Robertson would back new pitch

Caley Thistle boss John Robertson would support the introduction of a highquality artificial surface at the Caledonian Stadium.

During the winter months, Inverness have trained on the 4G surface at Highland rugby club’s Canal Park, which was laid two years ago as part of a £3.5 million revamp that included a new clubhouse. Robertson has been impressed by the standard of the National 3 club’s surface, insisting it is an improvement on some grass surfaces in the SPFL.

Having suffered a succession of home call-offs due to weather last season, Robertson says he would welcome a surface akin to Highland’s at Caley Jags’ home ground.

Robertson said: “In the past it has been looked at here. We’ve got a pitch that needs a lot of work done to it because it floods at a minute’s notice. If you get the right artificial surface, and it’s not overused, I would have it here in a minute.

“We have a facility we use at Highland Rugby Club, which is a new 4G and it’s magnificent. If we were to put down the same surface here, I would advocate that all day long.

“When you see some of the pitches you play on, in this league and the lower leagues, I would rather play on a FieldTurf pitch more often than not.”

Robertson still feels there are inconsistencies in the standard of artificial surfaces across Scotland. He added: “We have too many variants. You need the right pitch, most importantly with the right sort of sprinkler system.”

Pitching in: Inverness manager John Robertson