Fourth Coventry City FC match changed
Saturday's fixture against Huddersfield won't go ahead due to the condition of the pitch at the Coventry Building Society Arena
Last updated 18th Aug 2022
Coventry City’s Sky Bet Championship fixture against Huddersfield Town on Saturday 20 August 2022 has been postponed by the EFL due to ongoing issues with the playing surface at the Coventry Building Society (CBS) Arena.
The option of reversing the fixture to the John Smith’s Stadium was considered but it was deemed not possible given the timescales involved.
This follows the recent postponements for the Club’s League fixtures against Wigan Athletic and Rotherham United, and the Carabao Cup Round One tie versus Bristol City being moved to Burton Albion’s Pirelli Stadium.
In a statement, the EFL said they "welcome the news that the Club and the CBS Arena have accepted the recommendations of internationally-recognised sports turf experts to undertake a re-lay of substantial parts of the pitch to try and avoid further issues for the remainder of the season.
"The timescales presented to the EFL by the Club will allow a further inspection of the pitch before their next home game on Wednesday 31 August, against Preston North End, in order to ensure that the new surface is declared safe for the players and match officials.
"The primary objective for the EFL is to get Coventry City playing at the CBS Arena as soon as the pitch is in a safe condition for the participants. It is only then that the League will consider the collective circumstances of each postponement before determining what course of action could be taken in accordance with the Regulations."
A six-figure investment is being made into pitch improvements that will make the pitch safe and playable.
There will be new synthetic fibres stitched into the ground throughout the pitch. These new fibres will give increased stability to the existing structure and then allow for better growth now and in the future.
Also, areas which have been more widely damaged will be subject to extensive and increased maintenance work so they can be fully integrated with the existing pitch.
Dave Boddy, Coventry City Chief Executive, said: "We are very pleased to bring news to our supporters that this work is taking place and beginning immediately.
"The extensive work will begin immediately – while this is not soon enough for Saturday, we will then be able to return to the Arena for our home game against Preston North End on Wednesday 31st August.
"I would like to thank Wasps Group and the Arena for agreeing to this work taking place.
"I know that all our fans will be disappointed that the match against Huddersfield has been postponed, but this work will address the issues that have been experienced at the Arena and put in place a pitch that will mean we will be able to get back to normal – for fans, players, staff and the Football Club as a whole."
Stephen Vaughan, Wasps Group Chief Executive Officer, said: "Wasps Group is pleased that a solution has now been agreed with Coventry City to resolve the issues with the playing surface at the Arena.
"We appreciate this has been a difficult time for everyone involved, and are pleased that work is now underway to ensure Coventry City can return to the Arena by the end of August."