Winter Sports - Football
For me, it is a balance between keeping the grass strong and presented well. I like to keep the grass working for its water and nutrients. If you make it too easy, then I believe the plants won’t root as deep, and you only suffer for that in the winter.
What end of season renovations do you undertake?
Our renovations are strictly controlled by finances, with an average budget of £4,000 a year for renovations, it is difficult to decide where best to use the money, however our normal renovation would include; 60 tonnes of sand, overseed at 40gsm ‐ these will be undertaken by AT Bone ‐ and then I will scarify the surface prior, normally with an Amazon. However, this year, I have purchased a Koro scarifier which I am excited to put through its paces on the pitch, and then vertidrained and fertilised.
Last year, both goalmouths had dropped quite significantly, so we put on 20 tonnes of sand and replaced that with a rootzone, of which 10 tonnes was spread heavily over these low areas and the remainder spread out with the sand.
Are renovations affected by budgets?
Of course. Ideally, the pitch would require a fraise mow and laser level due to the pitch
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being slightly out of level in areas, though we are unable to afford this.
Are renovations affected by outside pressures?
Our only pressures are end of season tournaments and then bringing it in for pre‐ season as soon as possible.
How have changing weather patterns affected what you do?
With the spring coming later for the past few years, we haven’t really been able to successfully overseed the pitch in the spring and bring back any meaningful coverage to the pitch. This has been frustrating, however as the weather stays warmer into the winter there is more going on in November and December in terms of cutting and maintaining the surface.
Do you take regular soil samples to ascertain what work is required?
We aim to take samples every three years, at a minimum, to make sure that our fertiliser plans are concurrent with what is going on in the soil.
Artificial surfaces - what ongoing maintenance/refurbishment is carried out?
The artificials are brushed weekly, and de‐ compacted and deep‐cleaned six times a year.
What projects have been undertaken in recent years?
We have been upgrading sprinkler heads and outlets. Last summer, a custom manifold and valve were made part of the system to allow us to run two sprinklers at full flow off one outlet, which has improved our ability to keep the pitch watered throughout.
Do you source additional help or is the work done in-house?
I think around 95% is done in‐house. Only AT Bone are brought in when necessary.
How do you purchase machinery - e.g. outright, five-year replacement deal, second-hand etc.?
Nearly all my machinery has been bought second‐hand. Having grown up around machinery and always tinkering, I have found that buying second‐hand produced the best value for me as I am able to repair machinery and keep it in running order.
Most machinery I source from the internet, be it eBay or other sites.
Are you loyal to one manufacturer, where possible?
I wouldn’t say I tend to stick to one manufacturer. I am a big believer in the fact that there is a correct machine for every job.
Buying machinery has almost become a part of my life, and I like to be able to buy any machine we are looking to use
66 I PC FEBRUARY/MARCH 2018
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