Winter Sports - Football


“


Our fans want to see the team perform on the best pitch possible and that is what we all want to achieve


“Presentation is our main priority here,”


said Jason. “We want the pitch looking its best for every game. Our fans want to see the team perform on the best pitch possible and that is what we all want to achieve.” "I cut the grass every week in the main


growing season with the Toro Reelmaster 2000D. At the end of the season, the pitch is verti-drained, topdressed as required, fertilised and reseeded, if necessary.” “We do work closely to our prescribed


budgets for all pitch and maintenance work, which Roy would manage.” “I keep a very close eye on weather


patterns so I can plan the grass cutting and line marking accordingly. That is easier said than done sometimes but, on most occasions, I can work with it,” said Jason. There are eight full time staff employed at


covers to protect all our hard work if the weather gets too wet but, generally, the weather works with us most of the time,” he said. Jason adheres to a pitch maintenance


programme that fits in well with match days and the weather. He cuts the grass once a week, carries out soil aeration once every three months and pest control on a monthly basis.


Ayr United in terms of running the stadium, grounds maintenance and office work. However, taking on an apprentice to help out with the grounds is currently being considered. Pest control is also vital in order to keep


the pitch and grounds looking their best. Regular visits are made by a pest control company to try and keep the pigeons from ‘inhabiting’ the stands, but it’s an ongoing battle, according to the staff. Urban foxes and other birds have also damaged the pitch


in the past and need to be monitored as well.


When it comes to the machinery pool that


Jason has to hand to maintain the pitch, he says there are some new machines on his wish list. “The Toro Reelmaster is very good and


does its job well, but some day soon it will need to be updated,” said Jason. “There is also an old Kubota B4200 tractor that I use to operate the spiker.” “On top of that, I have a roller, a small


fertiliser spreader, a linemarker, a seed sowing machine and a few other pieces.” “We really could use a newer tractor,


preferably with a cab on it, as the Kubota we have is proving unreliable sometimes. A new trailer and verti-drainer would also be quite useful.”


“In the past, the club has purchased


second-hand machines from local dealers, but maybe someday we could have our own new machine to work with.” Roy Proven added:


“At Ayr United, we are extremely grateful to Jason for his commitment and hard work, and it is nice to see his efforts being recognised.”


96 I PC APRIL/MAY 2017


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