Tell us about your journey into grounds management and how you became a Regional Pitch Advisor?

Started off at 16 straight from leaving school on the old YTS. After being with Essex for 30 years on the tools my knees and back where telling me it was time to do something else. I was already a CPA and doing pitch visits for CFAs, along with delivering the old IOG courses so when the opportunity came about to be an RPA in Sept 2017 it felt like it was the next best step to take in my career.

What’s the most rewarding part of being an RPA in your region?

Any motorway services given the area I cover!

Favourite sport? Who’s your team?

Choice of 2 really. In football I support Ipswich Town "Uppa Towen" and cricket it must be the mighty Essex CCC!

Can you share a standout project or pitch you’ve worked on and why it was memorable?

Too many to mention individually really both for good and bad reasons over the years.

What’s one piece of advice you always give to grounds teams?

You never stop learning in our industry no matter how long you have been doing the job.

What inspired you to pursue a career in grounds management?

Playing at my local cricket club as a kid I was always fascinated by watching the legend that was “Bubbles” preparing pitches etc and I wanted an active job that involved working outdoors.

Who’s been a major influence or mentor in your career?

Stuart Kerrison.

What’s one skill every good groundsperson should have?

Adaptability

If you weren’t working in turf, what career could you see yourself in?

Anything that would involve working with alcohol.

Coffee or tea on a cold morning pitch inspection?

Strong coffee, although I’m more of a fair-weather RPA these days and try not to arrange visits when it’s cold!

Finish this sentence: “People don’t realise, but grounds management is actually…”

more than just cutting grass!