Specialist equipment lays the 'Big Roll' turf perfectly
depth of 30cm to expose the original drainage sand, before applying the new rootzone and lazer grading After applying 2,300 tonnes of 80/20
rootzone mixture ameliorated with 160 tonnes of fibre sand, the entire area was levelled and lazer graded prior to turfing. To provide fertility for the new turf, thirty bags of slow release fertiliser and sixteen bags of biostimulant were mixed into the rootzone surface. A Harley power rake was then used to
remove any final wheeling marks and finish the surface, followed by the turfing team who then moved in to lay an 80/20 Perennial Ryegrass/Fescue mixture from Lindum Turf. To lay the entire pitch with the new turf took approximately five days with each area being irrigated as soon as it was placed in position; like a huge jigsaw puzzle each roll was interlocked for stability. Within two weeks of commencing work the new pitch was laid and light mowing commenced shortly afterwards. Two
Like a huge jigsaw puzzle the turf interlocks for stability
weeks later the groundstaff verti-cut the pitch and applied 80 litres of 17:2:5 liquid feed plus trace elements, followed by ten litres of liquid biostimulant and twenty litres of liquid iron. One week later, and a mere four weeks after the project began, Wigan Warriors played their first game against Harlequins. Ian was very pleased with the way the new pitch performed. Mowing height is currently maintained at 35mm for rugby and 30mm for football, although the height will be gradually lowered as the turf matures. The pressure that the grounds staff are under at the JJB Stadium can be gauged by the fact that, when the last rugby league match ends at 10pm on the 22nd August, it will be just seventeen hours before Wigan Athletic play Chelsea in their first Premier League game of the new season. There are four staff. including Ian, at the Stadium. They also have full responsibility for the Warriors training
Final touches prior to the first game against Harlequins, only four weeks after the old surface was removed!
ground pitch. Ian joined Wigan Athletic in 1998 as a groundsman at the Christopher Park Training Ground and, in 2002, he was promoted to his current position. Ian’s partner Nicola also works at the JJB Stadium as Head Receptionist. Ian is looking forward to the challenges of the 2008-2009 football season with confidence. Commenting on the troubles of the past two years, Ian says “I have learnt to take adverse critism on the chin now, however unjustified I feel it may be. You just have to get your head down and push on through until things improve, as they always do eventually. I don’t take things personally because I know we all do a superb job. And I have complete faith in Mr Whelan and my staff, who are totally supportive.
My thanks to the staff and management Of Wigan Athletic and Wigan Warriors for their hospitality and kind cooperation. All photography by courtesy of the above.
When the players have finished the game, our challenge just starts…. C-g
grO2w the advanced pitchcare system
• Foster the growth and quality of the grass by using additional CO2 in a specially designed portable system
• Creates faster recovery from playing damage, higher durability and a better looking pitch
• 10mm per day grass growth all year round • An all season grow system based on a raised CO2
Linde Technology level
as nutrient, additional light, a protective atmosphere (tent) and a warm temperature
IT&C has the solution for the perfect pitch Unit 8, Belvedere Industrial Estate, Fishers Way Kent DA17 6BS
Ice Technology & Coatings
Mobile: +44(0)7785 372 808 Phone: +44(0)20 8983 7676 Fax: +44(0)870 6222117 Email:
snoel@icetechc.com wwww.icetechc.com
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Moreeconomicalthan existinglightingrigs
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