FOOTBALL


We normally carry out all the work within the


”


council ourselves and have access to a good range of machinery to allow us to do this. We do not often use outside contractors


“Every fifty hours, we brush the 3G pitch and carry out some dragmatting, as well as checking the nets and goal posts,” he said. All the staff with Martin participate in a number of training programmes to keep them up to date with modern practices. The council employs two health and safety officers to oversee all operations the employees carry out. In addition, most teams have their own first aiders, should they be required.


The council mostly sources its machinery via tender process and runs its own machinery workshop for continual servicing and any repairs of equipment. Martin and his crew have access to a number of machines and equipment including; Kubota STW34 tractor, all weather brush, drag mat, Terra Clean for 3G, tine rake, vacuum grounds cleaner, Verti-drain, spiker, roller, liners, laser liner, fertiliser spreader, transporter lorry, strimmer, blower,


roller mower, Koro Field Topmaker and a drill seeder.


Martin said: “The council purchases new machinery for its operations outright through a tender process. Those companies that can supply machinery that meets the correct specification at competitive prices are the ones that win the tenders.” “It doesn’t have to be the local dealer we use much of the time; it just depends on the product specification and price. We normally carry out all the work within the council ourselves and have access to a good range of machinery to allow us to do this. We do not often use outside contractors,” he added.


“There are a number of new pieces of kit that have significantly helped to improve the playing surfaces within the council such as the roller mower and the drill seeder. “The Koro Field Topmaker is a great piece of kit but, unfortunately, demand for play is


so high that it can rarely be used to best advantage at the moment. In the future, on my wish list, I would like to see a five gang rotary mower purchased to use on the grass pitch,” said Martin.


There are not many pests at play at the Brandywell Stadium and any weeds are controlled by the use of herbicides as and when required.


Martin considers that the work of groundcare teams is very undervalued and would like to see the profiles being raised somewhat.


He said: “I would like to encourage higher standards of work within the industry and have more televised coverage of what we do. This would be particularly advantageous ahead of big sporting games which would really put the spotlight on the good and essential work we all carry out,” he said.


70


PC October/November 2018


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