Tranmere V U`s: Cancelation Press Talk

Colchester United`s weekend game against Tranmere was called off, and today`s press has seen a wide variety of comment on the issue, from various sources.

The Evening Gazette has manager Paul Lambert backing the decision for a call-off, saying: “I never expected the pitch to be as hard as it was and although it got a bit softer as the day went on, it was still solid.”

BBC Sport asks why the postponement happened in a new stadium, Colchester`s being just months old, that many presumed would have under soil heating.

United`s new chief executive, Steve Bradshaw, comments: “The Football League have recently gone away from undersoil heating as a concept and have suggested no new grounds bring it in.

“There was also a prohibitive cost, I think about £500,000, which in fairness we just didn’t have.”

Bradshaw`s comments follow what he said on matchday to BBC Radio Essex.

Bradshaw said it was right to postpone the game and reminded fans that ex-skipper Karl Duguid suffered a horrific injury which nearly ended his career, in similar conditions.

The Liverpool Daily Post today also reports opposing manager manager Ronnie Moore asking why the pitch was not covered in advance of the game, and it is probably something the club should probably consider in future.

He said: “I came to the ground with the backroom staff at 10am to put the kit out and the only covers on the pitch were in one penalty area.

“The ground is in perfect condition and someone should be held accountable for not putting covers on it. It caused a problem for everyone.

“Colchester should look at themselves for not preparing right.”

The postponement was one of many across the county over the weekend just gone.