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Ian Evatt says plans are in place to renovate Wanderers’ pitch – but admits it is a concern in the short term.
The surface has been thoroughly tested this season by the weather and the Whites’ busy fixture list, as well as Rugby League World Cup action.
Derby boss Paul Warne commented on the “horrendous conditions” following his side’s recent goalless draw at the University of Bolton Stadium.
Evatt says the current situation is “nobody’s fault” and is eager to “make the best of it” during the remaining months of the campaign.
“To be honest, it is (a concern). There are lots of conversations that have taken place behind the scenes,” he told The Bolton News.
“The state of the pitch is actually nobody’s fault. The groundsman (Chris Simm) is doing all he can to make sure it is okay.
“We have had a lot of games on there including the youth team matches. The rugby has not helped whatsoever, but once again that isn’t anybody’s fault. That was agreed prior to the ownership group’s takeover, so there was nothing we could really do about that.
“We think the pitch has probably reached the end of its cycle. In pitch terms, it is past its sell by date. There is planning in place to make sure that the pitch is renovated and probably given a brand new one at the end of the season.
“We need to do the best we can to make the best of it until then. As I said, there is no blame attached to anybody. It is just the way it is for a number of reasons.
“I trust Chris to do the best he can to make sure it is flat and even, which it is. Other than that, we will just adapt and overcome as we always do.”
Wanderers are back at home on Saturday, January 7 (3pm) when they take on current leaders Plymouth.
Before that, they have this afternoon’s trip to Barnsley to worry about, with both sides aiming to consolidate their place in the top six.
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