The current playing surface at the Racecourse Ground will be re-turfed after the fixture against Chesterfield on Tuesday October 5, 2021.
This decision has been taken because the works to the pitch over the summer have failed to provide a playing surface to the standard we believe is required and not acting now could well lead to more significant problems during the season.
To enable the new turf the maximum amount of time to become established, the Club have secured the approval of the FA to move any Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round Qualifying tie that would have been scheduled to be played at the Racecourse Ground to a neutral venue. The draw for the tie will take place on Monday October 4.
Manager Phil Parkinson said: “The playing surface at the Racecourse Ground has been a concern from our first pre-season friendly.
“The decisive action taken by the Board to have it re-turfed at a substantial expense is appreciated and, while it is not without risk, it should mean that we have a reliable playing surface through the winter months.
“It is disappointing that we are having to potentially relinquish home advantage for this round of the FA Cup, but it is a decision I fully support, to allow the pitch the maximum time to settle before we play Torquay United on October 30.”
Details of the neutral venue and match arrangements will be released in due course, if required.