GILLS SET TO STAGE TROPHY TIE AT VALLEY
GILLINGHAM are set to play their Checkatrade Trophy group stage match against Tottenham U21s at Charlton Athletic, subject to EFL board approval.
The match has been pencilled in for Tuesday, October 9 (7.45pm) at The Valley.
In a statement, the Gills explained: “Due to the work being carried out on the pitch at Priestfield, and no other date available, the match has to be played at another ground and we are grateful to Charlton Athletic for agreeing to host the game.”
Gillingham are currently in the process of replacing their playing surface, but are due to be back in action on home turf against Southend on Saturday, October 13.
Chairman Paul Scally said: “As a result of concerns, which were apparent after the Burton, and subsequent home games, to do with the playing surface we called in professional advisers who, having gathered test analysis, came to the conclusion that the only way we could solve the problem was to completely replace the pitch.
“We have now found an appropriate pitch, which will be a hybrid pitch, that is to say a pitch that is partly plastic and part grass, and the whole job is going to cost in the region of £450,000.
“Whilst there are many things we could do with that money, it is quite clear that the pitch has to be replaced as it is affecting our performance and is actually becoming dangerous to play on.
“Given the time of season, obviously between games, we have to go with a hybrid pitch. There is one available in this country, which we have secured, and the cost has to be paid this month.
“The upside is we will get a fantastic playing surface which will be ready and available for our fixture against Southend.”