Pat Nevin had some interesting things to say about how much harder he found it to create space on a pitch that seemed in numbers only slightly smaller..

He said Old trafford being 116 yards by 76 yards could be easier to create space in if the opposition "parked the Bus" than stamford Bridge at 110 yards by 75 yards

these measurements don't appear greatly different until you multiply them to see the actual pitch area Old Trafford being 8816 square yards and the Bridge only 8250...

This may be a lot of Codswallop but respecting Pat like I do it got me to checking out the pitch size at Bordeaux..

Lets hope they dont play for the 0-0 as it came out at 112x62 a grand total of 6944 square Yards.

Proof of the pudding Pat.

Edited November 25, 200817 yr by Chippy

There is a lot of sense in it and history proves it is a factor as time and time again clubs have altered the size of their pitch depending on who they are playing (especially for European ties).

Stoke are well known for narrowing the pitch against certain teams. This is even more poignant now with Rory Delap hurling his long throws into the box.

But it doesn't just stop at the size of the pitch. Grass length can have a massive effect on games as well. Barca and gooners tend to like very short cut grass to enhance their fast passing game. Opposition try to overcome this by growing their grass longer to slow the ball up. Little details like this can have a major bearing in some games.

Grass length can have a massive effect on games as well.

Not forgetting the amount of sand either. :lol:

Not forgetting the amount of sand either. :lol:

Who could ever forget that classic beach football match against Charlton?

Not forgetting the amount of sand either. :lol:

I have also been told that the height of the corner flags played a decisive role in at least two of our draws.

I have also been told that the height of the corner flags played a decisive role in at least two of our draws.

I thought it was because I tied my shoes up in a single bow rather than a double one.

I thought it was because I tied my shoes up in a single bow rather than a double one.

I thought the same thing of the colour of my socks .

Apparently, we were both wrong.

Who could ever forget that classic beach football match against Charlton?

Yep, the Battle of Stamford Beach!

I remember CR's interview after that game, wasn't it a boxing day game? And Claudio said, "the pitch was a beach" but with his Italian accent,I thought he said "the pitch was a 'female dog'"