itchen_dan Posted 14 May, 2014 Posted 14 May, 2014 As per the title. About time. adgray13: Pitch all gone now. Work begins for preparing the new one for irrigation and under soil heating. Day 3. #saintsfc http://t.co/iU0gkQ8Byj
The Kraken Posted 14 May, 2014 Posted 14 May, 2014 I thought it already had undersoil heating; installed when St. Mary's was built.
Turkish Posted 14 May, 2014 Posted 14 May, 2014 What's the point? How many games have we've lost at SMS since we've been there due to a frozen pitch?
Gemmel Posted 14 May, 2014 Posted 14 May, 2014 I thought it already had undersoil heating; installed when St. Mary's was built. Was built to support it, but never installed.
The Kraken Posted 14 May, 2014 Posted 14 May, 2014 Was built to support it, but never installed. I thought it was installed but never connected; the costs of maintenance and upkeep never justified it?
Gemmel Posted 14 May, 2014 Posted 14 May, 2014 What's the point? How many games have we've lost at SMS since we've been there due to a frozen pitch? None and its a fair point. Question is when this was signed for. I do know that the knew board have just signed off an replacing the floodlights with LED lighting which will make us the first (I think) LED stadium in the world or Europe (One of the two). I take that as a good sign...... looks like they are here to stay.
St Chalet Posted 14 May, 2014 Posted 14 May, 2014 I await to have MLG correct me but I seem to recall we put the infrastructure (pipes) in for under soil heating but never installed the rest of the gubbins. Wonder if they found the mythical skate shirt buried
david in sweden Posted 14 May, 2014 Posted 14 May, 2014 wasn't there some story that the pipes /equipment for undersoil heating were installed when SMS was built.....but never fully connected up .....? .......or ?
Gemmel Posted 14 May, 2014 Posted 14 May, 2014 I thought it was installed but never connected; the costs of maintenance and upkeep never justified it? You could well be right....should have added that "that was my understanding".
SaintSteve Posted 14 May, 2014 Posted 14 May, 2014 What's the point? How many games have we've lost at SMS since we've been there due to a frozen pitch? Global warming, in case we return to the ice age... obviously money is no object.
krissyboy31 Posted 14 May, 2014 Posted 14 May, 2014 Is there a Premier League rule? He does mention new irrigation as well.
CB Fry Posted 14 May, 2014 Posted 14 May, 2014 What's the point? How many games have we've lost at SMS since we've been there due to a frozen pitch? Pretty sure it's zero. All the games called off due to snow/ice have been called off because of road/pedestrian safety.
Matthew Le God Posted 14 May, 2014 Posted 14 May, 2014 (edited) Is there a Premier League rule? In the past it has been condition of entry to the Premier League to have undersoil heating or "some other adequate system of pitch protection to the reasonable satisfaction of the board". I guess given the money sloshing about in the Premier League, Saints have now installed it rather than continuing with the bubble and hot air blowing system which is less reliable. Or perhaps the Premier League have tightened up the rule this summer and no matter what you have to have undersoil heating. Edited 14 May, 2014 by Matthew Le God
Sour Mash Posted 14 May, 2014 Posted 14 May, 2014 In the bloke's tweet it doesn't suggest that the under soil heating is new. There could be a technical reason why it's installation is useful and would make the groundsmen's lives easier.
The Kraken Posted 14 May, 2014 Posted 14 May, 2014 under seat heating would be nicer........ In some Spanish stadiums they have huge heaters built into the undersides of the stadium roof.
krissyboy31 Posted 14 May, 2014 Posted 14 May, 2014 Can't remember the last game called off for a frozen pitch, though. Waterlogging and fog maybe. I think we had one at the Dell called off for frozen water pipes.
Matthew Le God Posted 14 May, 2014 Posted 14 May, 2014 In the bloke's tweet it doesn't suggest that the under soil heating is new. We didn't have it as recently as 2013 according to this... http://www.express.co.uk/comment/columnists/matthew-dunn-/371570/Saints-bubble-is-burst-by-freeze
doddisalegend Posted 14 May, 2014 Posted 14 May, 2014 In some Spanish stadiums they have huge heaters built into the undersides of the stadium roof. God knows I've spent a few chilly afternoons at footie games where some heaters would be most welcome especially at my age. I'm getting to old to try looking hard in just a t-shirt at 1 degree Celsius:)
The Kraken Posted 14 May, 2014 Posted 14 May, 2014 God knows I've spent a few chilly afternoons at footie games where some heaters would be most welcome especially at my age. I'm getting to old to try looking hard in just a t-shirt at 1 degree Celsius:) I reckon I'm 3 or 4 years away from a flask of Bovril and a blankie. For now the Saturday afternoon beer jacket will have to make do.
nta786 Posted 14 May, 2014 Posted 14 May, 2014 This is why we have the best pitch in the country! This, and some epic designs!
kwsaint Posted 14 May, 2014 Posted 14 May, 2014 Did the stadium tour at SMS not long after it opened. Was told that they installed the pipes under the pitch, but not the undersoil heating itself. But that this would make it straightforward if they ever decided to put it in. Although goodness knows why they think that we would need one. I guess that they replace the pitch most seasons, but it stood up to all the rain over the winter amazingly well.
The Kraken Posted 14 May, 2014 Posted 14 May, 2014 When St. Mary's was built I believe I'm right in saying that we had the only perfectly level pitch in the league (all others had a camber to aid drainage).
LGTL Posted 14 May, 2014 Posted 14 May, 2014 In some Spanish stadiums they have huge heaters built into the undersides of the stadium roof. Real Madrid have them. They had them on for one evening game I was at and it was about 20 degrees.
hasper57saint Posted 14 May, 2014 Posted 14 May, 2014 I looked at that picture and thought 'Christ! I could grow a lot of veg on there'
Micky Posted 14 May, 2014 Posted 14 May, 2014 I take out that the Skate scarf that was buried under the pitch, when the pitch was laid will be replaced when the work is completed. Lets face it, its proved to be a bit of a lucky omen up to now. Sent from my HTC One S using Tapatalk
itchen_dan Posted 14 May, 2014 Author Posted 14 May, 2014 adgray13: We have never had under soil heating before at SMS or The Dell. Pipework installed 13 years ago for a hot air system but never completed.... adgray13: But those pipes also act as the drainage system so they are not a total waste of time and money!
matthewb Posted 14 May, 2014 Posted 14 May, 2014 @sridout92: @adgray13 why now though? Just out of interest? New regulations or just in case it's needed? @adgray13: @sridout92 premier league requirement. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Viking Warrior Posted 14 May, 2014 Posted 14 May, 2014 I think the pitch development is a very positive sign for the future . Why would we pay out that sort of money if everyone was leaving a sinking ship . The future bright the futures red and white
Saint Charlie Posted 14 May, 2014 Posted 14 May, 2014 I think the pitch development is a very positive sign for the future . Why would we pay out that sort of money if everyone was leaving a sinking ship . The future bright the futures red and white Because its a PL requirement.
DuncanRG Posted 14 May, 2014 Posted 14 May, 2014 I feel like I read somewhere that it's required once you've been in the Premier League for a certain number of years, i.e. when there's no financial excuse not to. That's why Blackpool were allowed to have their horrible pitch when they were up.
John Boy Saint Posted 14 May, 2014 Posted 14 May, 2014 (edited) The system that was reputedly installed on construction was blow suck system like Wet Spam have, blown hot air and a draining suck system that had the capacity to handle a downpour of Typhoon proportions of 8" per hour!!! The draining system was alledgedly not connected because the drains around St Mary's didn't have the capacity to handle the potential volume of water drawn off from a typical UK very heavy 1" an hour downpour. Another anorak fact grass grows when the soil temperature is 7c and above. Edited 14 May, 2014 by John Boy Saint
Appy Posted 14 May, 2014 Posted 14 May, 2014 What's the point? How many games have we've lost at SMS since we've been there due to a frozen pitch? Can think of one game, a Huddersfield game I think, that's it though.
stevegrant Posted 14 May, 2014 Posted 14 May, 2014 Can think of one game, a Huddersfield game I think, that's it though. Don't think that was anything to do with the pitch, the club had covered it for a week before, but the surrounding roads and pavements were still covered in snow and ice, making it pretty dangerous.
Appy Posted 14 May, 2014 Posted 14 May, 2014 Don't think that was anything to do with the pitch, the club had covered it for a week before, but the surrounding roads and pavements were still covered in snow and ice, making it pretty dangerous. Yeah that sounds right, can't think of a match then.
Dalek2003 Posted 14 May, 2014 Posted 14 May, 2014 Under soil heating ! The players are soft as ****e nowadays. Used to play in snow and minus 12 in the 70's. Cold showers and all with cold concrete floors.
ringwood Posted 14 May, 2014 Posted 14 May, 2014 maybe its to aid grass growth and repair during the colder months?
dellboypete Posted 15 May, 2014 Posted 15 May, 2014 Did the stadium tour at SMS not long after it opened. Was told that they installed the pipes under the pitch, but not the undersoil heating itself. But that this would make it straightforward if they ever decided to put it in. Although goodness knows why they think that we would need one. I guess that they replace the pitch most seasons, but it stood up to all the rain over the winter amazingly well. When St Mary's was being built there was a website that had all the plans and updates. Among that lot was a big bit on the pitch construction and the science behind it, which also included details of the under soil heating sysyem that was installed, but as mentioned above, was not connected up. I copied most of the plans. diagrams etc, but these are backed up on an old hard drive somewhere. I'm sure someone on here must have them somewhere.
dellboypete Posted 15 May, 2014 Posted 15 May, 2014 From some website THE FOOTBALL PITCH The new £400,000 pitch is fitted with one of the most advanced system in the English Premiership soccer league, which will improve drainage and clear frost and ice. Two miles of pipes, which are 2.8m apart, running across the playing surface, have been installed for the forced-air ventilation system that is dual purpose. Besides forcing warm air through the pitch, it can also switch to suction mode to assist in drainage. The turf itself was seeded at the end of May 2001, which gave it 12 weeks to grow before players trained on it for the first time. It is anticipated that a further £250,000 will be spent at the end of the first season on a pitch top fan to help circulate the air. Due to the stadium being of a wraparound design there is little throughput of fresh air over the surface of the pitch. Actual work on the new St. Mary's pitch started in March 2001 with its development being undertaken by Barr Facilities Management and handed over to the club at the end of June 2001. However, the new pitch did not become the property of the club until August 2001, so any work carried out on the new pitch was ordered through Barr during that period. Southampton FC's Grounds Manager Dave Roberts took over the maintenance at that point. Rye grass was used because of its strength and the speed of its growth. The pitch, which actually has a profile height of 450mm, is flat, unlike the old Dell pitch, which had a camber to it. St Mary's has won the vote several times for the best pitch in the Premiership (and hopefully win in the Championship).
JPTCount Posted 15 May, 2014 Posted 15 May, 2014 We don't need it because of the coastal winds and the gulf stream. Never had a frozen pitch. Just a thought... How do PL requirements fit into the finances with FFP regulations?
JPTCount Posted 15 May, 2014 Posted 15 May, 2014 And dors this mean the pompey shirt will be dug up....
Webby Posted 15 May, 2014 Posted 15 May, 2014 Luke Shaw has complained of cold toes so this might just make him stay.
stevegrant Posted 15 May, 2014 Posted 15 May, 2014 Just a thought... How do PL requirements fit into the finances with FFP regulations? Spending on infrastructure isn't counted towards losses.
Window Cleaner Posted 15 May, 2014 Posted 15 May, 2014 Under soil heating ! The players are soft as ****e nowadays. Used to play in snow and minus 12 in the 70's. Cold showers and all with cold concrete floors. Still when you've a team that's getting paid nigh on a million a week you don't want too many of them dying of pneumonia and hypothermia now do you.:rolleyes:
Doctoroncall Posted 15 May, 2014 Posted 15 May, 2014 What's the point? How many games have we've lost at SMS since we've been there due to a frozen pitch? This is what I thought the reason for not having it fitted was, being on the 'warm' south coast. If it's going to get so cold to freeze the pitch, I would imagine the safety of fans would be at risk and the game wouldn't go ahead anyway.
once_bitterne Posted 15 May, 2014 Posted 15 May, 2014 As per the title. About time. adgray13: Pitch all gone now. Work begins for preparing the new one for irrigation and under soil heating. Day 3. #saintsfc http://t.co/iU0gkQ8Byj Are we sure that this is what is going on and that it isn't that Wreck-It Ralf has sold the grass to Chelsea?
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