FA Cup pitch on course for a green light

Millennium Stadium officials are confident they are winning their battle over the state of the pitch ahead of the FA Cup Final.

The impressive venue has been plagued by pitch problems since it opened last year.

But Glanmor Griffiths, chairman of Millennium Stadium plc, believes the relaying of the pitch in readiness for the final between Arsenal and Liverpool on 12 May will solve any problems.

He said: "Our turf specialists have made fine progress on lifting the new pitch from Yorkshire, transporting it to Cardiff and relaying it here.

"Having taken out the last parts of the pitch that was used for the Worthington Cup and LDV Vans Trophy finals last Friday, the remaining few rolls of new turf will be laid tomorrow morning.

"The roof was opened yesterday to let the sunlight get at the new turf and all the signs are that Arsenal and Liverpool will have an excellent surface on which to contest the 129th FA Cup final.

"Everything is on schedule at the stadium to ensure the first FA Cup final to be played outside England will be an outstanding success."

Griffiths is also hopeful fans of both teams will avoid long queues into the Welsh city from the M4 which have affected previous finals.

He said: "The travel plans are well under way and fans from the two clubs have responded to our requests to travel to Cardiff as early as possible and, wherever possible, by coach or train.

"The arms of Cardiff will be open to give a typically warm Welsh welcome to everyone who will be coming to the Millennium Stadium for the first time on 12 May."