After winning promotion to EFL division two, Sutton United will have to install a
grass pitch, to meet the requirements of the English Football League, next season.
They are tearing up the artificial 3G surface, at their ground Gander Green Lane,
after winning the National League Title.
EFL rules state all matches must be played on grass surfaces, the cost of laying
the pitch, will be in the excess of £500,000.
Sutton become the second club to swap artificial pitch for grass, after Harrogate
Town last summer, after they won promotion to EFL league two, via the play-offs.
Sutton also intend to build a new grandstand for away supporters, & install
upgraded floodlights, & automated turnstiles.
The loss of the artificial pitch will be felt, by a number of other sides, with
Suttons academy, three women's teams, nine girls teams, & three disability
sides, who all made use of this surface, which brought valuable income to the club.
the club is hoping that commercial opportunities, will off set some of the cost.