“We had all the usual problems and more; compaction, weed infestation, lack of nutrients etc., and not a very big budget to put it right”
coverage. I have never seen recovery like that in fifteen years. It usually takes from April to September to achieve the same results using chemicals!” Ian believes the recovery rates are rapid due to the deep rooting that has developed. This was first noticed when excavating holes for new posts, where grass roots were noted at below 250mm depth. Grass plants seem to be full of vigour and health.
Ian maintains that a lot of clubs simply
don’t understand the value of their pitches and that they are ‘everything’ to a club. “When they are in great condition revenue is up, because people want to use the pitches and clubhouse. Clubs need to learn to stop using their pitches like an old door mat, rendering them unusable which, inevitably, leads to expensive and major renovations that clubs just cannot afford at this level. Remember, no pitch equals no players, no revenue and then no club”. The ongoing benefits have been apparent, even when the pitches were
trained and played on for in excess of seventeen hours a week from September to Bonfire Night last year. And then, like many clubs, used as a car park! The turf quality, with almost 100% coverage, was maintained throughout the season, with play continuing through to late May this year when the grounds were selected for use by Leicestershire RFU. “We now have such a high standard of pitch that they have played all their 2008/2009 games at The Vipers” said Ian proudly. Ian has been so inspired with this new
approach to grounds maintenance that he wants to spread the word. So much so that he has formed a very small company called MatchFit SportsTurf offering quality sportsturf maintenance for football, rugby, golf and cricket - with the Soil Harmony approach being integral. “From the experience I have gained from working at Vipers I understand that clubs don’t have big budgets. My aim is to offer a value for money, tailor made package to any club wishing to improve its grounds and status.
TWENTYQuestions
Ian ‘Keep off grass’ Reid - assisted by his son and Indie the dog ... all wearing slippers?
Who are you? Ian Reid, Head Groundsman, Leicester Vipers RFC.
Family status? Married with three boys, Alastair (30), Rob (27) and Mark (11). I also have a three year old grandson, Ben.
Who’s your hero and why? My son Rob. He helps me out at the ground. His marking out is superb and he’s always there to pitch in when I’m struggling.
What is your dream holiday? Somewhere peaceful on a tropical beach with good food and a bar to chill in sounds good to me.
What annoys you the most? Incompetence, from those who should know better.
What would you change about yourself? I’m happy with myself, it’s just the others.
Who wouldn’t you like to be? The others.
Favourite record, and why? Red Red Wine, UB40. Reminds me of happy times
Who would you choose to spend a romantic evening with? My wife, Anni who always supports me in everything I do, or Amanda Holden.
If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do? Buy a new home in this country and maybe abroad.
If you were to describe yourself as a musical instrument, what would you be and why? A double bass. It’s not the first thing you hear when you listen to an orchestra, but everyone knows it’s there.
What’s the best advice you have ever been given? Don’t take anything for granted. When you do a piece of work, check it then check it again.
What’s your favourite smell? Newly mown grass and fresh air. Liniment in the changing room.
What do you do in your spare time? Groundsmanship takes up every spare hour I have! I used to make period furniture but each takes up so much time to achieve perfection.
What’s the daftest work related question you have ever been asked? “Why can’t we go out and train on the (waterlogged) pitch?”
What’s your favourite piece of kit? My ‘grounds assistant’ dog, Indie, and tractor.
What three words would you use to describe yourself? I am creative, passionate and caring.
What talent would you like to have? I have lots of talents already, it is important to me to be able to pass these on to others and
make the best of what I already have and whatever comes in the future.
What makes you angry? When players and coaches take grounds for granted, misuse them, and insist on wearing boots instead of slippers!
What law/legislation would you like to see introduced? I’d get the banks, pension companies and politicians to pay back every penny of the money they owe to me!
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