Mick Conway gets to work on AFC Telford pitch
Players are able to rest at this time of year, but for groundsmen the season never ends.
AFC Telford United’s Mick Conway has been working hours on end renovating the New Bucks Head pitch.
At the moment there is no grass – just dirt – but Conway insists it will be in tip-top shape for July’s pre-season friendlies.
“We have got a new irrigation system in place now,” he said.
“The sprinklers, six of them, are automatic now so that’s a big boost.
“We’ve got germination now so that means, next week, we should be topping the pitch.
“We’ve got new rain covers too, which is also good news.”
The Bucks’ pitch struggled to deal with the adverse weather conditions over the winter as there was a drainage problem.
A lot of games were postponed and even the ones that went ahead towards the end, you could argue play was affected by the surface.
Conway has been with the club for 12 years and insists last term was by far the most difficult.
Having carried out necessary work, he feels the pitch should now be in a much better state for a much greater period of time.
“From November last year, we had the snow and then all the rain – the pitch never had a chance to dry out,” said Conway.
“I’ve been here for 12 years and last year was by far the worst, in terms of the weather we had and the amount of games we had called off.
“We’ve had the pitch levelled off and seeded now so it shouldn’t be half as bad as it was last season. Now we’ve got a bit of a head start so it should all turn out well.”
He added: “There’s no break for me, the season doesn’t end – got to get the pitch ready for the friendlies coming up.”
Shrewsbury Town have also been busy carrying out work on their pitch. The top layer is being removed for the upcoming Lionel Richie concert at the Montgomery Waters Meadow and will then be relaid.
