The IOG is the professional body for groundsmen and groundsmanship in the UK; we care very much for our members – their well-being and professional respect and rights.
The dismissal of the Southend United FC groundsman, who is an IOG member, brings immediate questions and concerns – and we are engaged urgently in determining the facts behind this action, through appropriate enquiries.
The club’s action has attracted national media attention which reflects the shock across the groundscare industry with the sacking of a long-serving professional groundsman with over 27 years’ dedicated service to the club.
The club’s action appears to demean both the profession of groundsmanship and, of course, the individual concerned, who surely deserves more respect than appears to be the case, on the facts available so far.
Obtaining the necessary information is now an urgent priority for all of us at the IOG; to be able to provide the appropriate level of support to one of our members.
