Hartlepool United's December trip to Rochdale set for new venue - this is why

Hartlepool United’s trip to National League leaders Rochdale is poised for a new venue.

It comes after Rochdale announced they are to rebuild their pitch mid-season after problems with waterlogging. The two clubs are due to meet on December 30. Rochdale lead Carlisle United on goal difference with both clubs on 46 points. Play-off hopefuls Pools sit in 8th under the guidance of interim boss Nicky Featherstone.

The National League leaders have had games against Southend and Scunthorpe postponed and have made the decision to completely renew the surface at the Crown Oil Arena, including installing new drainage.

The project is expected to take between four and five weeks and means Rochdale must find an alternative location for matches against Hartlepool and Brackley before a planned return for the clash with Truro on January 24.

A statement on rochdaleafc.co.uk read: “We appreciate that there will be some inconvenience for fans and other stakeholders resulting from these fixtures being played away from the Crown Oil Arena. However, we are faced with little choice but to take action now.

“The action we are taking will give our team the best chance of playing out the remainder of the season on a suitable playing surface and will benefit the club for years to come with a pitch that we can be proud of.”

The statement added: “The build process will take approximately 4-5 weeks. Works are scheduled to commence on Sunday 7th December, immediately after the rescheduled match against Southend United. There are two matches which will be affected by the rebuild, against Hartlepool United (Tuesday 30th December) and Brackley Town (Saturday 3rd January).

“The club is in advanced discussions regarding an alternative location for these games to be played. We intend to update supporters with details of the alternative arrangements prior to the pitch works commencing.”