Manager Keith Curle was on the pitch when the match official arrived to conduct his pre-Grimsby Town match pitch inspection on Friday afternoon and, with the game given the green light, he was quick to praise the efforts of the ground staff and the volunteers through what has been a severe spell of weather.
“The preparation from Dave Mitchell in terms of covering the pitch has been good,” he said. “I think other clubs may have put their covers on a little bit late, but Dave had ours on there early and the snow on top of them has helped insulate the grass underneath.
“We had a referee come down on Friday to have a look at the pitch and to assess the areas which are normally troublesome. He’s more than happy with how it is, and he’s also happy with the plan Dave has put in place for the clearance tomorrow.”
“Dave has taken the decision that the snow will be cleared as late as possible to make sure the frost doesn’t get into the pitch overnight,” he explained. “We’re asking for volunteers on Saturday morning to help clear the snow off the pitch, and Dave will be organising and letting people know what needs to be done in the morning.
“It will be all hands on deck to make sure the snow is taken off and put in the right places tomorrow.”
“We have to say a massive thank you to everyone who has been down here to help today,” he added. “I was speaking to one gentleman, who is a scaffolder and who can’t work because of the weather, so he’s come down with his mate and his kids. That shows the kind of unity within the football community.
“I know the football club have looked after the volunteers with hot drinks and bacon sandwiches, then they’re all getting a free ticket for the game, and the fact that the fans are coming down to help is just fantastic.
“Their efforts are appreciated and respected by everybody at the football club.”
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