The Return of Artificial Pitches?

BBC Sport has highlighted an important debate regarding artificial pitch surfaces and their possible re-introduction to the Football League.

The Football League has launched an online survey to gauge people's opinion to the possible re-introduction of artificial pitches which were banned by the Football Association in 1988 because they were said to cause injuries to the players and the quality of football played on them was poor.

Burnley Chief Executive, and former professional player, Paul Fletcher is against the re-introduction of synthetic pitches:

"The players of my era have had major problems with hips and joints as they have got older," said the 60-year-old. "Modern pitches have shock pads and they are getting better and better but, in my view, they will never replace the beautiful surface of grass."

Mansfield Sand developed Fibrelastic with player comfort as the key benefit of the playing surface. We believe that the players are a football club’s greatest assets and that their comfort is of the utmost importance.

We look forward to hearing the reactions from players, physios and managers to the possible re-introduction of artificial pitches, once the results of the Football League’s survey have been collated.

Read the BBC Sport articles on artificial pitches here:

Could artificial pitches be set for a return to Football League?

Artificial pitches a step closer to a return in English football

What do you think? Do the pros of artificial pitches out way the cons? Please feel free to leave your comments through our Facebook page or Twitter @MansfieldSand