In an admirably candid message to supporters on Friday, Falkirk spelled out just what a challenge it will be for them to replace their plastic pitch for the start of the 2027-28 campaign.
They also made it crystal clear they still aren’t happy about the ban on artificial surfaces in the Premiership that was voted in by clubs back in May 2024.
The Bairns estimate that changing the pitch will cost them £1.5million all-in. A third of that will come from advanced prize money from the SPFL, but they are going to have to find the rest themselves.
Supporters have been informed they may face a premium on their season tickets to help meet the shortfall. The board are reluctantly looking at borrowing options or shareholders who may be able to help.
It has taken time for the club to build up cash reserves in the wake of the dreadful management that took them to League One, but that’s going to be eaten into as well.
It just seems such an unnecessary headache for a club that has rebuilt itself in a sustainable manner and looks sure to mark its first season back in the top flight with a top-six finish.
Falkirk have enjoyed a terrific campaign, closing in on a top six place and are in the Scottish Cup last eight
‘Despite the hardships faced by several other SPFL clubs whose pitches became unplayable for weeks because of Scotland’s predictable wetter climate and are still poor to both the eye and the ball, the ban remains,’ said a board statement.
‘We won’t dwell on Bodo Glimt, but Scottish football keeps punching itself in the face then complaining when it hurts.’
It’s hard not to disagree. Right now, Tannadice is a mess. Other times, it’s Pittodrie or Dens or Motherwell.
Life is hard enough for smaller clubs trying to mind their finances and punch above their weight on the park.
Plastic pitches are good enough for UEFA. If clubs want to have one, making sure it meets certain standards, it should be allowed.
Falkirk’s appraisal of their upcoming struggles certainly offers strong evidence to suggest that placing a ban on them is wrong.
