Magazine - Groundsman handed Ashes mission

25 Sep 2008 by Yetanotherdave Last edited 26 Sep 2008

This Stinks, why would Len want to finish a yr before the pinnicle of his career. goes to show, we're all just numbers nobody give's a ***** about us.

26 Sep 2008 by mario

Unfortunately, with most things in life, there is more to it than the "Press Releases".

I know no boundaries.

26 Sep 2008 by BC

Thats why I keep telling this industry to toughen up but everyone is too scared to upset the apple cart in case they get the boot, I know about three people in the entire industry who are prepared to put there job on the line to get what they want from there employers or to stick to a principle its pathetic.
Likewise contractors will come in way below spec reqiured to get a job. Its a downward spiral and the industry only needs to look in the mirror to aportion the blame.

I intend to live forever, so far so good...

26 Sep 2008 by Grassman2011

You are absolutely correct Mario.
Anyway, who would now want the job if employee's can be treated in this way. A new man wants to do the job his way, why would he want a consultant on his back. A good man will manage and i am sure that the right man will have many friends that he could call upon if needed.
Obviously a yes man required.

27 Sep 2008 by mario

Yes an interesting decision to bring, in essence, a consultant on a 12 month contract more or less.

I suppose the ECB are trying to minimise the potential for risk in the run up to the Test.

Does this mean that Glamorgan will be looking to appoint someone from outwith the Head Groundsmen who already have ODI and/or Test Match experience?

I know no boundaries.

28 Sep 2008 by Grassman2011

You have the one day experience Ken, ever thought about moving south ?

28 Sep 2008 by mario

I always had it in the back of my mind, Gordon. But to be absolutely fair to my present employers, a County/club wishing to come in for me would find it difficult to beat the package I have here.

I realised this a couple of years ago when I got a phone call asking if I would be interested in applying for the Assistant Head at the Oval.
The money was the same if I included the house which goes with the job up here plus I don't pay Council Tax or the phone bill. Trouble was the cost of renting in London and the additional cost of living etc didn't make it viable.

I suppose, now that I'm in my fifties, do I really need the hassle of a County Head job??

It's the old story - make me an offer I can't refuse!!

I know no boundaries.

29 Sep 2008 by BC

We dont want people in top positions who dont have any hunger, stay at home where its safe.

I intend to live forever, so far so good...

1 Oct 2008 by mario

I agree, Gate 13. There does come a time in life where it is easier to put the slippers on and smoke the pipe in front of the telly!
Ask Gordon (Bath)!! I guess that given all the possible scenarios, like me, he is glad to be away from the hassle of HGV driving. Groundsmanship is a different kind of hassle.

And you are right once again, you do want someone with the fire in the belly for such a position. That's not to say that I don't have it.

It's simply a case of making it financially viable given my current salary and personal terms.

I know no boundaries.

1 Oct 2008 by Grassman2011

I could'nt have put it better myself Ken, thankyou.