As can be seen from the picture above, the pitch at the Merseyrail Community Stadium is looking fantastic.
We have however taken advice from our pitch consultant Alan Lewis, who has confirmed that although, with continued maintenance, the pitch will be ready for the start of the new season, more root growth is required at present.
Mr Lewis has therefore suggested that to play games on the pitch before the start of the season could put the surface in doubt for the remainder of the campaign.
We have therefore taken the decision not to play the games against Blackpool and Blackburn Rovers at Merseyrail Community Stadium as planned on 23 and 28 July.
Director Ian Kyle stated: “We are extremely pleased with how the pitch has come on and we’re sure that those fans who come to the ground every Tuesday will have enjoyed seeing the work that has gone on to get it to the high standard it is now. Mr Lewis has assured us that it will be one of the best surfaces in the league.
“Much as we would like to play the games against Blackpool and Blackburn at the ground, as much for financial reasons as anything else, we also want to give the players every opportunity for the season ahead.
“We all witnessed how well the team played last season against Curzon Ashton and Colne, and it was no coincidence that these performances were on pitches that allowed us to play good football. It will be great to give the players that opportunity to play on a great surface at every home game. The last thing we would want to do is to sacrifice that at this late stage.”
The club is in ongoing talks with both Blackpool and Blackburn with a view to getting these games played at alternative venues. More announcements will be made in due course.