Winter Sports - Football GETTING Personal...
Rob Bradshaw - a man on a journey; smelling of coconut along the way!
Who are you? Rob Bradshaw, Head Groundsman at Peterborough United FC and Mick George Training Academy.
Family status: Single. Seven year old daughter called Miyah.
Who’s your hero and why? It would have to be my mum and dad. They have always been there for me, guided me in the right direction and encouraged me to do well.
What would you change about yourself? Fitness levels would be at the top of the list; get rid of the spare tyre and look good.
What’s your guilty pleasure? I love a bottle or two of red wine.
What’s been the highlight of your career so far? The past twelve years in the industry, I’ve won various FA Awards along with industry awards, which are a great honour. The highlight has to be being invited to the Queen’s garden party at Buckingham Palace for my services to sport locally.
What are your pet peeves? It has to be people who cut corners across football pitches and, of course, litter louts.
If you could go anywhere right now, where would it be? It would be definitely be my local for a well earned pint of Guinness... only joking! It would actually be a holiday in the sun where I can just chill out; probably Marbella.
What’s the best part of your job? Everything. I love my job and the industry I work in. It makes life a lot easier when industry colleagues and experts support you in each and every way. I think that’s quite unique.
… and the worst? I can’t honestly say I dislike anything! I’m always a very happy groundsman.
Do you have a lifetime ambition? I’ve reached my ambition in life; to work for the club I support and give them 110% work ethic each and every day. I’m living the dream.
Favourite record, and why? I love all kinds of music as I DJ in my spare time. I don’t really have a favourite song and can listen to anything, whether it’s 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s or current.
Who would you choose to spend a romantic evening with? I’d love to spend a romantic night with Kirsty Gallagher from Sky Sports. Long legs, trim body; what more could a guy ask for?
If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do? I’d like to take my family and daughter to Disneyland Florida. I would also donate money to the local Special Care Baby Unit.
If you were to describe yourself as a musical instrument, what would you be and why? A drum, as I’m very loud.
Which three people, living or dead, would you invite to a dinner party? It would have to be more than three people as I have lots of pals. It would be one big bash.
88 I PC JUNE/JULY 2017
Do you have any bad habits? I don’t think so, although some would say I’m a bit untidy. I think they need an eye test.
... or any good ones? I’m nice to colleagues and always happy to help anyone out in the industry. I just want to see football pitches improve.
Do you go to bed worrying about the next day’s workload? Of course I do! Who doesn’t? I’m passionate about my job role and always strive for the best.
What are you reading at the moment? Honestly, I’m currently on the Pitchcare website reading the weather for tomorrow and assessing my irrigation regime for the week ahead.
What’s the best advice you have ever been given? Presentation is the key to success. This always rings true.
What’s your favourite smell? I love the smell of coconut. My car always smells of the Caribbean.
What do you do in your spare time? I love spending time with my daughter but, aside from that, I DJ a lot and have recently worked with Coolio, Fatman Scoop and boy band 5ive.
What’s the daftest work related question you have ever been asked? The other day, whilst cutting the grass at the training ground, a youth player asked “What does that machine do?”
What’s your favourite piece of kit? I don’t actually own much kit, but what I do have is the best - Grasshopper, Martin Lishman Sprayer and GKB brushes.
What three words would you use to describe yourself? Kind, caring, and a right proper laugh when I’ve had a few sherbets.
What talent would you like to have? I would have liked to have been a professional footballer when I was younger.
What law/legislation would you like to see introduced? I’d really like to see the title of us groundsmen changed. I think we may get more respect if this happened, as we are not ‘glorified gardeners’ like some people say.
give him the best possible experience in the role,” says Rob. “We also, as a football club, invite local
colleges to come in and look at the work we are trying to achieve. This is more a career move for college students to get the industry we are in noticed.” “We do offer work experience placements, which is aimed more towards children with learning difficulties. It’s been a pleasure working with the colleges in improving the skills of individuals. We all face issues in life, and I believe everyone has an opportunity to learn, regardless of their disability.” “I believe the industry is moving in the
right direction but, whilst I am highly respected in my current role, that’s often not the case elsewhere, as I see all too often in my role as FA Pitch Adviser. I enjoy travelling across various counties advising local grassroots clubs on aspects of pitch maintenance.” “I also present educational seminars to
local volunteer groundsmen. And that’s what we need more of, and more involvement with schools and colleges to inject more youth into this great industry.”
We all face issues in life, and I believe everyone has an opportunity to learn, regardless of their disability
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