kitted out.” “Apart from cylinder regrinds, I
carry out all the maintenance work myself and get good parts back-up from Julian Simpson at Boughton Turf Management.” With the machinery in place, Bob set about organising maintenance programmes for the cricket pitch, football pitches and amenity areas. “The first job was to spray the whole area for weeds” said Bob. “Once I had bashed the old amenity area down that became far more manageable. The football pitches needed some aggressive attention. I deep scarified them to remove a build-up of thatch and organic matter (the cricket outfield also got a hammering) and followed this up with hollow coring and harrowing to create a seed bed and recover surface levels. A pre-seed fertiliser was applied and then pure perennial rye grass seed was sown. Both pitches were topdressed with a medium/fine sand and left to mother nature to assist in watering in.”
“Fertiliser was applied at 14:2:4 in the spring and summer and 6:5:10 in the winter. The whole process was repeated in 2008 but with a 35% reduction in seed, topdressing and fertiliser. I’ll be doing the same this year. It’s all part of the stepping stones to recovery.” “The cricket table also received some aggressive tactics. After the 2006 season had finished it was then fraise mown to remove thatch and organic matter that had built up over forty years. I then solid tined to 100mm and topdressed with five tonne of Kaloam. I then overseeded with a 100% pure perennial rye grass mix of Bar Extreme and pre-seed fertiliser.” “We have five senior football teams using the facilities - Massey Ferguson 1sts and Athletic (reserves), Coventry Rangers 1st and 2nds and Bannerbrook Massey. We also have two junior teams and that will increase to four next season.” “There are two senior cricket sides that play on Saturdays and the ground is hired out to local teams on Sundays. Our junior section is particularly strong with around 150 youngsters and we are heavily involved with Coventry Bears, which is the feeder club to the Warwickshire County Cricket Club academy.”
“My main priority is to get the playing surfaces up to the highest standard as soon as possible. I have set myself a deadline of 2010. To be honest, I am well on the way. Sadly, the credit crunch, or whatever you want to call it, has put back the building of the clubhouse, which was due to be completed this year. It may still happen but, as Persimmon has put a hold on the
adjoining building site, it will require a quick economic turnaround. For now we will have to make do with the portacabins.” In 2008 Bob Stretton was
awarded the Groundsman of the Year, Steps 5 and 6, by the Football Association, one of the highest accolades to groundsmanship at non league level. The presentation was made at the FA Awards by John Motson, the voice of football on the BBC. Praise indeed for Bob the
Rebuilder!
... well on the way
In 2008 Bob Stretton was awarded the Groundsman of the Year, Steps 5 and 6, by the Football Association, one of the highest accolades to groundsmanship at non league level
“I have used Johnsons Premier Pitch
“I have used Johnsons Premier Pitch for the last two seasons. The mixture
for the last two seasons. The mixture established quickly and uniformly. It has
Mr Andy Jackson
Mr Andy Jackson Head Groundsman, Stoke City
Head Groundsman, Stoke City Mixture used: Premier Pitch
Mixture used: Premier Pitch
established quickly and uniformly. It has stood up to heavy wear exceptionally well.
stood up to heavy wear exceptionally well. I am very happy with my choice of seed.”I am very happy with my choice of seed.”
Kick start your season
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www.dlf.co.uk • email:
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Europe’s only dedicated sports turf seed range 81
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