Colchester United have had an application to alter the dimensions of the JCS pitch approved by the EFL.
With the JobServe Community Stadium pitch adjusted, an EFL official inspected the change and the playability of the surface at midday on Friday.
With a favourable forecast, and the extensive work being done, no concerns about a postponement of the Walsall game were raised by the official.
U’s General Manager Tim Waddington said: “After exhaustive discussion, it was thought that the risk of further postponements could only be realistically reduced if the pitch was moved away from the real problem areas along the east side of the stadium.”
“We are grateful to the EFL for approving the change mid-season, and look forward to the Walsall game this weekend, and the remaining six home matches after that, going ahead as planned.”
An EFL statement released on Friday afternoon said:
At its meeting yesterday, the EFL Board approved an application by Colchester United to alter its pitch dimensions, commencing from tomorrow’s Sky Bet League Two fixture against Walsall.
Following a number of postponements for the Club, including their last two home fixtures, due to drainage issues, the League commissioned independent pitch specialists STRI to undertake an assessment of the playing surface.
It was concluded that reducing the pitch in width and length, and therefore removing the majority of the problem areas, represented the best of the limited options available to complete the season in good order.
The amended dimensions at Colchester United are now 64 metres in width, (previously 68m), and 102 metres in length, (previously 105m). These are in accordance with EFL Regulations and the Laws of Game and are similar to a number of Clubs across the League.
