Dunne supports return of artificial pitches

9:13am Tuesday 22nd January 2013 in Colchester Utd By Jonathan Waldron

Pitch battle - U's boss Joe Dunne wants artificial pitches to become common place in English football. Picture: WARREN PAGE Pitch battle - U's boss Joe Dunne wants artificial pitches to become common place in English football. Picture: WARREN PAGE

Colchester United boss Joe Dunne believes artificial pitches could be the answer to beating the big freeze.

The U’s were left frustrated after their League One clash at Hartlepool United fell foul of the cold weather, last weekend.

And last night’s under-21 development league clash between the U’s and Brighton and Hove Albion was also called off.

Colchester boss Dunne feels artificial surfaces could help cut the risk of postponements and losing valuable revenue.

The Football League discussed the possibility of introducing artificial surfaces last summer but the idea received little support from clubs.

Dunne added: “Astropitches are different now with new technology and science has changed.

“Revenue for lower league clubs now is vital and when games are called off, it’s hard."

See Tuesday's Gazette for more on this story and all of the latest Colchester United news.

Comments(7)

TheCaptain says...
9:47am Tue 22 Jan 13

I play on third generation astro pitches and these are better than local grass pitches. Not sure if they would be better than professional pitches. Also a lot games are called off because of the surrounding areas and roads for public safety. If would help the problem but not solve it.

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We're not singing anymore!!! says...
12:24pm Tue 22 Jan 13

We have artificial footballers so why not have an artificial pitch to match, lol.

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totallyfootball says...
1:22pm Tue 22 Jan 13

Where is the lost revenue, the match will be rescheduled Joe? Also its not just the pitches to consider there is the health and safety issue of the suporters getting to and from games. A good idea but it won't improve your current league position.

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United we stand says...
3:55pm Tue 22 Jan 13

There is a revenue consequence in terms of cash-flow for the club when games are called off. Presumably there are some behind-the-scenes 'wasted costs' too from a postponed match-day that just can't be recovered. Also, postponed games are invariably rescheduled for draughty Tuesday nights at WHCS - not exactly an attractive proposition and not as convenient for many of us who work outside of Colchester.
The issue of fan safety etc is another important factor although thousands do attend premiership games during the severe weather, that's for sure.
Joe: if I were you, I would concentrate on strengthening the team (where are the promised new guys for the squad?) before making comments that, at best, divide your ever-diminishing support base!

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Boris says...
12:26am Wed 23 Jan 13

I agree with United we stand, a Tuesday night game in winter is not so attractive. Has anyone ever compared crowd numbers for Tuesday evenings with those for Saturday afternoons?
And it is hard for many visiting supporters to travel away on a Tuesday. We need them to come, to take up a few seats in our big empty stadium.

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wellnow says...
9:59am Wed 23 Jan 13

He might also be in favour of artifical crowds if the results don't start to lmprove.

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candy box says...
9:49pm Thu 24 Jan 13

Might be the only way you will win a match

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