Fir Park Pitch Poisoned!

Last updated : 15 August 2002 By Firparkcorner

Stevie examines the pitch at the Birmignham game

Gus Hollas (who joined from Kilmarnock over the summer) is quoted in the Evening Times saying, “People have been having a go at the pitch but they don’t know the full story. Vandals broke in and poured weedkiller on it. We have now reseeded parts and are constantly working on the surface. It is tightly compacted at the moment, which means water is sitting on the top, so there's not much chance for any drainage, but we're working on that problem now."

The poor state of the pitch was immediately obvious to fans at the first game of the new season. After the Birmingham friendly the discussion was limited to ‘Well supporters but following the Partick Thistle game last weekend the pitch came in for fierce criticism from the visitors and from the media pundits.

Thistle player Scott McLean is reported to be out for four weeks with an ankle injury. He claims it is due to “the terrible state of the pitch”.

There are several areas on the surface which look bare. Of particular concern is the area along the Main Stand touchline. ‘Well fan, Gowboy, on the FirParkCorner message board posted “the pitch is in awful condition”.

Given that Terry Butcher is encouraging the team to pass the ball then it is clear that we have a problem. However, the ground staff seem to be on the case and working flat out to repair the damage. The next home team match at Fir Park will be for the visit of Hibs on Saturday 31 August.

At least the weather is perfect for growing grass!