Derby County Football Club have been using Mansfield Sand’s products for over 20 years and Head Groundsperson Paul Thompson has explained exactly why.

Derby County recently won the Sky Bet League One’s 2022/23 Grounds Team of the Season. It is a fantastic achievement for Paul and his team.

Paul has been the club for 15 years and now oversees the maintenance of the pitch at Pride Park Stadium and the Moor Farm Training Ground. He oversees a team of 12 members of staff, who all worked tirelessly to produce the best quality playing surface in Sky Bet League One.

Choosing the correct products to apply to the pitch played a part in their success and Paul revealed how products from Mansfield Sand have always had a place in their maintenance programme.

“Ever since I’ve worked at Derby County, we have always used Mansfield Sand products,” he said. “My two predecessors used the products and I saw no reason to change at all.

“Throughout the playing season at the stadium we use the kiln dried sand – DM40, and for renovations we use MM40 sports turf sand. We also use MM40 across the 12 pitches at the training ground.”

Both MM40 and DM40 are sourced directly from the Two Oaks Quarry in Mansfield where the company produces its renowned Mansil range of Silica Sands. MM40 is a moist, medium sand which is predominantly used in the construction and maintenance of a wide range of sports surfaces. DM40 is of the same consistency and quality as MM40 but is kiln dried.

“We always keep a couple of tonnes of DM40 on site, so it is there when we need it, but we tend to apply 10 tonnes in November, and another 10 tonnes in January to the stadium pitch.

We have a SISGrass hybrid system, and the kiln dried sand helps dilute any of the algae build up on top of the surface. It also helps with the playability and drainage.

“Everything that has been delivered over the years has always been clean and ready to use straight away – I wouldn’t expect anything else from Mansfield Sand.”

Mansfield Sand is a company with history and pedigree – in fact, its origins can be traced as far back to 1840. It has been a long-standing pioneer in the development and production of premium sand-based products and boasts the most up-to-date and advanced equipment currently in the industry.

From winter sports pitches, golf courses, bowling greens and all amenity turf areas – Mansfield Sand has a solution for all.

“The company is local to us, they are reliable and always on the phone if we need them,” continued Paul. “If I need a product as soon as possible then they are always quick to help us out. I normally speak to Sharon Morris (Mansfield Sand Sales Manager) and she will often come out and have a look round. She will also do soil samples as and when we need them, so we know what materials we are putting on.

“Overall, I’m very happy to recommend the company.”

www.mansfield-sand.co.uk