FOOTBALL
When it comes to cutting heights and maintenance, we try and keep it
pretty similar to the Highbury pitch
and adjust accordingly.” About the Club
Their home strip is red shirts with
“On the Highbury pitch in June, we used Sierrablen plus Renovator and Greenmaster Zero Phosphate. In July, Greenmaster Spring/Summer, Primo Maxx, Seamax, Step Hi Mag and Pro Turf 20:0:7. In August, Sierrablen mini 0:0:37, Seamax and Stress Control 15:0:28. In September, Proturf 15:5:15, Seamax and step Hi-mag. In October, Anti-stress, Seamax and Proturf 15:5:20 and, in November, Proturf 15:5:20.” “On the Fibresand pitches we have used Greenmaster Renovator and Zero Phosphate, Step Hi Mag, Sierrablen Active and Pro Turf 20-0-7 and Pro Turf 20-0-7 stress control. We do fertilise the soil-based pitches, but this is on an as and when necessary basis as we don’t have the same fertiliser budget for those pitches.” Alongside his fertiliser programme, Nick likes to be pro-active rather than reactive when it comes to disease management of the Highbury pitch. “We suffer now and again with leaf spot, but we do have good airflow, so it’s not too bad to be fair. I put the fungicides on for prevention with it being the stadium; it takes away that risk factor,
if you will.”
“At the training ground, it is rare for us to use a fungicide, due to cost, we tend to let it grow out if we get a dose of leaf spot.” As well as the club giving the local community access to their training ground facilities, Nick and his team help with local community projects throughout the year, “One project we have been doing is at a local park. The playing fields have just been drained, so we have been helping them grow it back in, and now we will help it get through the winter months.”
Nick seems to be well supported by the club, and they understand his needs when it comes to the pitches. I asked him if he ever feels undervalued? “I think groundsman are getting more recognition as a professional sort of job, although we will always be seen as just grass cutters. People are realising there is a lot more science that goes into keeping the pitches playable and healthy. But I do feel, 100%, that we are undervalued. We never get many thanks or a pat on the back when the pitches are good but, when they are struggling, we seem to get the bad press.”
76 PC February/March 2019
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