HEREFORD FC manager Pete Beadle believes clubs should look after their pitches better to ensure games can go ahead.

A number of fixtures have been called off this season, resulting in some teams having a large fixture back-log.

"Lots of games are falling foul to the weather, but I think may be there has to be some sort of precedent," said Beadle.

"There is a ground grading system that has to work and I think the pitch has to be included in that.

"There have been more games called off than I have ever known.

"Highgate have played 18 league games, because of their pitch.

"Now that has to be taken into consideration because they've got an awful lot of games to fit in.

"If they [the Midland Football League] ever consider extending it [the season], it will be a disadvantage for us because we've managed to get all of our games on because we've looked after our pitch and have got fantastic groundsmen.

"The rules are the rules and you've got to play to them.

"If you end up playing two or three games a week, that's unfortunate.

"But it should make you wary and think 'right, next year we've got to make sure our pitch is in a better condition.

"I know doing things like that are not cheap, but it hasn't been cheap for us.

"No matter what surface you've got, you've got to look after your football pitch because it's a source of income.

"Sometimes, they've got to save a bit and put a little bit in their pitches to get through some of the games.

"But it shouldn't be to their advantage, it should be a disadvantage, because they've got to fit the games in at some point."