Torquay United Fans Forum

Was about to make a thread on this. Noticed that before both the Wycombe and Port Vale games the groundstaff were absolutely soaking the pitch. I can see the logic in making it slick, keeping it moist so that we can play our football. That makes sense. But when you see the players slipping around all over the place it just makes us look silly.

Kenny was encouraging the guy to water the pitch, especially around the box. I felt sorry for their guy Smalley, he looked dangerous, but he kept losing his footing, and Branston almost injured himself on it as well. I personally don't like it.

I think the Groundstaff are under strong instruction from Bucks and the Team to water the pitch to help with our "passing game". I dont think the Groundstaff are doing it for the sake of it? But I agree, during the first half of most matches recently at Plainmoor, the pitch has been too wet and slippery underfoot.

PASSING PITCH
Posted on: Fri 04 Mar 2011

UNITED groundsman Scott Duff is on a constant quest to produce the optimum playing surface at Plainmoor.

Scott and his assistant Ashley Barr have spent the last few months battling snow, ice and rain, but a new foe has emerged in the spring thaw.

A period of dry weather could make Plainmoor bobbly and difficult for the Gulls to play their passing game when Stevenage visit, although anything is better than the mud bath at Accrington last weekend.

"Plainmoor looks like Wembley compared with Accrington," said manager Paul Buckle. "It is getting a little bobbly and I'm keen for our groundsman to get some water on there.

"The pitch is very important to us because we are set up to pass the ball and it is very difficult to do that if the pitch won't allow.

"If the pitch becomes bobbly and dry, we might have to change our plan, but we prefer to pass the ball."

Before the match whilst warming up I'm pretty sure the goalkeepers and kenny were telling them to soak it? Might be wrong but that's the impression I got.

Branston was on his arse most of the first half.

I'm struggling to see the logic to this watering lark, perhaps when the sun is out and the ground is dry but not for an evening match. Anyone in the enclosure will have seen the players giving some pretty dodgy looks to the groundstaff.

So my question is:
who's idea is it to water - and why?