Fleetwood up for pitch award

Town claimed the League Two accolade last season, will go up against Bristol City and Oldham Athletic for the pitch top prize, which will be decided before the end of the season.

Head Groundsman Dale Frith was delighted to be in the running in what is the club’s first season in League One.

He reserved special praise for his team who work tirelessly on the surface day in, day out.

Dale said: “I was very surprised we were nominated as one of the top three pitches in the league.

“We pride ourselves on the surface we provide. It has been a difficult winter but to get into the top three in the division alongside Bristol City and Oldham Athletic is a fantastic achievement.

“It is a great testament to the work the lads have put in this season on the pitch.

“We had about seven weeks to prepare for the League One season. Ideally we want nine weeks to prepare for a new season.

“We had good summer in 2014 and it was really hot which helped the pitch immensely. It helped the grass establishment.

“We were in a good place in the autumn. The rain came in and the pitch started to suffer but overall it has been in great condition.

“The judge came out to inspect the surface earlier this month. We will find out before the end of the season if we have won the award.

“I am just happy we have been nominated. It is great for the Club and the lads that have worked so hard.

“An independent judge will make the decision. He has visited all three nominated pitches in League One.

“They don’t take in account just the playing surface but what staff, materials and machinery we have. They also considerate what other pitches the grounds team have to take care of.

“We were delighted to win the award last year in League Two. I thought the pitch was superb and hopefully we will have similar success this time around.”