Craig Conway has admitted he’s a big fan of SPL grass….
No, not the class C drug, but the better standard of pitches in Scotland’s premier division.
“I am still adapting to the SPL as it`s a lot different to what I was used to in the second division. For example, the quality of the pitches has been something that has really struck me.’ said the 21-year-old.
“When I was at Ayr United, you would come to this time of year and the parks would be all chewed up. You would go to places and it would be raining, ensuring the pitch was muddy. You couldn`t play football on them, really.’
Most Dundee United supporters who’d enjoy a trip to a wet and windy Glebe Park in the middle of Winter & most of the United players would probably agree, including Conway.
He continued, “I used to hate going to the likes of Brechin because it is a tight park which used to get chewed up when it was wet.’
“Instead, in the SPL, they are all still grassy and last much longer. Tannadice is nice and wide, too, and that suits my game.’
Earlier this month, Dundee United groundsman Albert Dawson was rewarded for his efforts in looking after the Tannadice pitch. He came runner-up to Celtics John Hayes in the IOG (Institute of Groundsmanship) Scottish Professional Football Groundsman of the Year awards earlier this month.
The quality of the SPL pitches can only benefit the way that Dundee United play, with Conway & Barry Robson both getting down the wings and sending in some quality balls from the wide areas.
“We have been working together on corners and free-kicks in training and it has been brilliant to see our crosses leading to goals,” said Conway.
“All week we worked on cutting inside and playing the ball to the back post and it worked for Barry`s goal (against Dunfermline), that was so pleasing to see.’
“Still, I hope our delivery from both wings can get better and better and we can score more goals. I am certainly feeling more and more confident as the matches go by.’
Against Saint Mirren, Conway wasn`t as influential on proceedings a previous matches, but his presences gave the visitors something to think about as both Robson and Conway rushed up the wings to send some dangerous crosses into the Saint Mirren goal.
There is no doubting that Conway has played an important part in the turnaround at Tannadice since Craig Levein arrived at the club earlier this month, but the youngster still has plenty of time to prove his worth to his new manager.
But, as the 1970s song by the Carpenters says – “We`ve Only Just Begun……”
Not all of the grounds outside of the SPL are that bad, but I’d agree with what he is saying. It must be quite a shock to get to play on proper surfaces every week, though.
i once play on a football pitch in motherwell where the mud went up to my knees. it was like walking in slow motion & the sqwelching noises where enough to make you feel sick. just like playing on dumbartons ground i hear.
Not all of the grounds outside of the SPL are that bad, but I’d agree with what he is saying. It must be quite a shock to get to play on proper surfaces every week, though.
Please, please no Hamilton Accies fan come on and say anything about the state of pitches…
i once play on a football pitch in motherwell where the mud went up to my knees. it was like walking in slow motion & the sqwelching noises where enough to make you feel sick. just like playing on dumbartons ground i hear.