As the football season continues to lengthen, the knock on effect for close season renovation works can be dramatic as a result of extended play and reduced recovery periods.

Should clubs choose light renovations of aeration, scarification, seeding and topdressing, time is of the utmost importance as the on-set of pre-season friendlies and the new season loom large in the thoughts of the overstretched groundsman.

Tackling a larger, more extensive operation such as removal of the top 35mm of the surface, importation of a root zone or fibresand and complete establishment from seed; must result in an aggressive campaign to get the contract completed in as short a period of time as possible.

Key to completing a successful project is planning.  It is in the client’s interest to give the contractor as much notice as possible in order to give the contractor as much lead-in as possible to commit both labour and plant resources to the project, invariably at a time of year when resources are stretched as all clubs wish for the works on their individual site to start immediately after the last ball of the season has been kicked.

This is a wish that is attainable, however, only with the aforementioned forethought, advance planning and good lines of communication. 

It is a team effort from both client and contractor, who in turn will work to ensure all Health & safety documentation is in place and all labour, plant and material resources arrive on-site as necessary. It may seem trivial but access and any utility issues such as electrical cables or gas piping must be considered in advance – stumbling across such problems on site will only delay works and have a knock on effect for the groundsman in his effort to create good establishment.  It is a routine practice for Souters Sports Ltd to contact utility companies in the weeks leading into the contract start date.

During the recent close season; Souters Sports have carried out a number of projects of this nature, varying from top-end professional football and rugby clubs to smaller lower division clubs where budget constraints are of paramount importance as well as amateur sports clubs where money is often hard to come by and financed through fundraising and sponsorship and where due-care and attention is still obviously required.

Rochdale

In the Northwest; Souters Sports have carried out renovation works for a broad spectrum of clients; ranging from beaten Championship play-off finalists West Bromwich Albion Football Club to Rochdale Football Club to Glendale’s Liverpool on behalf of Liverpool city council.

The contract for Glendale’s Liverpool consisted of numerous site visits and close liaison with Dave McCormack and Peter Cosgrove of Glendale’s to produce a cost effective and “best value” package for renovating 90 sports pitches within the Liverpool Area.

Works consisted of spring tine harrowing to remove thatch and aerate the surface levels. Level the goal mouths with screened grade 1 topsoil and then cultivate and seed ensuring that the pan had been broken using the Earthquake machine.

Heavily compacted pitches were ‘Earthquaked’. Overseeding of all bare and thin areas to include pitch diamonds, goal mouths, centre circles and linesman’s runs was undertaken. Also included was the application of a slow release spring and summer fertiliser to give a sustained growth over the summer period and aid re-establishment.

Close attention was paid to materials to ensure quality Vs cost. The works were programmed for an immediate start in the first week of May to ensure the best possible chance for all pitches to recover.

Rochdale

Souters Sports programme for end of season works always fills up quickly so Glendale’s early planning paid dividends in getting the contractor booked in at the right time.

As a contractor; Souters Sports have found a great benefit in the employing of qualified groundsmen and greenkeepers to carry out and over see the renovation works as it is imperative that for example the ‘Man on the job’ can foresee requirements and has the ability to change requirements on site at the time of the works to give the client best value.

For example; a site with ten pitches to overseed the diamonds on, one pitch needs a complete overseed and the pitch in the corner needs practically no overseeding so common sense and a degree of employee accountability gives Robert the confidence that his employees would overseed the whole pitch and reduce the overseeding on the pitch that does not require it. This kind of employee responsibility has enabled him to become more confident in the quality of service that they can provide.

The Contract for Rochdale FC was following on from the installation of a lateral drainage system and the installation of sand bands using the Field top drain last year.

The agreed task this year was to ensure that the sand slits were kept open at the surface by scarifying with a Koro Field Topmaker; the application of a medium/fine sand, top dressing the overseeding with a vredo drill seeder in 3 directions to ensure even establishment and the application of a suitable spring summer fertiliser.

To add to Rochdale’s FC renovation programme, Souters Sports also have a second round of works programmed following on from 4-5weeks from the initial.

The Rochdale Hornets Rugby League team have two home fixtures following the initial works. This leads head groundsman Phil Collinson to procure a light scarify with a spring tine harrow and a second over seed. 

This method has given Phil confidence he has not missed the early closed season works window but that he has also accounted for extra wear and addressed this with extra works later in the closed season.

The West Bromwich Albion contract was won through a competitive tender process. It is important as a contractor; to maintain quality and respect among the consultants within the turfgrass industry as the opportunity to price the more prestigious contracts will not arise.

Mr John Hacker of Professional Sports Turf Design (Northwest) has been employed by WBA since 1974 to carry out their consultancy work and spec their end of season renovation works.

Souters have carried out many projects for PSD along
with other contractors and they will accept nothing but the best workmanship from their contractors.

The support and detailed specification provided ensures the contractor can concentrate on providing the best service possible.

                                                                       WBA

The WBA pitch had a full reconstruction in 1998 and since then John Hacker, in close connection with Rob Lane the head groundsman, have come up with a three year rotating programme.

2007 was the start of the programme again; with the top 25-30mm of the pitch being removed using the Koro Field Top Maker. The arising was disposed of off site for recycling as compost and topsoil.

A 25mm layer of Fibresand was then replaced to make up levels, lightly cultivated into the top 75mm to ensure no layering takes place. This is the crucial stage and a real test of the contractor’s experience.

The fibresand has to be consolidated and finally levelled before seeding. Seeding is undertaken using dimple and drill seeding methods to ensure a quick establishment.

The 2 years in between consist of fraise mowing and scarifying with overseeding to ensure the surface remains open.

Tel: +44 (0) 1236 453030

Email: info@souterssports.co.uk

www.souterssports.co.uk