EFL Championship grounds team of the year 24/25 🏆

Another full on week at the stadium. Being my own biggest critic, this weekend had me disheartened we couldn’t present the pitch with the plant being so resilient and wanting to stand up, resulting in the pattern looking washed and not the solid light and dark effect we usually have. However the pitch performed as it should, took minimal damage and we’ve come out in a good spot. Maintenance windows have been smash and grab to start the season with hosting the women’s season on top of the men’s. Having only 2 weekends of no football since July and being short staffed with this summers departures, it’s been about utilising half chances and doing the right things at the right time. Determined to push on from last week we’ve had another clean up, light overseed, top dress and a procore to open up the surface and encourage root development. Our weekly app of @consolidateTurf with a penetrant to pull the excess moisture this week brings through the surface and a granular yesterday. Going into the women’s game this weekend strong and for the first time this season up to full staff 🙌🏻 New team, same standards, same determination!

Early start today prepping under the lights for the lunchtime kick off. Pitch came round after a week of battling, rake and a clean up post game. Followed by a well deserved team beer🍻

I’m excited to have stepped up into Stadium Head Groundsman at Watford FC. Grateful for the opportunity and trust that @JamesFennessy3 has given me and I look forward to seeing what we can achieve! Also a huge thank you to @tingers_123 for the surge in information over the past few months especially when times got tough.

Busy week at the Vic, 3 games in 8 days. Today’s match prep being the only one without heavy rain. #crisp @JamesFennessy3 Now for the 3pts 🤞🏼

A busy morning but The Vic is shining in the morning sun! Proud to have stepped up into a new position of Assistant Head Groundsman at the stadium, looking forward to the first ball being kicked in 2 weeks.

As another season comes to an end this season comes with more pride than ever before. Being able to take my boy on the pitch for the first time. Plenty of 16 hour shift, missed bedtimes all of a sudden becomes worth it to share these moments together.