Albion*boss Chris Hughton has revealed his concerns about the state of the pitch at the Amex.
But he insists it will not cramp the Seagulls’ style as they push for promotion in the second half of the season.
The Amex has staged first team, under-21 and women’s fixtures this season.
It has also been used for the Rugby World Cup and by England under-21s.
The cumulative toll was evident in Saturday’s 3-0 defeat by Championship leaders Middlesbrough, which ended Albion’s unbeaten home record.
“We’ve got a groundstaff working very hard to try to get it back to the best they can.
“It’s certainly not lack of effort from the groundstaff or the amount of time spent on the pitch or the amount of money.
“It’s been a tough winter as regards the amount of games which have been played on the pitch, at probably vital times which hasn’t helped.”
Albion’s next home game is against Ipswich on December 29, followed by the visit of Wolves on New Year’s Day.
Hughton said: “Do I see it affecting any promotion bid we might have? No, I think the pitch will get better.
“It will improve and I certainly don’t see that being a negative towards performances.”
Midfielder Dale Stephens told The Argus: “It’s very soft, which can obviously take a little bit more out of your legs.
“But it can’t be our excuse. We’ve played on it all year and we certainly won’t make it our excuse.”
Original article
But he insists it will not cramp the Seagulls’ style as they push for promotion in the second half of the season.
The Amex has staged first team, under-21 and women’s fixtures this season.
It has also been used for the Rugby World Cup and by England under-21s.
The cumulative toll was evident in Saturday’s 3-0 defeat by Championship leaders Middlesbrough, which ended Albion’s unbeaten home record.
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“We’ve got a groundstaff working very hard to try to get it back to the best they can.
“It’s certainly not lack of effort from the groundstaff or the amount of time spent on the pitch or the amount of money.
“It’s been a tough winter as regards the amount of games which have been played on the pitch, at probably vital times which hasn’t helped.”
Albion’s next home game is against Ipswich on December 29, followed by the visit of Wolves on New Year’s Day.
Hughton said: “Do I see it affecting any promotion bid we might have? No, I think the pitch will get better.
“It will improve and I certainly don’t see that being a negative towards performances.”
Midfielder Dale Stephens told The Argus: “It’s very soft, which can obviously take a little bit more out of your legs.
“But it can’t be our excuse. We’ve played on it all year and we certainly won’t make it our excuse.”
Original article