Winter Sports
Kestrel Contractors installing the pitch
can be very changeable, and the environment for the new pitch was predicted to be extremely harsh, so we needed a surface that could withstand these severe conditions as well as the hectic schedule of the Championship,” says Steve.
“I travelled around the UK visiting clubs to observe how their pitches performed season-on-season in terms of sustainability, reliability and, most importantly, playability. My visit to Glasgow Rangers proved particularly interesting. The weather conditions in Scotland can be extreme, so when Rangers came to install a new pitch, like us they required a surface that was suitable for the wellbeing of the players, yet resilient against the forces of nature.” Rangers ultimately chose a Fibrelastic pitch for its Ibrox Stadium. Developed by Mansfield Sand, it is a totally natural turf which grows in a uniquely reinforced rootzone. The aim of its development has been to improve the characteristics of typical fibre reinforced sand dominant rootzones. This has been achieved by mixing silica sand, organic matter, rigid polypropylene fibres, and flexible elastane fibres to produce a completely homogeneous blend. Work on the pitch began in January
2011 and was carried out by Kestrel Contractors. Working to exacting standards, and supported by pitch consultant Jonathan Smith of Geo Turf, the company rigorously tested every formation layer from the gravel up prior to seeding, as requested by the club, to ensure tight working tolerances were achieved. Although the pitch was built on a chalk foundation, an extensive pipe drainage system was also installed to ensure excess water was able to filter through the surface and be drained away quickly and effectively.
The company is one that Steve is familiar with, as it carried out the annual renovations at the Withdean Stadium on several occasions, and reconstructed a training pitch at the Sussex Universities Campus, where the club hires grass pitches as its current training facility. “We have worked with Kestrel on
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previous projects, and have also used Mansfield Sand products for a number of years,” said Steve. “When choosing the type of pitch, we were confident they would provide us with the materials for the specification required. We are pleased with the quality of the pitch so far, and I am certain the team love playing on it, as much as we, the groundstaff, enjoy looking after it.”
Jacobsen Eclipse in action
healthy pitch, regardless of his location. It also has undersoil heating so play can continue, even in the coldest of weather. The sidelines, which will be used constantly by both referees assistants and players as they warm up, are made from artificial grass which will not wear or tear easily and will require only the minimum DECEMBER/JANUARY 2012 PC 67
To ensure the pitch does not become too dry, it is fitted with a Rain Bird irrigation system. The eight in-field sprinklers and sixteen perimeter heads are able to water the entire pitch in forty- five minutes and can be remotely controlled, allowing Steve to maintain a
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