Hartlepool United manager Nicky Featherstone reflects on condition of pitch at Victoria Park
Hartlepool United manager Nicky Featherstone has been discussing the condition of the playing surface at Victoria Park.
Saturday's visit of relegation-threatened Sutton United was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch - one of just two games in the division to fall foul of the wet weather over the weekend - bringing debate around the playing surface in the North East back into sharp focus.
The pitch at Pools was once a source of considerable pride, with head groundsman Dave Brown winning several individual accolades while the club were in the Football League. Ever since Pools were relegated back to the National League in 2023, however, the condition of the pitch has steadily deteriorated and several opposition managers have even voiced their concern over the surface. Memorably, outspoken Barnet boss Dean Brennan was particularly vocal in his criticisms following a mud-soaked goalless draw last season.
It is perhaps telling that many of Pools' best footballing performances have come on their travels this term, with Featherstone's side particularly impressive during November's 2-0 win over Eastleigh - the Silverlake Stadium, which often also plays host to Southampton's women's team, is widely regarded as one of the best pitches in the division - as well as December's statement victory over title-chasing Rochdale, which was played at Accrington Stanley's Wham Stadium. If Featherstone is to be able to implement a forward-thinking, possession-based style of play on a more consistent basis, something which is still the subject of considerable debate on the terraces, then the condition of the pitch at Victoria Park simply has to improve.
Whatever the case, it's pretty clear that Pools, who have won just six of their 18 home games in all competitions this season, need to work hard to improve their record at Victoria Park if they're to stand any chance of sneaking into the National League play-off places this season.
"The pitch, for me right now, is out of my control," Featherstone said.
"For me, I have to find a way of winning games at home. I don't think we've done that enough over the last few years - and we definitely haven't since I've come into this role. That's something I really want to address, it's massively high on my priority list to try and get a good home record.
"I've been involved in the football club from a players' point of view when it's really rocking and it can be such a tough place for opposition to come. For me, it's massively high on the list of priorities - I want to make our home ground a real fortress.
"Again, it's not an easy fix. I think it helps now with the new ownership and the positive vibes around the place. We've said it before countless times, it's a really tough place to play when things aren't going well but it's the best place to play in the league by far when it's going well. We need to get back there - it won't be easy, but we will get there."