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Post by Iron Webbo on Feb 1, 2013 18:23:18 GMT
LINCOLN - MATCH POSTPONED Heavy overnight rain - leaves Amlin pitch under water This afternoon's Blue Square Bet Premier Division fixture at home to Lincoln City has been postponed following a 9am pitch inspection by a local referee. While the pitch was in good condition on Thursday evening, heavy over-night rain into Friday morning left some areas of the pitch under water. Unfortunately, more overnight rain into this morning has left the pitch sodden. No new date has been arranged for the game - more news here when we have it!
WREXHAM TRIP POSTPONED FA Trophy progress - dictates new date Braintree Town's Blue Square Bet Premier trip to championship-chasing Wrexham, scheduled for three weeks on Saturday, 23rd February, has been postponed. The Welsh club are involved in the FA Trophy on that day and the match will now take place on Tuesday, 16th April, with kick-off at 7.45pm.
DEADLINE DAY ADDITION Devs adds Crawley youngster - to squad on loan Alan Devonshire completed a Deadline Day loan deal to bring 19-year old Aaron Wickham on loan from League One side Crawley Town. Arrangements were completed just 55 minutes before the deadline of 11pm yesterday and Aaron will be available for Saturday's match with Lincoln City.
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Post by Iron Webbo on Feb 2, 2013 9:17:03 GMT
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Post by 4whatitsworth on Feb 2, 2013 9:26:33 GMT
Bl**dy weather!! Just as we are on a run of form as well.
Just seen that Newports game is also off.
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Post by Stuart R on Feb 2, 2013 9:31:21 GMT
The pitch is a joke, we had barely any rain overnight and the match gets called off. Sort it out Braintree, or we will still be playing our matches next year!
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Post by fitnessfreak on Feb 2, 2013 9:32:28 GMT
Probably be 26th march unless a thursday night match as Lincoln already have a match on 5th march. This coming Tuesday is also free still though.
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Post by ironhorse on Feb 2, 2013 9:44:27 GMT
Are we not in danger of becoming a bit of a joke, another match that will be consigned to a Tuesday night. Some thing needs to be done about this water problem.
An idea: There is a large area of the ground to use for an idea. Dig a big pit at the back of the quag end, line it out, sand bag the sides, make it deep and below the water table of the pitch and dig a drainage ditch down each side and ends of the pitch, insert drain-aways and channel the water to this catchment area, not only will you collect all the water but will have a ready made water storage facility during the summer to put the water back on to the pitch. I know what I am talking about for once as we used to do a similiar thing on the oil sites for water supplies. Something like this should have been done when the quag end was sorted, it was apparent then that when the footings filled with water that the stuff had no where to go. Something needs to be done soon as not only will we become the laughing stock of the league, and worse, local teams but the amount of revenue, what little it is, will be continued to be lost. Its not the total fault of the Board and the Club, we all know about finances and I am not allaying blame or having a directed pop at anyone, airing a grievance maybe, but I, along with I imagine, a few hundred frustrated supporters are starting to get fed up with the lack of home matches through cancelled games due to waterlogging. Maybe its time for a couple hundred Braintree volunteers to get involved or do we not have the same spirit as do other clubs, Nuneaton being a fine example. Initially some sort of plan has to be drawn up as this weather is not going to get any better, marvolous that the sun is now out a its a lovely day.
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Post by Iron Webbo on Feb 2, 2013 9:54:52 GMT
Hi Stuart,
The last twelve months have seen, I believe, the second wettest winter in a hundred years and we are working hard to get ourselves through this difficult spell of weather. The Club have laid new drains in the Quag End and have had the pitch regularly vert-drained. I checked with the BBC website and it seems we did indeed have rain during the night. Rain that was not forecast! We're obviously keen to get games played, but if a referee says the pitch is unfit there is little that we can do. This morning we were forking the pitch and water was coming up through the fork holes!
It is unfortunate that you refer to the pitch as a 'joke'. A lot of people, most of them volunteers, have worked very hard on the pitch over the past 48 hours to give us the best chance of it being playable. You're obviously not happy with our pitch so, next time I see you, I will introduce you to Graham (our groundsman) and you can explain your views to him direct. Perhaps when you hear his side of the story, you might understand just how hard it is to get the pitch playable at this time.
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Post by Iron Webbo on Feb 2, 2013 9:56:15 GMT
Are we not in danger of becoming a bit of a joke, another match that will be consigned to a Tuesday night. Some thing needs to be done about this water problem. An idea: There is a large area of the ground to use for an idea. Dig a big pit at the back of the quag end, line it out, sand bag the sides, make it deep and below the water table of the pitch and dig a drainage ditch down each side and ends of the pitch, insert drain-aways and channel the water to this catchment area, not only will you collect all the water but will have a ready made water storage facility during the summer to put the water back on to the pitch. I know what I am talking about for once as we used to do a similiar thing on the oil sites for water supplies. Something like this should have been done when the quag end was sorted, it was apparent then that when the footings filled with water that the stuff had no where to go. Something needs to be done soon as not only will we become the laughing stock of the league, and worse, local teams but the amount of revenue, what little it is, will be continued to be lost. Its not the total fault of the Board and the Club, we all know about finances and I am not allaying blame or having a directed pop at anyone, airing a grievance maybe, but I, along with I imagine, a few hundred frustrated supporters are starting to get fed up with the lack of home matches through cancelled games due to waterlogging. Maybe its time for a couple hundred Braintree volunteers to get involved or do we not have the same spirit as do other clubs, Nuneaton being a fine example. Initially some sort of plan has to be drawn up as this weather is not going to get any better, marvolous that the sun is now out a its a lovely day. Gordon, great idea, bring your shovel and start work immediately!
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Post by Stuart R on Feb 2, 2013 10:25:54 GMT
Lee, I live right next to the ground and there was barely any rain over night. Also I did not say at all that I blamed the ground staff and volunteers. I blame the pitch and the non existent drainage that the pitch seems to have. That new drainage put in a few weeks really has helped!
And how can you not call the pitch a joke, when it seems like it can't even handle a light shower!
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Post by Iron Webbo on Feb 2, 2013 10:50:56 GMT
Stuart,
I can only go by the information I am given. Both the BBC site and colleagues have advised there was rain overnight. I did not say that you criticised those that work on the pitch, but you did criticise the pitch itself and, in my opinion, that is unfortunate. Many of us have worked hard to get the pitch in the best condition possible. I accept we failed on this occasion, but we've tried.
You are wrong to suggest the pitch drainage is non-existent, there is drainage. But, as I'm sure you will know, there is clay under the pitch which prevents drainage to sub-soil aquifers and the areas that the pitch drain to - are inundated.
I agree with you that the new drainage put in has helped, the Quag End goalmouth was the best drained part of the pitch when I looked at it. The pitch can handle a lot of what is thrown at it, but the accumulated rainfall from the last few months and the last 48 hours have beaten us once again.
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spout37
One of the youngsters
Posts: 7
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Post by spout37 on Feb 2, 2013 11:00:31 GMT
With all local games on and we can't get ours on at this level, then yes this is a tad embarrassing
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Post by orangenblue on Feb 2, 2013 11:58:40 GMT
Just think everyone is a bit frustrated that we are on a good run and another Saturday afternoon sitting at home, or dragged out shopping. On the coach to Nuneaton last week, someone made the comment that unless the snow is cleared off the pitch then a heavy downpour we could be looking at another postponed game (Lincoln) prophetic words.
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Post by 1672 on Feb 2, 2013 14:30:33 GMT
Very disappointing outcome, as this is being written on a delightful day in brilliant sunshine. Was really looking forward to seeing the match with my son. Are we getting a bit too choosy these days about the state of the ground, as some of the 1950s matches look as though they were played on a ploughed field.
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braintreejon
Regular reserve teamer
BLUE SQUARE BET SOUTH CHAMPIONS 2010/11
Posts: 83
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Post by braintreejon on Feb 2, 2013 15:43:55 GMT
this has all come after the boxing day game which should have never have been played. the pitch has had constant problems since then
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Post by ironhorse on Feb 2, 2013 17:26:29 GMT
It will take more than a shovel, probably if we got fifty shovels it might make an impact, yes agreed we have had exceptional rainfall and yes the rain has nowhere to go, precicesly my point. If I thought it would help and enough people came forward I would certainly bring my shovel. Me thinks a JCB might be the order of the day!!! ;D
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e7cm7
On the bench
Posts: 179
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Post by e7cm7 on Feb 2, 2013 17:41:16 GMT
Results for teams immediately below in our favour.
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Post by stevet on Feb 2, 2013 19:45:15 GMT
Not only have we got fans who think they are better players coaches and manager, seems we have quite a few experienced groundsman as well. Lol!!
Plans are afoot to have an upgrade on the pitch through the close season,and yes ironhorse a jcb will be there maybe a good time to look at your proposal and check out the visability.
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Post by bockingblue on Feb 2, 2013 20:18:45 GMT
it's a joke. tell me it's a joke
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Post by stevet on Feb 2, 2013 21:32:07 GMT
As we speak waste pipes are being laid all around the ground to allow all fans to suck in together. This is btfc 1st agenda on green issues. More to follow.
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Post by ironhorse on Feb 3, 2013 9:58:37 GMT
I don't think people are trying to be groundsmen Steve, I think our staff have done all they can within their power and the likes of you and Graham and Bobby have worked miracles over recent weeks, but the fact remains that the Club have been stiffled by the will they won't they move, all be it eventually, and now we have to bite the bullit finacially as has been stated, but we have got to get to the end of the season and at present we look to have a loaded march/april when it comes to fixtures. There are lots of ideas coming forward not all of them can be implemented by the person volunteering the idea, this isn't like holding a raffle or money raising scheme, this is frustrating period for all, I know we are not alone with games called off, Newport at the weekend lost thier game to, but they are for all intense and purposes playing at a rugby stadium which takes a lot more punishment than the Amlin. I once again failed to win the lottery so can't help fund a major overhaul of the Amlin but I feel the Club will have to part with some cash sooner rather that later to stop gap these game postponments. It aint doing our team any favours either let alone the frustrations on the terracing.
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Post by Iron Webbo on Feb 3, 2013 10:22:26 GMT
"I feel the Club will have to part with some cash sooner rather that later to stop gap these game postponments"
Spending money during the season that we have not budgeted can only come by reducing expenditure elsewhere. What would you recommend that we cut Gordon? The Academy, the reserves, the first team squad?
It's easy for those that do not help, to tell those of us that try, how it should be done better. The Club has had pitch drainage problems for fifty years here. We're sitting on clay and we need to spend thousands to resolve the problem. If anyone wants to write out the cheque, please pass it on to me.
But these past few months have not been typical, the amount of rain we have had is a one in a hundred years scenario and we're struggling as a result. All this angst needs to be put into context.
So, unless you've got money to burn or a magic wand - those of us that try, will continue to do just that.
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Post by fitnessfreak on Feb 3, 2013 11:32:55 GMT
An idea for a bit of fundfraising could be take some of the clay from the ground, mould it into some ornaments and bowls and sell them. Just an idea Mr Chairman.
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Post by neilthehornet on Feb 3, 2013 18:38:19 GMT
How many games have been postponed at home this season?
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Post by ironhorse on Feb 4, 2013 1:17:28 GMT
No one can argue the commitment of the few, I know exactly where you are coming from Lee, but I can't remember as many games in a season being called off due to rain, as I have previously excepted, the wet weather may have been exceptional and equalled by the exceptional efforts by the Club to counteract the water problem. I am not having a go at the efforts of the Club just the fact that fans are frustrated by whats going on, maybe more fans would come forward if they knew how they could help. Maybe we need some sponsorship from a civil engineering company. ;D
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Post by Iron Webbo on Feb 4, 2013 11:03:44 GMT
According to the Met Office, the year 2012 was the second wettest since records began in 1910. The year saw us on the receiving end of over 52 inches of rain and most of that came in the second half of the year. That's over four feet of water - like a tsunami coming up the River Brain! The water table locally has been just beneath or even above the surface for months now, with nowhere to drain to.
I'm told that the old Crittall club had a series of problems with the pitch that threatened the club's very future in the 1970's, but most of those were cured by the introduction of drainage in, I believe, 1986. Now I'm no expert, but I was led to believe that this sort of drainage has a life expectancy of 20-25 years and, as it starts to silt up, it has been struggling for a year or two.
As with all things we have to juggle the finances. Pitch maintenance costs thousands - I know because we spend it every year! We could have spent even more on new drainage last summer but that would have dictated a reduced playing budget for the season. With a hose pipe ban in place until April, I was confident that the pitch would cope OK. The pitch has been heavily sanded and verti-drained many times and we've introduced new drainage at the Quag End of the pitch, but this will take time to bed in and help. There are plans for additional drainage work when the current season comes to an end in April.
But we're not alone - a number of clubs have had games called off - you only have to look at Gateshead's fixture problems as an example. Not only have we had the exceptionally heavy rainfall to contend with, we also had heavy snow last month that saw our Grimsby match postponed through snow and ice. Some of us worked very hard on Christmas Day and Boxing Day to get the Cambridge United game on. It was frustrating, as we lost the match, but similar hard work before the Telford game saw that match played and won.
We are all frustrated by the games being called off and it has an impact on the Club's cashflow, but criticising the pitch doesn't help. When folk call the pitch a 'joke' all that happens is that those that give up their time freely, to do what they can to help, are offended and de-motivated. The next time the Club needs their help they are less inclined to lend a hand - the 'few' become fewer because they feel their efforts are not appreciated.
As we move toward relocation, we are keen to keep our on-going maintenance here to a minimum. If 2013 is the year of the drought order, I will be delighted, but then I'm sure there will be somebody moaning about us not getting enough water on the pitch!
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Post by ozbrit on Feb 4, 2013 14:26:56 GMT
Thanks for your ongoing explanation Lee. I can recall the drainage work carried out in the 80's while George & Ivan were at the helm. A number of drainage conduits were laid which channeled water from left to right as you look from the clubhouse. The real issue is the nature of the substrate - clay and we all who know how resistant clay is to any downward percolation particularly when compacted.
We should also appreciate at how the club is required to do the splits when it comes to cutting up the budget cake. To find a civil engineering sponsor is a big ask. Generally speaking for a business to want to invest in a non-league football club, at least one of the senior directors would need to be a big football fan. Most Businesses look at sponsorship/advertising from two standpoints. 1. Will there be sufficient business gained by the investment to warrant making it? 2. Do they consider football to be a good place to be seen supporting the local community? A lot of businesses are finding it hard to make a quid in the current economic climate.
For me, I believe to over invest in the pitch would be a waste, I know that it's frustrating for matches to be postponed, but imo we're not in a crisis situation fixture wise - just yet. The reduced gate takings tuesday nights v Saturdays is equally if not more of a concern. Mother nature could well reverse this spring and then it's a dusty bouncy pitch which becomes our new concern?
As others have suggested we have plenty of critics but not so many who are prepared to chip in and help out.
Finally, the most important thing for us imo, is to maintain our BSP status until we have the new facility, when the creation of a professional standard surface could be made a a priority. If we blow our finances on a ground we're leaving then surely as Lee has suggested, the playing budget willsuffer, if we improve the pitch and then go down we'll have tossed the baby out with the bath water. Our current position is okay, we'll just have to pray that we get a more settled pattern of weather and soon.
GoIRONGo!
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Post by ironhorse on Feb 4, 2013 18:07:45 GMT
I'm in total agreement with you Phil and thank you Lee for making a considered and commonsense ladened statement. If we are really on the move and I really hope we are in the next couple of years, then I and every other supporter should be in total agreement with the logical arguement not to spend money we would not see a return on. Sorry if I have come across a bit "arsie" I seem to still be a magnet for peoples moans and groans so I tend to pass them on, old habits die hard, but I am behind all decisions and see the logic in most decisions even if many cannot. Like has been said if we had a magic wand we could work magic, we will have to make do with the miracles that the "few" are performing. Keep up the good work everyone. I am more frustrated with the dam weather not with anyone connected with the Club who have always had the best interests of the Iron at heart. If an extra fork is required Saturday morning I will try and make it early, offer is there if required. Come on the Iron.
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Post by garygray on Feb 4, 2013 18:13:15 GMT
So what we are saying is................that the Lincoln game is off ☂
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Post by stevet on Feb 4, 2013 18:59:05 GMT
Love it....... ;D ;D ;D ;D ; ;D
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Post by Iron In Me Blood on Feb 4, 2013 19:03:21 GMT
Gary dear boy..... Whilst many of us are obviously moving on from the original unfortunate postponement you my dear boy seem stuck a few days behind..... Just gave me something to think about in trying to put a face to your name.... Are you in any way related to Braintree's number 1 fan who is always buzzing around the town munching chocolate bars and buzzing on high energy drinks, and also demolishes at least 2 burgers and a hotdog at every match he attends?? Added to that your love for the 2 wheeled mode of transport!?!
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