Dundee United manager Jackie McNamara has warned that Scotland’s Premiership risks becoming like the League of Ireland if it stays off the grass.
The Tangerines welcome Kilmarnock to Tannadice tomorrow, with memories still fresh of a frustrating night on Rugby’s Park’s artificial pitch as they lost 2-0 on October 3.
While the new 3G surface wasn’t used as an excuse for a dismal display from his team, McNamara is not a fan and hopes that the natural choice stays the majority one in the top division.
“We will see at the end of the season whether their home pitch helps them or not,” said the Tannadice boss.
“For me, I just hope a lot of other clubs don’t follow suit.
“I think it’s good for certain places but to me it could end up being like the League of Ireland.
“Sometimes you put on Sky Sports and, with no disrespect to games in Ireland, I think it would be harder to attract players to come to Scotland.
“It’s hard enough just now with finances.
“And I understand the finances that go along with it by having (artificial) pitches.
“But, for me, it should be grass.
“It has improved a lot over the years but for the top flight there should be more grass pitches.”
McNamara was quick to stress that the surface wasn’t the reason United were defeated by Allan Johnston’s men and he is looking for better this weekend.
“We are glad the game is on grass this time but that’s without making any excuses,” he said.
“We didn’t really turn up that night and there were too many players off it.
“Kilmarnock were a team we were pretty dominant against last year, with some good performances, so it’s funny how things turn around.
“But we are at home and we have to make sure we go and win this game.
“I’m looking for quality in our performance.
“Our standard of training has been really good this week and so have the tempo and intensity.
“That is due to the competition for places now.”
Meanwhile, he may have moved on to the bright lights of the English Premier League but Andy Robertson is still having a positive influence on his old United mates.
McNamara revealed that Robertson’s debut goal for Scotland against England in Tuesday’s friendly at Celtic Park was the talk of the training pitch at their St Andrews base.
“The other lads here will take a lot of joy from seeing Andrew do so well and try to get a taste of it as well,” said McNamara.
“He and young Ryan (Gauld) were up last week having lunch with the lads and they are all still the best of friends.
“Everyone is delighted for him.
“We are also delighted for Johnny Russell and I thought he did really well when he came on.
“Both of them combined for what was a great goal.
“For this to happen that quickly for Andrew – regardless of how highly you rate him is down to the lad himself.
“His focus is key. He just looks ahead to the next game or opportunity to play, without thinking too much about it.
“That’s what will keep him on the right track, not looking back to the last season or worrying about the next game.”