The poor condition of the surface meant FC Halifax Town suffered several postponements last season and were forced to play their final three home matches away from their home ground.
Halifax Panthers are at home to Toulouse on Saturday, June 1 but then don’t play at The Shay again until Sunday, June 30 against Whitehaven, giving a month’s window for work to take place.
“It was disappointing for all involved that the final games of the season couldn’t take place at the Shay and we continue to explore options to improve the quality of the playing surface, including short and long-term ambitions for the pitch,” stated Ian Day, Director of Public Services at
“Introducing a hybrid pitch would be the best course of action. This is a long-term solution that would probably ensure that games for both professional teams can be played without any problems. We have been talking about potential grant funds to help achieve this goal.
“Unfortunately, even in the event that grant applications are approved, the introduction of a hybrid pitch cannot be accomplished throughout the summer. However, this is still the Shay’s goal, and we are still in talks with both professional teams on the stadium’s and the pitch’s long-term management agreements.
“We are currently finalizing a plan that will seek to improve the pitch drainage by relieving surface compaction and reseeding the playing surface in order to improve the quality of the playing surface ahead of the new season.” Ideally, this work will begin in early June, giving the optimum chance for establishment before the pitch needs to be used once more.
“We continue to involve both clubs in decisions regarding the pitch and any effects on their fixtures and operations because we recognize how important it is to improve the quality of the playing surface.”
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