Tolerton on Wednesday | Canterbury Sport | Surfing, Rugby, Soccer, Football, Cricket in Canterbury

Canterbury United will score a colossal own goal if they move to Queen Elizabeth II Park.

The national championship club and Mainland Football have been at loggerheads over the rental for English Park and other issues, and United have notified the association they're going to play at QEII instead.

It's a decision which will not help pull in the fans.

Apart from big international matches when you've got a crowd of thousands, QEII is a soulless place to watch footie.

It's not handy and central like English Park, and United are never going to generate the fizz at the stadium that English Park gets.

Last season player power forced United to play their home games on Saturdays. Track and field is the established summer user of QE2 on Saturdays as well as sometimes Sundays, and for both sports to use it in summer looks an awkward fit.

In my view bringing national league soccer back to English Park with a true provincial team was the best thing to happen to the sport here in recent years.

Unfortunately the move to Saturday games last season, when so many soccer players are involved with cricket or other sports, robbed United at the gate. I know several fans who could not get along to a game all season.

Mainland Football has offered a commitment to improve the English Park pitch and facilities, including adding a large scoreboard and a quality sound system.

It's also investigating a FIFA-approved artificial pitch.

Get your heads together again, guys. A move to QE2 will not be good for soccer followers, the association, or United.