Everyone seems to think Desso is the answer, and when Chelsea and Manchester United contest Sunday's Community Shield the first evidence will be provided of whether artificial fibres can finally solve Wembley's terrible pitch problems.
At a cost of no less than £250,000 and probably closer to twice that amount the Football Association last month turned to a system that employs 20 million artificial fibres to support Wembley's natural grass, having previously relaid the surface an embarrassing 11 times. Every player who experienced it has criticised a surface that Michael Owen, who should feature for United on Sunday, believes caused the ruptured hamstring he suffered in February's Carling Cup.
Yet as Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool are among clubs that use Desso all Premier League footballers happily perform on the surface each week. Helga Webers, a spokeswoman for the company, said: "The system is a proven solution. All Premier League players are used to it as it has been in place already at Arsenal [2006], Liverpool [2001], Tottenham [2002], Manchester City [2003], Aston Villa [1997].
"Obviously the Wembley pitch is still a very young pitch. But from day one of the installation of the Desso fibres into the seeded grass the stabilising effect is present," Webers adds. "And the quality of the total pitch will continue to improve as the roots of the natural grass will further entwine with the artificial fibres."
Huddersfield Town's Galpharm Stadium was the first in the world to have the Desso technology installed. "We had it installed in 1997," said Phil Armitage, whose company oversees the surface. "It is very similar to ordinary pitches but Desso pitches do not take divots as easily as so it is hard wearing, which is obviously a very good thing."
The Galpharm, like Wembley, is a multi-functional venue that hosts football, rugby and pop concerts. Armitage said: "With the two sports some years we might have 65 or 70 matches – which is more than twice the 30 home games most clubs have – plus the concerts. It has been very successful indeed."
Armitage said whether Desso is a success at Wembley depends on whether the surface's natural grass is maintained: "I'm no expert but at Wembley isn't there an issue growing the grass? They can use lights to help it I'm sure. But you can't just scoop it out and relay it as it is so expensive. We're having ours relaid next year and it'll cost at least £500,000."
Webers confirms that Wembley's grass will have to grow. "That is important. Therefore we have a special maintenance program in place, together with our [English] partner, the Wembley green-keepers and our own experts," she said.
Beyond Sunday's Community Shield the FA is conscious that the first real test of whether Desso is the answer comes on 10-11 September, when Muse play concerts at the stadium. While the governing body is adopting a watching brief Webers points to the Denver Broncos' Mile High Stadium as evidence that Wembley should have no issues.
"For any concert there the surface will be covered by special plates. The Denver Broncos have had a multi-function stadium since 2001 and have had no problems. Climate conditions can be the biggest challenge for Desso but in Denver they can get a metre of snow. The pitch received the awards for best Professional American Football and Best Professional Soccer Field in 2005."
When England walk out on 12 October for their Euro 2012 qualifier against Montenegro, a month will have passed since the Muse concerts. If the pitch cuts up and further complaints ensue then the FA will have yet another serious headache. The plan is to use the Desso pitch for the 2018 World Cup, should the bid be won.
At a cost of no less than £250,000 and probably closer to twice that amount the Football Association last month turned to a system that employs 20 million artificial fibres to support Wembley's natural grass, having previously relaid the surface an embarrassing 11 times. Every player who experienced it has criticised a surface that Michael Owen, who should feature for United on Sunday, believes caused the ruptured hamstring he suffered in February's Carling Cup.
Yet as Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool are among clubs that use Desso all Premier League footballers happily perform on the surface each week. Helga Webers, a spokeswoman for the company, said: "The system is a proven solution. All Premier League players are used to it as it has been in place already at Arsenal [2006], Liverpool [2001], Tottenham [2002], Manchester City [2003], Aston Villa [1997].
"Obviously the Wembley pitch is still a very young pitch. But from day one of the installation of the Desso fibres into the seeded grass the stabilising effect is present," Webers adds. "And the quality of the total pitch will continue to improve as the roots of the natural grass will further entwine with the artificial fibres."
Huddersfield Town's Galpharm Stadium was the first in the world to have the Desso technology installed. "We had it installed in 1997," said Phil Armitage, whose company oversees the surface. "It is very similar to ordinary pitches but Desso pitches do not take divots as easily as so it is hard wearing, which is obviously a very good thing."
The Galpharm, like Wembley, is a multi-functional venue that hosts football, rugby and pop concerts. Armitage said: "With the two sports some years we might have 65 or 70 matches – which is more than twice the 30 home games most clubs have – plus the concerts. It has been very successful indeed."
Armitage said whether Desso is a success at Wembley depends on whether the surface's natural grass is maintained: "I'm no expert but at Wembley isn't there an issue growing the grass? They can use lights to help it I'm sure. But you can't just scoop it out and relay it as it is so expensive. We're having ours relaid next year and it'll cost at least £500,000."
Webers confirms that Wembley's grass will have to grow. "That is important. Therefore we have a special maintenance program in place, together with our [English] partner, the Wembley green-keepers and our own experts," she said.
Beyond Sunday's Community Shield the FA is conscious that the first real test of whether Desso is the answer comes on 10-11 September, when Muse play concerts at the stadium. While the governing body is adopting a watching brief Webers points to the Denver Broncos' Mile High Stadium as evidence that Wembley should have no issues.
"For any concert there the surface will be covered by special plates. The Denver Broncos have had a multi-function stadium since 2001 and have had no problems. Climate conditions can be the biggest challenge for Desso but in Denver they can get a metre of snow. The pitch received the awards for best Professional American Football and Best Professional Soccer Field in 2005."
When England walk out on 12 October for their Euro 2012 qualifier against Montenegro, a month will have passed since the Muse concerts. If the pitch cuts up and further complaints ensue then the FA will have yet another serious headache. The plan is to use the Desso pitch for the 2018 World Cup, should the bid be won.
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