industry that keeps him close to the action on the pitch. Following that open evening, the college phoned him to confirm that they could arrange an interview for him with Coventry City FC’s Head Groundsman, Mike Finch. Happily, the meeting went well, Andy was taken on as an apprentice and, in the September, he began an NVQ Level 2 one-year course, which he completed this June.
Coming straight out of school, Andy confesses that the NVQ was very different in terms of its routine, with its “jobsheets and tasks”. “But within two months I had found my feet and I think I completed the course to quite a high standard,” he says proudly. His certificate came through in early October (“very quickly, actually”). He’s now started the Level 3, two-year course, working to a day release. “Four or five students were invited on the course after completing their Level 2 NVQ,” he says. “I’ve joined around 15 other students who are in their second year.” Andy has already noticed a marked change from Level 2. “They expect far more from you,” he says. After Level 3,
Andy plans to gain more experience at Coventry FC and hopes to move up to become assistant groundsman there. The support he receives from head
groundsman Mike Finch and his deputy John Ledwidge is invaluable, Andy says, “I can always go to them and pick their brains about anything I’m unclear about.” Another big plus about his job is the team bonding, especially on key occasions. “Match day is a big event for all the staff, with everybody needing to be at the top of their game, whoever we are playing host to. We all put in a huge effort before and after the game. It’s a long day.”
He, too, has strong opinions about his chosen profession. “Many in the industry work long hours but, when you see how much the players make compared with say groundstaff, it makes you wonder. A few players ask about the state of the pitch and may comment, especially if it is looking really good. We’ve had players say that the pitch looks like Wembley and that gives you great job satisfaction.” Groundsmanship needs more younger people, Andy believes. “A groundsman isn’t just an old man sitting on a tractor on a pitch. They are far more than that.
Andy Lee
“It’s great to be able to play a part, even though you may not be the greatest sportsman in the world.”
EACH issue we catch up with a leading turfgrass professional and ask him or her what’s going on in ...
Who are you? David Bates, Managing Director of Total Turf Solutions, an independent sports turf consultancy team with partner Alan Lewis. In addition I head up Climate Cover Ltd which provides the latest in sports turf covering systems.
What’s your background? I have a strong affinity with the industry having previously worked at the sharp end as a groundsman at Harrogate CC before becoming Head Groundsman at Northamptonshire County Cricket Club. At Northampton we were fortunate enough to be awarded two commendations from the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB). I was also appointed Chairman of the First Class Groundsman Committee, promoting research and development into cricket surfaces. I am also a trainer and pitch advisor for the ECB.
Status? Married to Angie and we have a little boy, Finlay, who is two; we are expecting a new addition to the family in late December.
What do you get up to on your days off? I try and spend as much time with my family as possible, coupled with trying to get the odd game of golf in when I can. My handicap is down to 6 and my favourite golf club is the K Club in Ireland.
READERS
What car do you drive? Volvo V50 estate, which I find comfortable and reliable when travelling around the UK. My ideal choice would be a Noble ‘M15’ or an Aerial ‘Atom’, but neither would be practical for the line of work I do.
Favourite film? No specific film - my preferences are action and films that have a decent plot.
Favourite radio programme? Vernon Kay & Chris Moyles on Radio One.
Favourite music? All types, but recently taken to the Arctic Monkeys & Kasabian, both great bands.
What do you most enjoy about your job? I enjoy trying to help committed organisations improve their facilities; at TTS we are always looking at ways to develop and evolve processes and our skill sets. Listening to groundsmen and customers helps me develop new products and services.
Favourite Sport? I enjoy watching all sports.
Favourite TV? I watch Lost and My Name is Earl, however I do find myself watching Thomas the Tank Engine and the Fimbles with my son.
Favourite Food? Any, not fussy, I enjoy most cuisine.
Pet Hate? Sitting in traffic jams!
Most memorable experience? Watching my son learn and grow everyday is a great experience. But, for entertainment, having a day out at a sporting activity is great. My favourite place is the Sydney Cricket Ground, a great atmosphere, good company and plenty of beer.
What has been the most significant development in our industry? Thanks to TV coverage, sport has become very high profile, the bar has been raised in terms of pitch performance requirements. Players and coaches are asking and expecting more from their surfaces.
What would you like to see changed in our industry? Improving standards of education from
Lives
top to bottom. I believe governing bodies and organisations are starting to realise the importance of good surfaces but, more importantly, how skilled and expensive it is to maintain and prepare them. When everybody involved in sport is aware of what it takes to provide good quality surfaces, then groundsmen and greenkeepers will have more respect and hopefully the finance to support them.
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76