FSM
Features
A pitch awards treble
Armed with a special agronomic programme, three of the English Football League’s prestigious awards with a little help from Reading-based A
To kick off, Swansea City FC won the Championship pitch of the year award with Advanced Grass Solutions UK Sales Manager, Peter Holmstrom working very closely with Head Groundsman, Anthony Harry who explained: “I have worked with Peter for a number of years at the training complex and laterally at The Liberty Stadium,” said Anthony. “We share ideas on how best to maximise application windows within a busy schedule. With the flexibility of the range provided by AGS, especially the growth products liquids, we can tank mix to suit each situation considering all variables.” Bristol Rovers were successful in
EFL League One on the back of a very difficult 17/18 campaign where issues with renovation proved problematic for the duration of the season. Head Groundsman Daryle Sullivan told us: “‘Unfortunately, our renovation, which was no fault of our own, was hampered with various issues resulting in a less than adequate pitch in the previous year. This progressively worsened as we went into the winter months. To win pitch of the year the following season was a fantastic achievement for me and my colleagues. The products we use from AGS have supported the plant in not only surface growth but equally as important, improved rooting.”
No extra time was needed when
Swindon Town scooped the League Two trophy following another impressive season from Marcus Cassidy and his team. Marcus is no stranger to awards having won many accolades in his extensive 19 years as a Head Groundsman. He adopts a holistic approach where possible managing his pitch in a sustainable fashion. He told us: “I’ve been here so long I know the pitch inside out, what works and what doesn’t. AGS have been a great support, and I’m not afraid to trial new products or even let nature take its course at times. We are always planning and tweaking things when it comes to the programme. Being able to call upon such quality support is always reassuring, and I look forward to working with AGS for a long time to come.” Each skilled groundsman deserves
full credit for these creditable awards invloving both their know- how and dedication. But this has also been made possible following the amalgamation of two companies operational since the early 2000s. An impressive combination of staff from the specialist turf division of Countrywide and the long-standing Berkshire based Grass-roots, has proved to be a powerful force. In 2015 Countrywide, with an
established business already within the golf sector, had a strategy to enter specifically the IOG arena, recruiting
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