Most of the measures in that act were simply seen as token gestures that if the club managed to maintain, they would qualify for a number of grants which are believed to total in the region of £40,000.

However, to ensure that this wasn't simply seen as being a gift, a number of penalties were included in the deal, and Dale look set to be hit with a six point penalty after breaking the agreement.

The problem has come about following the Notts County home fixture in February, in which Dale supporters camped out over night to ensure that the game went ahead. Supporters stopped through the night burning every bit of wood they could find to ensure that the pitch remained unfrozen, albeit ultimately in vain.

Through those efforts, it has been estimated that the equivalent of 600 trees were used to maintain the burning oil drums throughout the night and subsequent day. Whilst the burning of trees is viewed as being carbon neutral, part of the http://www.carbonfootyprint.com pledge was for clubs to use sustainable energy sources at all times, and to replenish any stocks that may be used..

The club themselves knew little about this agreement, and even less about breaking the agreement, but it has come to light after an unnamed League Two side complained to the Football League.

There are no clues as to which side made the complaint, but early suspicions would point the finger at Chesterfield would benefit most from the points deduction or a bitter Notts County side which travelled to Spotland for a second time that night, only for the game to be called off.

Dale boss Keith Hill wasn't available for comment, but it's believed he is furious over this and has demanded emergency talks with the club board at midday today.

It is believed that the club have looking into a possible get out clause, in which if we can plant and maintain the equivalent number of trees to the amount of wood burnt in the preparation, as recently demonstrated by Premiership giants Chelsea. Talks are due to take place between the club and the All In One Garden Centre regarding the purchase of six hundred saplings.

A club spokesmen said that All in One were contacted late last week for an emergency meeting this week as a deal may be struck to buy shrubs in return for sponsoring the stadium.

As a last resort, the club are looking at planting them at the proposed training ground facility at Bowlee. Obviously, it will put the facilities back for a couple of years, but having attracted criticism for the sale of Glenn Murray, the club are desperate to salvage the bid for the Play Offs.

If the club are to get the go ahead for this, an announcement will be made later today, and fans will be asked to report to Bowlee for another through the night shift to help with the plantation. This time, its a season rather than just one game that fans will be asked to save.