Pitch looks shagged before we have even stepped foot on it. On the other hand the picture with the foot on it suggests it is probably quite solid under foot although the lack of grass on it is a bit of a concern, maybe letting it grow a bit might do it some good and also help with the drainage.

Ive really only a couple of more questions but if the groundsmen are so sure that the pitch is not playable why not just let normal procedure take place and let it get inspected? Was that because they knew the pitch would be deemed playable by an independent referee and they couldnt take that chance?

Also Im no gardener but isnt there covers down at the Shay? What damage would be caused by putting them on when heavy rain is forecast and how does that compare to letting the pitch take the rain, are the covers even an option?

Good questions. Summats not right.

From what I can see I think they need to go and ask the local cops if they've impounded some strong lights from people growing other types of grass which could be then used for the Shay pitch.

The light theory has been brought up before, and ultimately would be of huge benefit, Since the East Stand was finished the drainage and grass have been recurring problems. if only we could work who is going buy them and own them. It goes on the list along with upgrading the Skircoat, putting more toilets in the North Stand, finding something and someone for the corner of the East Stand, getting 'a' scoreboard (singular). Sometimes I guess we just have to be greatful things are worse at other clubs and relatively speaking we're in good shape.
I'm disappointed for Fax, really am, especially when you think of all the work that's gone in to making the fixture possible, on and off field, but maybe the Shaymens survival in the national league is ultimately a bigger concern than a friendly against an academy side on a mud bath with a minimum of 20 interchanges per team.
I think we need to start asking why is the pitch still such a mess, and what do the grounds men need to keep it in better nick. I appreciate and understand Huddersfield may be annoyed, but they were hardly bringing the big guns out. I wouldn't think it's derailed their annual SL false dawn, we will still hear Eddie and Stevo commenting that they fell short of Old Trafford again.

The pitch does look pretty bad but we all know why with the amount of rain that's dropped since November.
If it had been a league game then I think it would have been played.
If so this is saying that friendlies are not worth ruining the pitch for and sets a precedent.
Maybe the answer then is not to arrange any pre season friendlies at the Shay and play them all away.
As annoying as this is it's better than having them cancelled due to one form of bad weather or another which during winter is more than likely.

looks twice as bad above.

Can anyone ever recall a game of any sort being called off by a grounds person?
Sets a dangerous precident, in my humble opinion.

I must admit John, after seeing the pics of the Shay online,there was no way you could have played on that pitch.

Possibly so Ian,I wouldn't argue with that,but it is not and never has been the place of a grounds person with a vested interest to call off a match.
A local referee could have been consulted together with representatives of the clubs.
As I say in my humble opinion it sets a dangerous precident.

Was the kna Charlie?

Tha con as Wat tha wants Pelly owd chuffer I allers ses what I think even wen folk dun agree,me am warm enuff,art goin Widnes?Coz I am.

There are no sub-titles with this message ,can one of you Yorkies translate this for us Lankies please,cmon Halifaxjohn,or Hudd-Shay.