Concern over condition of the pitch at the Crown Oil Arena

Work on the pitch in 2017 has not prevented postponements this winter

The condition of the pitch at the Crown Oil Arena is a cause of concern for both Rochdale Football Club and Rochdale Hornets and their supporters, with Dale already having had to postpone two recent games.

Dave Gartside, chairman of Rochdale Supporters Trust, said: “Obviously, the pitch has suffered recently as a result of the particularly inclement spell of weather that Rochdale has suffered since November 2017. This has led to two recent postponements, which is a big disappointment to all concerned, including the directors, staff and supporters of the football club.

“The Trust has been in regular contact with the club regarding the situation, and has been assured that the club is doing everything it can to make sure that as many games as possible are played when they fall due.

“We understand that the pitch will undergo a full replacement in summer, and it will be replaced with a fibre-sand pitch that will be better suited to the climate in Rochdale.”

Hornets Law Cup game against Oldham was also postponed in early January due to the pitch being under water, and they are due to play their first home game on Sunday (4 February) versus Batley Bulldogs.

Chairman, Mark Wynn is, however, hopeful the pitch at the Crown Oil will be playable.

He said: “As it stands yes, we hope that the pitch will be playable given the weather today (Tuesday 30 January), and that is what we are working towards.

“Obviously, I do not want to tempt fate but hopefully the weather will be kind and the surface water will drain away.

“Both ourselves and the football club are frustrated with the surface and behind the scenes we are in regular discussions about the best solution to what is a difficult situation.

“More than ever both clubs need the town to get behind what each team is trying to achieve.

“The last few years have been a golden era for the town's two major sporting clubs.

“Issues like the pitch should galvanise supporters and let us all work pushing the town's professional sporting clubs onto greater things.”

Following professional advice, Rochdale Football Club is implementing a drill and fill solution, which will be put into action on Wednesday, weather depending.

The club says it will continue to seek advice from pitch experts and remain in contact with the EFL.