Football fans forced to travel to another county for HOME games in neutral venue as fans ask ‘who’s footing the bill?’
SHOCKED fans wonder “who will foot the bill” after Halifax Town switched two home games to Accrington Stanley – 26 miles away.
The switch from Yorkshire to traditional rival county Lancashire follows dreadful problems at Halifax’s Shay ground all season.
And Storm Kathleen meant the pitch – shared by rugby league team Halifax Panthers – was unfit to host Wednesday’s National League clash with Oldham.
Now the promotion-chasing Shaymen face “home” clashes with Barnet on Saturday and Ebbsfleet United next Tuesday at League Two side Accrington’s Wham Stadium.
That’s left fans fuming over extra travel costs – including for any away supporters from the two South East clubs who have already paid for their trip.
One wrote: “Feel for any fans with train tickets to Halifax.
“You need to book months in advance so you don’t have to remortgage your house to get a cheapish ticket, and then get screwed when it is moved ‘down the road’.
“I wonder if they will lower the cost of matchday pay on gate for change of venue??”
Other supporters hope Calderdale Council are now forced into serious action as Halifax’s pitch and drainage system have been criticised all season.
One said of the double switch to Accrington: “If THAT doesn’t absolutely SHAME @Calderdale to finally fix the pitch, nothing ever will! Shame on them!!! 52 MILE RETURN DRIVE.”
The Halifax Courier say the council is promising “intensive improvements” in the summer.
Town said “following recent issues with the pitch at the Shay, the difficult decision” to move the two games was made.
Halifax, as well as fans of all three clubs involved, have praised Accrington for stepping in to help.
Stanley chairman Andy Holt posted: “Happy to help out wherever possible.”
The Shaymen are seventh in the NL – the final play-off spot – with four games remaining.
Eight-placed Aldershot are their main challengers – a point behind, having played a game more.
Ironically, the Shots saw their 606-mile round trip to Gateshead on Tuesday called off just 25 minutes before kick-off due to a rain-ravaged pitch.