Magpies ponder switch to artificial surface at Victory Park, but boss Andy Preece prefers grass
The prospect of the playing surface at Victory Park becoming artificial maybe something Chorley will have to seriously consider in the future.
That’s the view of boss Andy Preece who admits the club is looking at many different ways to boost its revenue streams.
Despite many clubs in the National League installing 4G pitches at their grounds, the Magpies have resisted the temptation to follow suit.
Former Crystal Palace, Stockport County and Blackpool striker Preece admits he would prefer a traditional grass surface to remain at Victory Park.
However, the maintenance costs involved in cultivating the pitch combined with the obvious revenue a plastic surface would generate means the club have to consider their options.
There is no suggestion that Chorley are about to dig up their grass pitch any time soon and replace it with an artificial one, but it may be something they will have to consider to keep apace with their rivals.
“I prefer grass,” said Preece. "We obviously have experience of playing on 4G pitches and we have been successful on them.
"The thing is, it depends on which one you get, there’s so many different versions of the 4G.
"People think that you will get a better football game on a 4G pitch, but the majority of the time you don’t.
"Macclesfield have one and it’s a really difficult surface unless it’s wet. If it’s not then it’s very difficult to move the ball, it’s so sticky and the bounce is unpredictable.
"I am not keen – I always prefer grass but what you have to understand is that they are such a great income generator for football clubs.
"We also pay so much money in trying to find decent training facilities, so you would save all that money plus make money from renting the pitch out. Financially, it would make a massive difference and it’s then you could possibly start thinking about the club going full time.”