Derby in Wr. Neustadt

“League has to think about the criteria”

Sturm II continue to move to Wr. Neustadt in the Second Division, also in the small derby against GAK on Sunday (10.30). The pitch at the actual venue in Gleisdorf is now ready for use again. Those responsible at the regional league club have also done everything possible to ensure this.

Sunday morning sees the little Graz derby between leaders GAK and Sturm II in the Second Division. While the "Reds" have three points in the title fight firmly planned, the "young Schwoazen" are fighting against relegation and need victory like a bite of bread. However, the match will not be played in Styria, but around 150 kilometers away in Wr. Neustadt.

In December, Senate 3 of the Bundesliga withdrew the license for the actual "home" of Sturm II because the pitch in Gleisdorf was desolate. "The referee really wanted to go through with one of our two-man games in the fall. That was the reason why the pitch was destroyed. Then winter set in and we no longer had a chance," explains Robert Becker-Tonnerer, chairman of regional league team Gleisdorf.

The problems have been solved
But how are things now? "The pitch is in good shape again, we've done everything we can," says the club boss, thanking all employees and the municipality of Gleisdorf for their support. "We've laid drainage at certain points and drilled over 400 drainage holes to get the water problem under control. Some of the turf was replaced. We also grew our own turf, took it down around the training pitch and laid new turf in the stadium." Due to the organizational effort involved, however, the derby was no longer possible. The next Sturm II home game (March 31st against Admira) will then take place in the Solarstadion again. Before that, however, the Bundesliga still has to give the green light.

However, Becker-Tonnerer is annoyed: "It must be clearly stated that the approval of the second division allows such pitches. There are no requirements for pitch heating. They want the same conditions on amateur pitches as on those in the Bundesliga. Without technical possibilities. How is that supposed to work if the ground is still frozen in December or February?" He clearly sees this as a challenge for the league. "If they don't accept that, they have to think about the criteria."

One thing is already certain: if Sturm II manage to stay in the league, they will continue to play in Gleisdorf. The team from Graz have already extended the rental agreement for the coming season. "The cooperation with Sturm is great. We do most of the work, but they give us great support, Sturm makes a great effort. They also have employees coming in from time to time to check the pitch and give tips on maintenance."