Mansfield Sand appoint new sports surface manager

Mansfield Sand Company Limited has today announced that it is strengthening its Mansfield-based team with the appointment of Mark Robinson as Sports Surface Manager.

Mark, who has over 25 years experience of the sports industry, started his career as a YTS apprentice at Sheffield Wednesday's training ground undertaking a range of maintenance jobs as well as learning about every aspect of turf management. At the end of the apprenticeship Sheffield Wednesday offered Mark a full-time position from which he worked up to the role of Assistant Groundsman at Hillsborough Stadium.

In 1997 Mark moved to Derby County Football Club as Head Groundsman three months before the team unveiled its new Pride Park stadium. As well as preparing the Ground for Premiership, Euro '96, England Under 21's, and England International matches, Mark was instrumental in the development of Derby County's training facility at Moor Farm. He was also awarded the prestigious Institute of Groundsmanship's Professional Groundsman of the Year Award in 2000.

After leaving Derby County in 2006, Mark joined Rigby Taylor as its East Midland's representative working with clubs such as Nottingham Forest; Derby County; Sheffield Wednesday; Notts County; Burton Albion; and Chesterfield.

"I have had a good working relationship with Mansfield Sand for over 20 years, having managed Fibresand pitches at both Sheffield Wednesday, which was one of the first clubs in the country to install a Fibresand pitch, and of course Derby County," explains Mark Robinson.

Jon Boulton, Managing Director of Mansfield Sand, comments, "Mark's extensive knowledge of the industry and previous role as a Groundsman make him perfectly suited to this role. His ability to advise clubs on the best products based on his own experiences, rather than simply as a "salesman", has already gained him respect from many of our clients and contacts.

"His 'hands on' approach will also be of great benefit to both us and our customers," adds Jon.

For further information about Mansfield Sand Company Ltd and the products and services it supplies, please visit www.mansfield-sand.co.uk. or call 01623 622441.