetic blend to all natural grass for the first time since the stadium opened in 2001. Zach Myhra, Director of Facilities for Stadium Management Company, told ABC News, "After completing extensive upgrades to the stadium in recent years, our focus now is providing the safest and best possible playing surface." The new surface will be 100 percent Kentucky bluegrass.
The Daily Mail has a series of pictures of what could be described as the world's scariest football pitch. Built on the roof of a highrise shopping centre, the artificial pitch in China's Zhejiang province gives players a dizzying view of the city where space is of a premium.
High fences prevent the ball from flying off, but the area where spectators can stand only features a short barrier between them and a quick descent to the street below.
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