[theo_luddite]

Yes they were ritchie, along with Luton and Oldham amongst others. Punts from the keepers could and did bounce out of the stadiums. Concrete bases with no sand underneath them. Oh how the National Sports Turf Research Association (or something like that) laughed when they all went back to grass. They had researched artificial turf pitches and had developed versions that played more like natural grass, but did anyone ever ask them?

They were great for local sports centres too, play more or less all year round for as long as the centre opened each day. Until you slipped and cracked your nut on the surface. Being a member of the goalkeepers union, as and when required, they didn't do you much good if you made a diving save either if you didn't break your dive properly. At best you winded yourelf, alternatively you were setting yourself up for a future hip or shoulder replacement. Or all four.