FOOTBALL
plant as healthy as possible. We have a big problem with nematodes at the CFA, with the pitches being sand-based, and we are not on our own. It all comes down to how you look after your pitches. I believe, with the right fertilisers, with the right chemicals at the right time and working with the weather we should be okay.” I asked Roy what he regards the best part of his job and if he has any regrets? “The best part of my job is overseeing everything for the club, looking at new developments and helping the club move forward with the playing surfaces. I have no regrets in life; I’m where I wanted to be, working at the highest level with Manchester City, one of the biggest clubs in the world at this time and, when I retire, I will look back and be proud of what I have achieved.”
The most significant pressure Roy and his team face is turning the pitches around at renovation time, especially at the Etihad Stadium. “The club want to hold concerts on the pitch every year as we are in a big catchment area, and you can’t blame them.” “A subject that I believe, as an industry, we need to be looking at, is ways in which we can attract more youngsters and women into, what can be, a rewarding career. Manchester City are one such club that has two young grounds women who have successfully completed their apprenticeships and been given
full-time roles.”
“I feel college tutors need to be going into schools and promoting the industry. The interest is out there. I talk to a few children and their parents who ask about getting into the industry. The same questions are coming back to me all the time. The tutors need to be telling them that you can get grants for qualifications if you are of a certain age; people are under the illusion you must pay for everything. The
industry is a better place now than it’s ever been. I believe if clubs invested in people we’d end up with better employees who are qualified to do the job. This is what we do at Manchester City.”
Roy’s advice to youngsters who have just started in the industry is, “you have got to believe in yourself. Listen to what people say; if you don’t know what you’re talking about, then you just listen; I learned that from my dad. Keep your eye on industry
62 PC February/March 2019
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