[Football] Sutton United

[Dorset Seagull]

And links previously with Paul Rogers and a talented Brighton football family through Mike Cornwell.

Ah good old Mike now a season ticket holder at Chelsea although still an avid Albion supporter. Brother Ian now living in Thailand

 

[Superphil]

Am I right in thinking that like Harrogate they would have gained promotion with a 4G pitch?
I wonder how much of an advantage that is?
Although in the Football League they will have to play on grass.

It is still an amazing achievement and well done to Sutton United.

Not allowed in the English football league with a 3G pitch (4G is a trade name), 3G is the only artificial pitch recognised by the authorities. There was a rule that if you had a 3G (or 4G) pitch and gained promotion then not only would you not be promoted but that you’d be relegated too. Nonsensical rules, but where else but with the FA and the English football authorities?

 

[Cian]

The weather justifications for an artificial pitch don't really wash in Sutton; but there should at the least be a re-evaluation of the ban for Northern teams that likely need more artificial support for growth of a conventional pitch; due to shorter days in Winter.

 

[Worried Man Blues]

The weather justifications for an artificial pitch don't really wash in Sutton; but there should at the least be a re-evaluation of the ban for Northern teams that likely need more artificial support for growth of a conventional pitch; due to shorter days in Winter.

Where would you draw the line then!

 

[Superphil]

Where would you draw the line then!

I think the benefits outweigh the negatives for football below the top flights in general, I’d be happy to see 3G pitches up to and including league 1, and no restrictions should a L1 side get promoted with an artificial pitch.

 

[Swansman]

The weather justifications for an artificial pitch don't really wash in Sutton; but there should at the least be a re-evaluation of the ban for Northern teams that likely need more artificial support for growth of a conventional pitch; due to shorter days in Winter.

**** it.

In Sweden we got the first artificial pitches in the top league some 20 years ago... since then it has spread and more than half of the teams in Allsvenskan are playing on artificial pitches... with the consequence that its much more difficult for players to adapt to foreign leagues (because football on artifical pitches is different) plus a significant increase in injuries.

Its the wrong way to go.

 

[Worried Man Blues]

I think the benefits outweigh the negatives for football below the top flights in general, I’d be happy to see 3G pitches up to and including league 1, and no restrictions should a L1 side get promoted with an artificial pitch.

I watch Carmarthen quite a bit and they have a plastic pitch as it's rather damp around here! I also would agree with you about the level allowed and of course the pitch can be used for many events one after the other for the community, which helps with funding. I do not have any problems watching but there is always a little cloud kicked up when the ball bounces but at least the games aren't cancelled.

 

[atfc village]

Awful pitch ,awful floodlights ,like watching a game in Sunglasses in a darkened room . Awful pubs in the vicinty ,one poor away that wont be missed .Congrats on winning the title ,though we have got Grimsby and Southend down hardly great away days either.

 

[Raleigh Chopper]

Sutton have sown the seeds for future growth and turned a new leaf they should now blossom in the FL.
They have to sow some grass first though and I am pleased for Tim Vine.