Rochdale relaying pitch in preparation for Tottenham's visit

Mauricio Pochettino's complaints have been heard.

Rochdale announced work to relay the Spotland pitch is beginning "immediately" following the postponement of Saturday's League One meeting with Fleetwood Town.

The club said preparatory work started prior to Fleetwood's visit in case the pitch was declared unfit for the game. Now the uneven surface can be addressed in time for the FA Cup fifth-round clash with Tottenham Hotspur on Feb. 18.

The news will be gratefully received by Spurs boss Pochettino, who stated that "you cannot play football" on Rochdale's pitch as it presented a risk for players. Tottenham struggled to deal with the conditions at Newport County in the previous round, requiring a replay to advance after a 1-1 draw at the fourth-tier side's modest Rodney Parade home.

Tottenham is on a run of 12 unbeaten matches, with its last outing a 1-0 defeat of north London foe Arsenal on Saturday.