[Long time red]

For those who are to young or didn't attend games in the 80's 90's & early 2000's. The pitch was a disaster, diesel or heavily contaminated water having come from the Brick Works lay just under the surface. The playing surface now at The Crown as improved beyond recognition, not due to good luck but by the powers that be John Alty, Eric Whalley spending what the club could afford, and also by the dedication of people of people like Jim Shaw.
Money was spent during the close season to have the pitch verti drained, sanded & re seeded the improvement was quickly there for all to see.
Later on it was wings that proved to be in need of further work, this was done and proved to be a success.
As for the man who came from Man City he quickly came and went another who proved to be a Legend in their own Lunchtime.
You only need to watch the old 1st Div games to see how much playing surfaces have improved, it is a never ending spending spree but one that ultimately pays off.