Former Motherwell Fc Players Thread

[wellgirl]

The ban comes into force in 26/27

[dennyc]

23 minutes ago, texanwellfan said:

Are livingstone not upgrading their surface just now? 

Oh I hope so. But then tarmac would be an upgrade. Maybe they are looking for a surface that suits their new silky football approach. Apparently we are about to be treated to a new LIvi. 

[dennyc]

Just checked. They will have a new ARTIFICIAL surface in place for season 25/26. So a switch to grass the following season seems even more unlikely given that news.

[wellgirl]

As far as I'm aware they aren't upgrading their surface just now. Martindales comments seem to be about the proposed changes next year which he's opposed to 

[wellgirl]

5 minutes ago, dennyc said:

Oh I hope so. But then tarmac would be an upgrade. Maybe they are looking for a surface that suits their new silky football approach. Apparently we are about to be treated to a new LIvi. 

Yeah you're right. Just saw an article in the Scottish sun saying so 

[Spiderpig]

20 minutes ago, dennyc said:

Just checked. They will have a new ARTIFICIAL surface in place for season 25/26. So a switch to grass the following season seems even more unlikely given that news.

Its only a temporary upgrade to bring the surface up to an acceptable level to allow them to play in the Premiership this season as their old pitch was horrendous. 

They will still need to replace that with grass when the ban on artificial surfaces comes into force, assuming they are still a Premiership team at that time.

[weeyin]

I read recently that "the authorities" have brought in some pitch experts to consult with the artificial turf clubs to assist with the transition. So hopefully that means it's still on schedule.

The cynic in me agrees with the others that there will be a delay or cancellation in the plans. 

[dennyc]

1 hour ago, weeyin said:

I read recently that "the authorities" have brought in some pitch experts to consult with the artificial turf clubs to assist with the transition. So hopefully that means it's still on schedule.

The cynic in me agrees with the others that there will be a delay or cancellation in the plans. 

We’re pleased to confirm that we’ll have a new artificial playing surface installed here at the Home of the Set Fare Arena ahead of the 2025/26 season.

The club has been working hard behind the scenes over the last few weeks and months to put the planning in place and source the funds to make this possible.

The new surface itself is the latest generation of MX Elite – a high-tech woven system offering the very best performance characteristics for professional football, the same currently used by a number of other sides at all levels of the SPFL.

We’re hopeful that this will be completed and ready ahead of the Premier Sports Cup group stage matches starting in mid-July but should that change, we’ll update you all accordingly with any change of venue for those opening home ties.

Our thanks to Sportex and for their assistance in getting to this stage and we look forward to starting the new season with a new surface in place.

 

 

Seems a lot of expense to ditch it after one season. This cost will be part of the masterplan to cancel the requirement. And remember that Killie were meant to go grass this season, but opted out. And since season end there have already been meetings with the powers that be involving several 'plastic' clubs. Will the PL stand firm? Don't hold your breath.

[weeyin]

I'm still cynical about the ban, but in Livi's case they were told by the SPFL after their playoff win that their old plastic did not meet Premiership standards and had to rip it up.

Martindale said at that point it wasn't feasible to lay a grass pitch that would ready in time for the start of the season.

That may be true, but I can see them using it as an excuse to extend its use. 

[joewarkfanclub]

I would imagine both they and Falkirk will look to challenge it.

To be fair, I will wait until I see how the new pitches play this season before passing judgement.

I agree that some of the grass pitches we played on over the last couple of seasons werent always the best. St Johnstone being the most obvious in the cup game and the following week.

[weeyin]

I've seen enough evidence in the UK and in the US (where there are many) to pass judgement.

[Kmcalpin]

8 hours ago, joewarkfanclub said:

I would imagine both they and Falkirk will look to challenge it.

Almost certainly. Any appeal should be dismissed PDQ. Both clubs have known about this for some time and chosen to ignore it. In Livingston's case they said, when it was laid,  that their current pitch was absolutely excellent. If thats the case why upgrade it? In Falkirks's case they chose to prioritise the playing squad over pitch improvements now the chickens are coming home to roost. Deja Vu in their case?  Will this go to a vote, where other issues will be in the mix? 

[dennyc]

In truth, although I much prefer grass, I am not 100% against artificial if it is good quality and maintained properly. In Falkirk’s defence they have just about the best non grass surface I have seen and it plays true.

The real crime has been the authorities ignoring sub standard surfaces which are a danger to players and also ruin games. Killie, Livi and Accies as prime examples. If Livi have been told to upgrade then it’s not before time. Hopefully the criteria change will be enforced. Time will tell.

Anyway, back to former employees, I still hope SK crashes and burns no matter what surface his new  charges end up playing on. His bring in as many new players, including crocks, policy appears to be in full flow. I give him until Christmas. 

[wellfan]

A quarter of the Premiership will now be played on dogshit astroturf, and we’re all just meant to pretend that’s acceptable? Fuck off. If you can’t grow grass in Scotland, you’ve no right playing professional football.

[wellgirl]

Personally the injury to Calum Butcher shows as far as I'm concerned that professional football shouldn't be played on plastic pitches. Really unfair on the other teams who do have grass pitches as well. Apparently the reason that Livi have the plastic pitch is because of drainage issues at their stadium and because they don't have the finances to maintain a grass pitch. 

[joewarkfanclub]

1 hour ago, wellfan said:

A quarter of the Premiership will now be played on dogshit astroturf, and we’re all just meant to pretend that’s acceptable? Fuck off. If you can’t grow grass in Scotland, you’ve no right playing professional football.

Im all for football being played on grass. We used to have one of the worst grass pitches in the league and now its one of the best. So it can be done on a small budget. Like others have said, you have to prioritise. If standards are set it forces that decision on clubs, which is fine.

But imho, there should also be standards for grass pitches. Ours used to be horrible during the winter months. St Johnstones was poor last year and other clubs have had dodgy grass pitches.

The rules shouldnt just be applied to plastic if we are serious about improving standands......

[Spiderpig]

1 hour ago, wellfan said:

A quarter of the Premiership will now be played on dogshit astroturf, and we’re all just meant to pretend that’s acceptable? Fuck off. If you can’t grow grass in Scotland, you’ve no right playing professional football.

Totally agree, we should be thankful neither of the ugly sisters have a plastic pitch, then the SPFL would make it the required standard for every team.