PITCH BATTLE

Last updated : 04 February 2005 By editor

From The Sun:

'Everton cannot re-lay their threadbare Goodison Park pitch — because Manchester United have nabbed all the available turf. The Merseyside club wanted to repair their playing surface before facing United in the FA Cup on February 19.

But Everton chief executive Keith Wyness revealed: "The properly matured turf we use is in short supply at this stage of the season.

"Unfortunately, for us, Manchester United have first option on the next available batch. By the time the next batch is available to come over from Holland, it would be leaving it too late to have the entire pitch relaid before the fifth-round FA Cup clash."