Postponements close in on 300
THE Upton will go ahead on Saturday 2 May even though the total number of domestic football postponements is fast rising towards 300 in the wettest winter in living memory.
But as FNB Priaulx League title contenders North and St Martin’s continue to struggle to get a home game played – Saints have not had a home game since 9 October and the chocolate and blues’ home clash with Rangers has already been switched to the KGV 3G – GFLM chairman Phil Corbet reports that the organising body is on top of the issue and a designated winter break would not make any difference.
‘Clearly it is not a healthy position to begin with so many games to play. But all the postponements are scheduled,’ said Corbet yesterday.
‘We understand that with the volunteer force in clubs being what it is now, clubs can’t play games they would have done 20 to 30 years ago.
‘Priority is being given over to the league where there are Uptons and Keith Mansell [GFLM fixtures coordinator] has told clubs that if they think their pitch is not going to be available then let him know and some games can be moved to the 3G.’
Corbet described the situation ‘as the worst on record’.
‘But you couldn’t have guessed when the wet season would start. It is impossible to predict.
‘This one started in November and it is still going and we are almost into March.’
Corbet acknowledged that a second full-size 3G would be a huge boon for the domestic game and football could benefit from perhaps two of them if the two-school Education model goes ahead as planned.
The new Victoria Avenue Stadium project does not and never has included plans for a full-size 3G pitch, just a training one and main grass pitch, so if football is to be properly guarded against prolonged rain it will require access to the KGV and/or a high school facility.
How that is paid for remains a thorny issue and will largely have to be covered by the clubs, who have already agreed in principle to introduce a £5 levy per player next season to increase the pot of money to hire the KGV.
Meanwhile, St Martin’s game tomorrow against Sylvans will move to the KGV at 5.30pm if St Peter’s proves unplayable.
Vale Rec’s home game against Bels at the Corbet Field is in doubt.
