A grounded approach at Bloomfield Road

Nearly thirty years after his first day as an apprentice, Mark Shuttleworth is leading the groundstaff at Bloomfield Road with the same values he learned early on: hard work, clear communication and an unwavering respect for the surface.

When Mark stepped into the role of Head Groundsman at Blackpool FC, it represented the culmination of a career shaped by patience, pride and a deep-rooted respect for turfcare.

Like many in the profession, his path was far from planned. Leaving school in 1995, Mark knew only that he wanted to work outdoors. Football was his passion, and the idea of becoming a groundsman at Preston North End appealed, but with no apprenticeships immediately available, fate intervened through a chance encounter.

While walking the family dog, Mark’s mum struck up a conversation with Graham Swarbrick, Head Greenkeeper at Ashton & Lea Golf Club. An apprenticeship opportunity followed, and on 3 July 1995, Mark began work as an apprentice greenkeeper – a decision that would shape the next three decades of his life.

Learning the trade

Mark completed his NVQ Level 2 in Horticulture through Myerscough College, attending residential blocks while spending most of his time learning on the job. As with many apprentices of the era, the work was demanding and the pay modest, but those early years proved formative.

“I spent two years strimming what felt like every blade of grass on the course, divotting tees and fairways, raking bunkers. The only machine I used was an old Kubota, with no power steering, pulling trail gangs,” he recalls. “But I never once didn’t want to go to work. That’s when I knew this was for me.”

Further qualifications followed, including NVQ Level 3 and a Foundation Degree in Sports Turf Science, before promotion to Deputy Head Greenkeeper in 2016 with responsibility for the greens.

Despite his progression into senior roles, Mark’s philosophy has remained unchanged. “Even the most menial tasks can be done badly,” he says. “I learned early on to take pride in everything. No job is beneath anyone – I’ll happily strim or litter pick alongside the team.”

That mindset has since shaped the culture he promotes, built on shared responsibility, consistency and attention to detail.

Influences and philosophy

One of the most influential figures in Mark’s career has been Nick Wild, now UK Manager at Terralift. The pair first connected via social media while Nick was working at Reddish Vale Golf Club, where the quality of the greens stood out.

“I wanted to know why he was getting those results,” Mark explains. “We talked through his approach and the products he used, and that’s when we changed our programme at Ashton & Lea. Nearly ten years on, they’re still using it.”

The principles are straightforward: clean, high-quality products that support the plant without overstimulation, keeping the profile open and functional. It’s an approach Mark carried into his time as Groundsman at Longridge Town FC and now applies daily at Bloomfield Road.

Stepping up at Blackpool FC

After joining Blackpool FC as Deputy Head Groundsman in September 2022, Mark was appointed Head Groundsman three years later.

“Being Head Groundsman at a historic League One club is a real honour,” he says. “The responsibility is bigger, but so is the opportunity.”

Bloomfield Road’s SIS pitch is 24 years old. Supported by 1,100m² of lighting rigs, it continues to produce a surface capable of performing deep into the winter months. Fixture congestion and cup runs inevitably present challenges, but Mark is pragmatic about what can realistically be achieved.

“We work within budgets. I use a traffic-light system for improvements – red for essential, amber for desirable, green for nice to have – and then present the case. The club listens, but every department is competing for the same resources.”

Communication is key

Whether dealing with golf club members or football coaching staff, Mark believes proactive communication is critical.

“At golf clubs, I’d send regular blogs explaining what we were doing and why. In football, if the pitch isn’t perfect and training is needed, I’ll sit down with the coaches and work out what they actually require. At Blackpool, we’re fortunate to have a coaching staff who respect the process and listen to us.”

Reflecting on almost thirty years in the profession, Mark believes the industry has advanced dramatically.

“In 1995, four lads would topdress greens by hand over two days. Now, I can topdress a football pitch on my own in a couple of hours. There’s a machine for almost everything, and efficiency has transformed standards.”

Lighting rigs, reinforced pitches and year-round maintenance have all raised expectations – but they’ve also increased pressure.

Managing expectations

One of the hardest lessons, Mark says, is knowing when to stop. “Trying to over-present in winter just loses grass.

Once it’s gone, you’re not getting it back until spring. Sometimes the best thing to do is nothing – and that’s not an easy call.”

Keeping surfaces clean, open and free-draining underpins his approach, from volunteer-level football through to the professional game.

He also sees a clear contrast between football and golf when it comes to sustainability. “Golf has made huge strides. Football, especially at the top end, is still a long way behind because pitches are replaced so regularly.”

Looking ahead, Mark believes further advances in lighting technology could be transformative and hopes Blackpool can upgrade their systems in the near future.

Developing people

As a manager, Mark’s priority is creating an environment where staff enjoy coming to work.

“I want the lads to express themselves and feel involved. Football can be repetitive, so variety where possible is important.”

He’s also seeing the industry through the eyes of the next generation. His 16-year-old son Daniel already works matchdays, has completed work experience at Preston North End and local golf clubs, and is keen to pursue an apprenticeship.

“Social media has helped show what the job really involves,” Mark says. “If you turn up every day and ask questions, you won’t go far wrong.”

Despite his passion for the role, Mark is realistic about the challenges facing the profession.

“We still need to make the industry more attractive to young people. There’s a misconception that we ‘just cut grass’. Wages are improving in some areas, but football still lags behind.”

For now, Mark remains firmly grounded.

“I don’t get excited by one single thing – I just enjoy coming to work. The recovery, the renovations, the stress, the good spells and the bad. If you don’t enjoy all of it, even the dreaded bits, then you’re probably in the wrong game.”