A notification to our supporters on the playing surface…
The pitch at the Select Car Leasing Stadium is currently experiencing some issues relating to a fungal disease called gray leaf spot (GLS), which is being managed by our grounds team. While GLS cannot be eradicated with fungicides, it can be managed and eventually eliminated through pitch care.
The uncharacteristically extreme weather conditions experienced this summer – which included the hottest day on record in the UK – have provided immense challenges to grounds staff at venues all over the country. High temperatures and leaf wetness are two key factors in the initial infection of GLS; a number of professional clubs have experienced the precisely the same issue in varying degrees. Symptoms – which can include lesions and destruction of grass leaf – often do not manifest until a long time after infection.
Thankfully our current issues with GLS are isolated to a small area of the pitch, and we can expect the cooler temperatures in the coming weeks to prevent it from developing further.
However we are taking measures to prevent the disease from spreading. Access to the pitch and its grass fringes is currently limited to grounds staff throughout the week, and will be extended to players, coaches and broadcast media as strictly necessary for matchdays. Fans should be aware that this will mean a small change to some matchday operations, including temporarily suspending some of our half-time entertainment.
Thank you to all affected for cooperation and patience, as our grounds team continue to work hard to keep our pitches in optimal condition at the stadium and at our Bearwood Park training ground.