This and That 2
Most people would have read what our head groundsman Roy Rigby has had to say about things in general in a previous message. What I am writing this message for is to back him 110% on behalf of not just our groundstaff, but also those groundstaff up and down the country at different venues, be it professional or voluntary who carry out a good honest hard days work, and will relate to this message. The worst part of this industry is how differently people get treated from one place to another by the same people-nice to your face, yet calling you when your back is turned-admittedly I do it myself, but not to the extent that I hear things aimed in our direction as the MCFC Groundstaff. Far from being a problem in groundsmanship, this is human way of life and will never change-what I don’t like is when other names are mentioned who also don’t have the guts to say things to your face in conversations with others-especially as these people who have supposedly said something may not have even said it, and could cause trouble amongst others. This job is hard enough at the best of times, and I personally enjoy my work as do most others. It is only when ridiculous comments are made like:
‘Lee Jackson said he’s the head groundsman of Manchester City, not Roy Rigby’
‘Who’s he on the phone to, his press officer?’
‘He’s never off that computer’
‘That Lee Jackson is stabbing Roy in the back’
Other comments have also been made-these may be light hearted, but people do take note unfortunately.
I know my place in the organisation, and I DO NOT CLAIM TO BE IN CHARGE, NOR HAVE I EVER SAID I AM.
I do not have a press officer-the fact the club is featured from time to time in trade journals etc shows how far the club has come as a whole in the last 3-4 years-I am not one of the ‘celebrity groundsmen’ Roy mentioned-we both know who they are and we are more than happy with the job we do as a team, not as individuals. If I make a comment in an article instead of Roy, it is with his consent and more often that not at his insistence-he is a man who likes to share the publicity, not hog it like others may do.
By writing this, and also putting my name to it I am showing that I am not afraid to speak my mind and put it in print for all to see-not hide behind idle conversation.
Should anyone want to discuss this matter further, then feel free to contact me on my office phone or on my mobile:
Office 0161 438 7703
Mobile 07793 796 983
21 Nov 2004 by Dave
Knobs and Knockers
The original thread posted by Roy, I believe,was one of frustration and annoyance at certain individuals who seem bent on keeping this Industry back from progressing into the 21st century.
Through Lee, one of Roy's staff, we at Pitchcare have been able to provide members with regular updates on the progress made at Maine Road and now at the City of Manchester Stadium.
The latter in particular has been an extremely interesting project, where Groundsmen, Agronomists and Architects have worked in tandem to provide a state of the art venue, incorporating the latest in sports turf technology.
There is no doubt that Roy has built an excellent team around him and a solid relationship with the club hierachy ensuring the smooth running of scheduled events.
Now, the only way that the Industry can move forward is if we unite and speak as one voice. The fragmentation that has been allowed to occur over many years will take a little longer to bring together, but it is only a matter of time.
Finally I would like to add that Roy is one of the nicest guys you could wish to meet, willing to pass on his wealth of knowledge and experiences, something that we can all benefit from.
Information is king, pass it freely and we shall enjoy the future.
21 Nov 2004 by Anthony Asquith
this and that
i would just like to say i`m 100%behind for what lee has had to say,without people in the industry like lee jackson,peter craig and chris parry just to name a few,who give their time and efforts to this fantastic site giving people much needed advice and helping to promote pitchcare and groundsmanship as a whole where would we be?these guys are from the very top of the industry who themselves have the problems of their own in their respective jobs but still find the time and effort to help fellow individuals in the sportsturf sector.i would just like to say lee,and all the other PROFFESIONALS in our industry keep up the good work i for one greatly appreciate the help i have recieved over the last couple of years and long may it continue.thanks again anthony asquith,head groundsman.chapel allerton lawn tennis club
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