FOOTBALL


recover in winter.”


Foxes can be a problem for James with the stadium being open. “They cause a lot of damage to the pitch, especially after a match day. I often come in the morning after the game to find they have buried pies, chips and even bottle caps! What they want with them, I don’t know. They also like to go to the toilet on the pitch, so I am always picking up their mess.”


James tells me, like many others around the country, the pitch suffers from leaf spot from time to time and also red thread. “We do use fungicides if the budget allows, but that decision is down to Colin and Steve; generally, though, it will grow out.” Travelling around the country, I hear all the time that the industry is struggling to attract new talent. With James’ background, I thought he would be well placed to give his thoughts on this issue. “In my opinion,


the main issue the industry faces when it comes to attracting young people from school to join us is the rates of pay in a lot of places; they can earn more money working in a supermarket.” “I also find it hard with the younger generation these days as they are always on their phones, tablets or computers sat at home. They don’t tend to want to come out of their comfort zones. If they are not outside playing football or golf, how are they meant to gain an interest? More could be done in schools to promote what we do and create more interest in the job. When I was at school, I never saw anyone representing our industry on careers day. I suppose the hours of work can be unsociable and working in all weathers can put some people off but, like many other careers out there, if you are willing to put the work in the rewards are there.”


The pitch generally drains very well; there is only a small problem in one of the corners where there is a bit of a dip


66 PC February/March 2020


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