ACCRINGTON Stanley’s hope of installing an artificial pitch at the Crown Ground received a boost yesterday when the Football League announced plans to hold a consultation process about the issue.
Artificial pitches were banned by the FA in 1988 and the last one in the Football League – at Preston’s Deepdale – was ripped up in 1994.
But there has been growing interest among some lower league clubs about the possibility of reintroducing artificial surfaces following advances in technology and Evo-Stik League sides Woodley Sports and Durham City both play on 3G surfaces.
Stanley chief executive Rob Heys supports their reintroduction and such a 3G would cost around £500,000 but could be hired out for use in all weather conditions seven days a week.
Heys attended the latest Football League meeting at Derby’s Pride Park yesterday and it has now been decided to hold a consultation on the possibility of ending the ban.
The views of clubs, fans and officials will be canvassed in a process running until the end of April.
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