SPORTS CLUB


I do believe the industry has more coverage on TV than it has ever had in the past, and I hope this can generate more interest to those looking to start a career in our industry. The more we explain what we do and the opportunities available, the better chance we have of attracting young people


T


ony Provan is a big Charlton Athletic fan and dreamed of working for the club, so when the opportunity of work experience came about whilst at school, he jumped at the chance. “They had me painting walls in my first week but, at the same time, I was always keeping an eye on what the groundsmen were doing out on the pitch. So I decided to ask Paul Geary, the club’s head groundsman, if could I join his team for my second week and work on the pitch. Luckily for me, he agreed.” “At the end of my work experience, I expressed my interest in the job and how much I had enjoyed it. Paul told me he had been impressed with what I had done and offered me an apprenticeship once I left school; and he kept to his word. I spent eight years at the club. I was then offered the chance to be Head Groundsman at Brentford.”


“Being honest, whilst I was at Charlton and Brentford, and being a young lad working around players like Scott Parker, I got caught up in the stars and couldn’t get out of it. In 2008 and just twenty-three years old, I had taken the head groundsman job at Brentford, but unfortunately my lifestyle let me down and it got to a point where I would rather be in the pub. My ego, at that time, got the better of me, and I believed in my own hype - and eventually I got found out.” “I had to get away and take a good look at myself, which I eventually did. After three years of being a complete wally, it was my then wife who helped me turn my life around and encouraged me to get back to doing what I love, which is groundsmanship. It’s only when you grow up, look back and think, if only I had put in the effort I do now, where would I be? It does frustrate me, but I’m happy. I’ve learned from my mistakes in the past and have become a much stronger and


PC February/March 2020


83


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