TWENTY Questions
Andy on his trusty Auto-roller
“I’ll just continue to do the best job I can. If the worse comes to the worst, I’ll get a job in a supermarket stacking shelves!”
the square will get even better once the advantageous rooting system has established itself. “What do you mean it will get better? You can’t get any better than that,” he replied. “Just watch me,” says Andy. Next stop for Andy is an
HND in Sports Turf Management. Where will he find the time, or will he be doing it online? “I’m not sure on both counts,” he says. “I’d rather attend college, as I think interaction with fellow students is 50% of the learning. I’ll probably have to go back to Merrist Wood, although Cranfield is an option.” With the umpires reporting good, even bounce, good, even grass cover, fast pace, with medium spin and no inconsistencies, Andy looks to
freezing temperatures arrived in early 2009. So, Andy Dixon was on a hiding to nothing! And a hiding he got, with vitriolic comments the order of the day.
Fast forward to 2010, after an intensive end of season renovation in 2009, and the wickets are performing well. The comments from umpires and players must be music to Andy’s ears. But still the rumblings go on. What appears to be important to them is that they have a scapegoat. And what will that achieve?
For seven months of the year, Andy works around sixty hours a week over his contracted thirty-seven. Of course, the rumblers don’t see all that huge effort, don’t understand that, as well as their little game, there are ninety-six others to contend with. And all that on just £18,000 a year.
Peter Britton
have come through a difficult time. Whilst there are a few ‘grumpy old men’ who still hark back to last season’s problems, Andy wants to be judged on what he is achieving now. As he says “the grass is always greener on my side.” As we were going to press, we learned that the university had provided Andy with an assistant “at his beck and call” and, also, that the sports department were supplying work experience students to help out.
Sometimes, seeing things in black and white (the original text was a tad more ‘aggressive’) highlights issues that go unseen by the powers that be. I am delighted for Andy that his concerns are being addressed.
What’s in the shed? Allett Tournament 20” Allett Regal 36”
Kubota B1550 tractor
Auto-roller 3 tonne
Hand roller of unknown make
SISIS Autorake SISIS Slitter BMS Lute BMS Ferret
Various hand tools, blood, sweat and tears!
Andy Dixon - Tomorrow’s World would include Phillipa Forrester, a private jet and a Lloyds Paladin!
Who are you? Andy Dixon, Head Groundsman, Dean Park.
Family status? Single.
Who’s your hero and why? My best friend, Alan. For having a hell of a rough upbringing but now being a very successful father and businessman. But, most of all, for never giving up.
What is your dream holiday? A week on an international pub crawl with Alan, in a private jet!
What annoys you the most? Not being able to afford my dream holiday!
What would you change about yourself? I would like to live a healthier lifestyle.
Who wouldn’t you like to be? Elvis, mainly, as he is dead.
Favourite record, and why? Usually whichever one I am working on at the time.
Who would you choose to spend a romantic evening with? Phillipa Forrester! I have strange tastes.
If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do? Buy a huge camper van with all mod- cons and travel across Europe while deciding where to go next!
If you were to describe yourself as a musical instrument, what would you be and why? Electric Guitar, as I can change my mood to suit the circumstances.
What’s the best advice you have ever been given? If you’re not happy with your life, change it. Don’t keep trying when you know it’s time to move on.
What’s your favourite smell? Basil - the herb, not the Torquay hotel owner!
What do you do in your spare time? Enjoy the Christmas festivities.
What’s the daftest work related question you have ever been asked? “Why don’t you just cut a new one out, soak it and roll it - it will be fine tomorrow?” would be one of them, but I have many.
What’s your favourite piece of kit? I love the Lloyds Paladin but, unfortunately, I don’t have one at the moment.
What three words would you use to describe yourself? Kind, honest, diligent.
What talent would you like to have? The ability to fertilise in one direction without banding. I have seen other people do it, so why can’t I?
What makes you angry? People not admitting to their own mistakes and trying to ‘pass the buck’. Other people that listen to them.
What law/legislation would you like to see introduced? More control over the use of home pesticides and herbicides. It makes me cringe sometimes when I see what home gardeners have done with chemicals, yet professionals are subject to ever stricter rules.
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