Cup call-off shows why we need a new stadium, says Bristol City boss
Bristol City boss Gary Johnson insists the postponement of Saturday's FA Cup clash against Cardiff highlights the need for a new stadium.
Match referee Peter Walton called the third-round clash off following a morning pitch inspection, deeming parts of the Ashton Gate pitch frozen. The game will now be played on Tuesday, January 12.
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Gary Johnson
Manager Johnson claims there would have been no need to cancel the fixture had City been in their proposed new stadium at nearby Ashton Gate.
Although Bristol City Council has given tentative backing to the £92 million scheme, City still face a fight to sell Ashton Gate and move to a new ground by 2012.
Johnson said: "This game being off shows why we need a new stadium.
"If we were in the new ground with under-soil heating, there would be no need to call games off when the weather turned bad.
"We spent all week building up to the game and then didn't have the carrot at the end of it. It's bitterly disappointing and it makes me even more determined to get the new stadium.
"It's always disappointing when it's the weather. The groundstaff did a tremendous job trying to get the pitch ready and three-quarters of it would probably have been okay. But it just wasn't to be."
Northamptonshire referee Walton explained his reasons for calling the game off at such short notice, saying: "Unfortunately, the top end of the ground doesn't get the sun and it was very hard.
"In terms of safety and getting the game finished, it could have become a lottery in that area of the pitch. I was not prepared to gamble and, for that reason, I called it off."
The two clubs were unable to agree on a rearranged date. City wanted to play the tie tomorrow night, while injury-hit Cardiff preferred to wait another week.
In the event, the Football Association stepped in and stipulated that the game should be played on January 12, the date originally set aside for a replay.
That means City defender Lewin Nyatanga will now miss Saturday's Coca-Cola Championship showdown with arch rivals Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
Sent off against Watford last week, Nyatanga was due to serve an automatic one-match suspension at the weekend.
Meanwhile, City season card holders and members who bought a seat for Saturday's postponed fixture will be able to use the same ticket for the rearranged game.
5 Comments
by Paul Binning, Cardiff
Monday, January 04 2010, 1:19PM
“Fred the Red - understandable view in normal circumstances but due to the ridiculous bubble trip set-up the Cardiff fans were already on their coaches ready to depart when the game was called off - I imagine that's why it was called off when it was and not left another hour or so.
Alan, BS3 - yawn”
by John, Horfield
Monday, January 04 2010, 11:54AM
“Talk about turning a situation round to serve you own wishes.......Undersoil heating can be installed in existing stadia - especially under pitches which are relaid every summer, which Ashton usually is.
Very poor, Mr Johnson.”
by It's Me, Bristol
Monday, January 04 2010, 10:31AM
“@ fred, from the referee, the frozen part in front of the wedlock stand would have been playable but the shadow caused by the main stand would have frozen that part of the pitch. Making it unplayable.”
by Alan, BS3
Monday, January 04 2010, 9:23AM
“We need a new manager before a new stadium....what would be the point in going to a new stadium with you Gary and watching the rubbish you dish up??? the place would be empty.....Come on Steve Lansdown do the right thing by bristol City....go get Curbishley.”
by Fred the Red, Longwell Green
Monday, January 04 2010, 8:07AM
“Maybe City should have installed under soil heating at Ashton Gate years ago like many other clubs Gary?
I was surprised at Saturday's postponement as it's rare for a game to be called off at the Gate these days. I think the last one I recall was back in the early 1990s, but I could be wrong.
I think the ref was erring on the side of caution. Most of the pitch was playable on Saturday - and the top end would have been fine by kick off time in my view.
It's not as if the Cardiff fans would have far to travel had the game been called off late. Why the need to postpone it so early in the day?”