Robson told me(Ronnie reporter) today: "The pitch here is absolutely dead and it is something I have to do something about.

As if he hasn't got enough to do with sorting out Domi and picking a side for Wednesday, he has to tend to the pitch as well!!

Haven't we got a few games away from St James now, could the pitch be relaid. Best signing of the season would be Arsenal's groundsman!

-- Anonymous, January 15, 2001

Answers

Man U had exactly the same problem when they started building v high stands - you may remember they had it laid before the start of one season and re-laid parts of it before Xmas.

Apparently (it ses 'ere) the high stands stop sun/wind/rain getting to the pitch. Many 'high' grounds round the world have suffered in this way, and they've developed a different type of grass for just these circumstances.

-- Anonymous, January 15, 2001

Man U had exactly the same problem when they started building v high stands - you may remember they had it laid before the start of one season and re-laid parts of it before Xmas.

Apparently (it ses 'ere) the high stands stop sun/wind/rain getting to the pitch. Many 'high' grounds round the world have suffered in this way, and they've developed a different type of grass for just these circumstances. Part of the prob actually comes from not only the height, but filling in the corners when the stands are high. Hence Wemberley, low stands, great pitch, Arsenal, high(ish) stands, don't fill their corners in, great pitch.

-- Anonymous, January 15, 2001

WOt the hell happened there?!

-- Anonymous, January 15, 2001

Or the Amsterdam Arena. Enclosed with retractable roof. 24 pitches laid in 4 seasons and not one has been remotely decent. One or two have caused injuries. Ajax apparently prefer playing away from home because at least they are guaranteed a decent playing surface.

-- Anonymous, January 15, 2001

Wonder if anyone has ever thought of playing on an artificial surface.........!! Only jesting. ;-{)

-- Anonymous, January 15, 2001

There dosen't seem to be a problem with rain, or light, as the see through roof lets sunlight onto the ground. The problem seems to be that the lack on wind means that the roots of the grass don't grow strong enough. So why not buy a wind machine , would this not be cheaper than buying new turf 2 or three times a season?

-- Anonymous, January 15, 2001

I'd have thought there were more than enough hot air and windbags at SJP already!

-- Anonymous, January 15, 2001

>>>>>I'd have thought there were more than enough hot air and windbags at SJP already!

Only on a matchday Clarky - the rest of the time we're all on here...

:-))

-- Anonymous, January 15, 2001

I thought we had that wonderweave stuff what holds the roots in place and enable the grass to grow properly. Arsenal paint their grass green with a plastic polymer, which is why it always look green and silky. Newcastle should be an ideal place to lay a pitch, because it's such a warm and sunny area.

-- Anonymous, January 15, 2001

>>>>I thought we had that wonderweave stuff what holds the roots in place

I think you've been talking to Screach about haircare products there Gibbo. It's a wonder we've got any grass at all.

-- Anonymous, January 16, 2001