“No matter how long you have been around, there is always room for more knowledge, to keep learning, to keep ahead of the rest”
use around the goal areas - the usual and expected requirements - determine the programme for managing pitches consistency. Like every Head Groundsman worth his salt, Alan looks at the various methods of renovation and equipment available on the market and attempts to get the best results as economically as possible.
“Maintaining playing surfaces in pristine condition is now very much a science.” said Alan. “The industry is so technically advanced that it is essential to
keep up to date with new techniques, seeds, fertilisers, treatments and machinery, so that you can make an informed choice. No matter how long you have been around, there is always room for more knowledge, to keep learning, to keep ahead of the rest.” Alan’s renovation document is a testimony to the stubborn professional pride that he applies to the job in hand.
Regardless of the resources, the first step is to see what actually needs doing to maintain the standards of the pitch required. Exact play requirements are absolutely paramount. The facilities are utilised by the ten age group squads as well as the professional squads. The centre pitches host, annually, 1,600 training sessions each lasting two hours . In addition 200 games are played on the centre. The stadium pitch will see an average of 50 games per season. All training and games are planned by our coordinator who produces a training plan for the players and coaches at the start of each week. “It is a massive logistical exercise.” explained Alan. “The
maintenance programme has to be fully in tune with the activity schedule. Work has to be targeted and timetabled to maximise the output of the groundstaff whilst, at the same time, minimising the disruption to games. And, of course, there is all the usual day to day admin to be attended to, health and safety aspects to consider along with the goal post safety register and the fire safety register.”
The fact that all the criteria is met, the games are played and the standard of the pitches continue to be of the highest order is a measure of the dedication, loyalty and cooperation of the grounds team.
All images © Ipswich Town FC TWENTYQuestions
Matt Parry - groundsman at Fulham Football Club - seems to be a little ‘cranky’ about small women!
What would you change about yourself? I’d like to be more tolerant of my sibling!
Who wouldn’t you like to be? Jimmy Krankie!
Favourite record, and why? Anything by Bob Marley.
Who would you choose to spend a romantic evening with? Kylie first, but then it would have to be Lily Allen, there’s something about her!.
Who are you? Matt Parry, aka ‘The Pup’, Groundsman at Fulham FC.
Family status? Attached - to a beautuful girlfriend, Kylie.
Who’s your hero and why? My dad Chris, because he has always been there for me.
What is your dream holiday? Jamaica with Kylie.
What annoys you the most? My little sister Charlotte.
If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do? Go to the pub and celebrate.
If you were to describe yourself as a musical instrument, what would you be and why? A drum, because I’m loud and brash and can be heard anywhere!
What’s the best advice you have ever been given? My dad said to me once, completely out of the blue, “Son, always get fresh salad with your kebab”. He wasn’t wrong.
What’s your favourite smell? Freshly cut grass - and pizza.
What do you do in your spare time? I don’t tend to have much but I play football and enjoy Kylie’s ‘company’.
What's the daftest work related question you have ever been asked? When I was working at a sports club I was asked, ten minutes before start of play, “can you water the square?”
What's your favourite piece of kit? Any ride on mower (currently a Toro) as it saves me having to walk!
What three words would you use to describe yourself? [It’s] all about banter.
What talent would you like to have? To be able to play the drums.
What makes you angry? Jimmy Krankie!!!
What law/legislation would you like to see introduced? Longer drinking hours and less tax.
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