Official Statement from Erith Town from their Website
CLUB STATEMENT - WELLING UTD FC
Erith Town FC would like to go on record and apologise to the players, staff and supporters of Welling Utd FC as well as those who were due to be attending the friendly game yesterday evening. As a football club we are completely embarrassed by the whole situation that occured yesterday and feel that the decision taken by Welling Utd FC and their management not to play the game was totally justifiable. We would like to let everyone know that we as a football club will take full responsibility for the unfortunate events that occurred today although the situation was totally out of our hands.
To elaborate further, Erith Stadium is run by Parkwood Leisure (who are in charge of all grounds and pitch maintenance). We were assured that the pitch would be ready in time to host the fixture this evening. It is no secret that this fixture was an extremely big event for Erith Town FC and that our secretary Paul Carter had worked very hard to secure this game in the best interests of the club.
Throughout the Summer (so far) we have been in contact with those in charge of the pitch maintenance at Erith Stadium who have constantly assured us that the pitch would be in perfect condition for us to use pre season as it usually is every year without fail. We have now been at the Stadium for over 10 years and at no point have we ever had to 'check up' on pre season pitch preparations as this is normally taken care of without our interference - However with a game of this magnitude approaching we visited the ground early last week and stated our concern regarding the condition of the pitch which appeared to be overgrown and untreated in areas. We were told by those in charge that this was all in hand and that everything would be ready and in a more than suitable condition by our first pre season game and that we have nothing to be worried about. On arrival at the ground yesterday (around 4pm) the pitch was in fact in a worse condition than the week previous and although it had clearly been marked out, it had not been cut and treated as promised. On closer inspection it was also noticeable that the damage caused to the pitch by the Discus/Hammer throw (from the Athletics club) had not been filled in adequately. Although the centre done all they could to get the pitch cut and divots removed it was ultimately to late and quite rightly so the playing surface was deemed unplayable by the Welling management team and subsequently the game was cancelled.
Again we would like to apologise to Welling Utd unreservedly for the events that unfolded. All those involved behind the scenes at the club are very much embarrassed by the whole situation that has arisen and we can confirm that this will be dealt with as a matter of urgency before Saturday's home friendly fixture vs Sittingbourne FC that will 100% be going ahead as planned.
Wasted journey for me. However, my frustrations have been somewhat satisfied by the prompt and expansive explanations from Erith Town both ,in their statement and at the ground. The pitch was indeed unplayable.
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In three words I can sum up everything i've learnt in life; it goes on.
Fair play to Erith Town FC in their apology and detailed explanation, however, I for one think that the game could have gone ahead. Just to see the problem and call the game off is in my opinion a knee jerk reaction decision. With a limited number of pre-season friendlies arranged it is vitally important that the team gets as much playing time together in a match environment. There are a number of new members to the squad and they need to get used to how their team mates play. In my opinion it is another example of health and safety madness. The issue was high-lighted at 4pm, three and a half hours before kick off. Plenty of time to address and resolve the problem. With Wickes just around the corner, why couldn't someone pop round and buy a few bits and bobs that could have enabled the match to go ahead? At a small cost, a few tins of aerosol paint, boards and cones and some signs would have been all that it required for the game to proceed. Each divit could have been ringed around with red paint from the aerosols, with maybe some painted arrows on the grass pointing towards the hazard. The holes could have had safety barriers put up around them with 'no entry' signs attached preventing the players from any injury. On top of this, thick sponge could have been nailed into each recess adding further safety measures. Some may question this idea, but take a step back and think about it........with increased obstacles located on the pitch, it would have assisted with passing practice to get round them, plus the game would have been played and Erith Town would not have lost a fortune in much needed revenue.
Sympathy with Erith on this one. I've used the gym there for years and always seen the pitch being watered, cut etc. throughout the summer. Looks like they've been really let down by the Leisure Centre/Council staff.
Same old Parkwood...I'm a member of the athletics club there and we have little to do with then now. They as a company are shoddy at best so we now get our younger athletes to track staff at events, have been know to do essential repairs ourselves and so on. We have it agreed with Parkwood to throw hammers during our season and partly at the end of the football season, so it's not like they haven't done it before...our relationship with Erith, as I understand, is good currently. And I believe we share the same opinion of Parkwood, who last I heard Bexley council want shot of too...
