It has been well documented that there are problems with the drains at Spotland, which means the pitch no longer has the ability to disperse surface water. With both teams suffering postponements on a deteriorating pitch - and after commissioning a site survey - the stadium company has given the go-ahead for the works to be undertaken.

Work to rectify the situation will take place during the summer with the following works planned:

* A new main drain and manhole to be installed beneath the running track in front of the Willbutts Lane stand; this is because the pitch slopes naturally towards this side of the ground. Because this will not involve work within the playing area, work can commence installing the drain before the end of the football season. The Drain will have 21 junctions which will connect to the new pitch drainage.

* 21 Land drains will be laid across the width of the pitch at a depth suitable to give adequate fall to allow surface water to drain.

* Along the length of the pitch at 5m intervals sand/gravel slits will cross the new drainage to allow water to flow easily to the land drains.

* The top 'Crusty' layer of the pitch - which gives it an uneven surface - will be scraped away and replaced and a newly seeded playing surface..

Given the extent of the works - the Spotland's two resident clubs will have to fund the project to the tune of £40,000.

In response, the two supporters' groups have teamed up together to try and raise £10,000 towards the cost of the work. The target is to secure 1000 donations of £10 from the supporters of Hornets and the Dale.

The Spotland pitch will be metaphorically divided into 1,000 sections - each £10 pledge effectively buying a small section of pitch. Once all the 1,000 sections have been 'sold' , the two Supporters groups will create a roll of honour board showing the name of everyone who donated. This will be displayed at Spotland.

Nest Egg spokesman Jim Stringer explains: “The finances of both clubs are already stretched, and the cost of the pitch repairs is a burden both could do without. As fans, we have an opportunity to provide Rochdale's professional sports clubs with a playing surface that gives them the best chance of success. By working together, fans and clubs alike can help bring sporting success to the town."

Dale Trust Secretary Warren Brierley adds: “Regardless of the Stadium Company's finances, the work HAS TO BE CARRIED OUT. The football and Rugby League clubs have worked together to create a window of opportunity to get the work carried out, but the funds still need to be found.”

Hornets Fans can make their donation by:

• Cash at any home or away game. Nest Egg members will be accepting donations on behalf of the association. Alternatively, you can donate via the club shop. Please provide your contact details when you donate.

• Cheque: made payable to -

Hornets Nest Egg
c/o 4 Nelson Street
Littleborough
Lancs
OL15 9BY

Please write 'pitch appeal' on the back of the cheque and provide your name and address.

Donations of £10 are being suggested, however fans can donate as little or as much as they like - every penny helps towards making Spotland a stadium we can all be proud of.

And there are fantastic prizes to be won! Everyone who donates £10 or more will be entered into a prize draw. You could win a Caribbean Cruise thanks to a generous donation made by a local company 'Balloons with WOW'. Plus Dale sponsors 'Keytech' have kindly donated a laptop computer as a prize!

As the Nest Egg has proven over the last three years, fans can make a real difference - and this appeal should go some way to ensuring that Rochdale's sporting fans never have to suffer the embarrassment of being the only postponement ever again.