Tag Archive for: FC

ISEKI and Ipswich Town FC: A Winning Combination

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ISEKI and Ipswich Town FC: A Winning Combination: For over 20 years, Ipswich Town Football Club has trusted Iseki to help maintain pristine playing surfaces, ensuring every team at the club trains and plays on world class pitches.

This long-standing relationship has been built on quality, customer service, and a collaborative approach to finding the best solutions to evolving ground care demands. As Grounds Manager Ben Connell explains, Iseki’s proximity to the club has strengthened the bond, but the machines’ performance and reliability keep Ipswich Town coming back.

ISEKI and Ipswich Town FC: A Winning Combination

ISEKI and Ipswich Town FC: A Winning Combination

“The relationship with Iseki began before my time here, but it’s a strong working relationship that’s been going on for over 20 years,” Ben explains. “We’re not just using Iseki because they’re local, but because we’re very happy with all of the machinery and the versatility and quality it provides.”

From routine pitch maintenance to major renovations, ISEKI’s versatile range of tractors and mowers ensures Ipswich Town can maintain the highest standards across Playford Road training ground and at Portman Road.

SXG327: Elevating Presentation and Efficiency

One of the latest additions to Ipswich Town’s fleet is the Iseki SXG327, chosen specifically to enhance the presentation of areas surrounding the pitches at the training ground.

Ben explains: “We wanted a slightly different approach to tidying up the off-pitch areas. We’ve been using the TXG for many years with the under-slung mower, which doesn’t collect, and we really wanted to improve the presentation.

“So, we’ve gone for the SXG327 with the collector on the back, and the suction is fantastic. It keeps everything very tidy when we’re cutting, and it can get into every area we need it to. The team was thrilled when we got one, and they were all really happy to work with it.”

Beyond aesthetics, the SXG delivers significant time savings, especially during peak growth seasons.

“It’s not just about presentation; it’s also about efficiency,” Ben continues. “Instead of raking up excess grass, the SXG collects as it cuts. It’s a game-changer, particularly in the spring when the growth really takes off, and you’re cutting the off-pitch areas for the first time.”

TG Series: The Workhorse of the Grounds Team

While the SXG keeps off-pitch areas immaculate, the TG series takes care of the heavier lifting across all Ipswich Town’s grounds. They offer the versatility needed for a wide range of tasks, and the ability to quickly switch implements is an indispensable asset.

“The TGs are the workhorses of the grounds team,” Ben begins. “They’re incredibly versatile. We don’t need a specialist tractor for every job because we can just switch the implement and keep going.

“We use them for aeration, pitch maintenance, renovations, and seeding. Whether we’re stripping pitches with a Koro, sand spreading, or seeding, the TG handles it all. The tractor has good space, and the team really appreciates the air conditioning in the summer.”

TH Series: Power and Precision for Heavy Lifting

The TH series brings essential lifting and loading capabilities to the Ipswich Town grounds team. Designed for versatility and efficiency, this tractor plays a vital role in handling bulk materials, moving essential equipment, and assisting with pitch renovations. Its powerful front loader allows grounds staff to quickly and efficiently scoop and transport grass, sand, and other materials.

Durability is crucial for Ben and his team, and the TH series is built to withstand the rigours of daily use in a demanding environment. Its compact size makes it ideal for navigating the club’s grounds without causing unnecessary damage to the pitches. Whether preparing the stadium surface or maintaining the training ground, the TH’s reliable performance ensures the team can focus on delivering top-tier playing conditions for the players.

Stadium Tractors: A Tailored Approach

With Premier League football at Portman Road in the 2024/25 season, every match is watched by millions, making pitch perfection a top priority. Working with local Iseki dealer Ernest Doe, Ben wanted to address the weight of the machines and decided to use a cabless tractor on the stadium pitch with galaxy flotation turf tyres to eliminate any wheel marks.

“We’ve got two Isekis at the stadium—a TXG for smaller jobs like pulling trailers and a slightly larger 35-horsepower TH for more demanding tasks,” Ben explains. “The TH is fitted with galaxy turf tyres to minimise the impact on the pitch because we sometimes put a small seeder on the back of it. So, having those tyres allows us to maintain the playing surface with confidence that we won’t cause any damage.”

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Hibernian FC Goes Greener with Dennis ES-860’s

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Hibernian FC Goes Greener with Dennis ES-860’s: Hibernian Football Club, celebrated as Scotland’s greenest football club, has made significant strides in sustainable grounds management with the purchase of the Dennis ES-860 battery-powered mower.

Head Groundsman Steven Thomas has found the ES-860 invaluable for its maintenance efficiency, environmental benefits, and ability to meet early game day demands, reinforcing the club’s commitment to top-tier pitch quality and sustainability.

Hibernian FC Goes Greener with Dennis ES-860’s

Hibernian FC Goes Greener with Dennis ES-860’s

The Dennis ES-860 is a 34-inch battery-powered turf management system, renowned for its versatility, with 13 interchangeable cassette options that handle a wide array of essential tasks like cutting, scarifying, brushing, and verticutting. For Steven, this level of flexibility has been transformative in his approach to maintaining the stadium pitch at Hibernian.

“We’ve had the ES-860 for almost twelve months, and it’s exceeded all of my expectations,” Steven explains. “When I joined the club, we had limited machinery, and upgrading it was a priority. After testing a few brands, the difference with the ES-860 was night and day. As soon as I tried it on the pitch, I knew it was the one for us. The ease of use was far superior to anything we tried.”

Switching to battery power was also a strategic choice, aligning with the club’s environmental goals. As the first Scottish football club to join the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework, Hibernian is deeply committed to sustainability. “When I first started, Hibs had recently won an award for being the greenest football club in Scotland, and so getting the ES-860 was a no-brainer—it aligned perfectly with that recognition.”

The ES-860 has made a considerable difference in daily routines for Steven and his team. With its low noise level, the ES-860 enables the grounds team to start work earlier without disturbing nearby residents. “Where we store the equipment, there are adjacent houses,” says Steven. “Starting petrol mowers at 7 a.m. is challenging due to noise regulations, so having the ES-860 lets us get an early start without disturbing anyone.”

This quiet operation is invaluable for early kick-off days, especially when games are scheduled at 12 p.m. on Sundays. “For Sky Sports games, we often need the pitch ready by 8 a.m., which means cutting at 4 a.m. The ES-860 lets us meet this demand. It’s been a game-changer for those high-pressure mornings.”

This mower has become central to Hibernian’s daily maintenance, used up to twice a day in the summer and at least once a day during the winter. “The quality of cut and the quality of finish is first-class,” Steven adds.

The battery life of the ES-860 is another highlight. “After a year of use, the battery performance remains exceptional. Our rule of thumb is that it should be able to handle a full pitch cut once or twice, and it consistently does that without any issues. The battery life hasn’t dipped, which is key for me.”

Working with Dennis has also proved valuable beyond the machine itself. “The support from Dennis has been fantastic. In the past, I’ve had new machinery where, once sold, you never hear from them again. Dennis is different—the team is always on hand, ready to help, and go out of their way if I need them.”

With features that support both environmental initiatives and practical day-to-day demands, the Dennis ES-860 has become indispensable at Hibernian FC.

For further information or a no obligation demonstration, please contact Dennis 01332 824 777 or visit www.dennisuk.com

For more news, reviews and insightful views, you can follow Dennis on Twitter and Instagram @DennisMowers and like the company’s Facebook page – www.facebook.com/DennisMowersUK. You can also view the latest Dennis videos by visiting www.youtube.com/DennisMowers

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Powering Success for Whitby Town FC and JC Gardening

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Powering Success for Whitby Town FC and JC Gardening: In the coastal town of Whitby, Joe Cook wears many hats. Not only is he the Head Groundsman for Whitby Town FC, overseeing the maintenance of their pitch, but he also runs his own gardening business, JC Gardening. In both of his roles, one tool stands out as indispensable: the Avant compact loader.

“Whitby is a very close community, and the football club is at the heart of the town,” says Joe. However, maintaining the pitch hasn’t always been easy. “Over the years it has been fair to say that no real renovations have been carried out, and no programme set in place. I’m starting to change that now.”

Powering Success for Whitby Town FC and JC Gardening

Powering Success for Whitby Town FC and JC Gardening

Enter the Avant compact loader, a versatile workhorse that has become Joe’s go-to solution for pitch renovations and maintenance tasks. “For the renovations, we put the bucket on to fill the contractor’s trailer up when they are spreading the sand. It is very useful,” he remarks.

Additionally, the Avant aids in accessing hard-to-reach areas of the football ground. “At the football ground, I use it to carry people up to the floodlights where they can receive maintenance or be readjusted where needed.” The Avant’s versatility shines through as it also occasionally transitions to cutting the pitch with the mower attachment.

Joe relies on loaders from the Avant 500 series, sourced through APSV, the main dealers for Avant compact loaders in North Yorkshire, Co. Durham, and Northumberland. “The relationship with APSV is brilliant,” Joe praises. “They are always on the other end of the phone if I need them and will always accommodate the best they can.”

The Avant 500 series, known for its power and manoeuvrability, has become a reliable partner for Joe’s diverse needs. With over 200 attachments available, the Avant offers a solution for every task, from plowing and sanding to lawn care and brush clearance. “I use it a lot for my own business too, particularly for clearing brush land with the flail mower attachment,” Joe adds. “It excels on a brush land area which is a couple of acres, all of different levels. It cuts through the brush in no time at all.”

Describing the Avant as a “Swiss army knife,” Joe highlights its versatility and adaptability. “Whether you want a snow blower or a rake for clearing out stalls on farms, it can do anything. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the Avant – I have already passed on APSV’s number to lots of other people who the machine would benefit.”

As Joe continues to juggle his responsibilities at Whitby Town FC and JC Gardening, the Avant compact loader remains an essential machine which enables him to tackle any challenge with ease and efficiency.

For more information, please visit www.avanttecno.com/uk

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Pitch Perfect at Morecambe FC

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Pitch Perfect at Morecambe FC: EFL League Two Club, Morecambe is celebrating the condition of their pitches after adopting the Grow-In Programme from Origin Amenity Solutions (OAS).

Head of Grounds Rob Davidson comments, “I am over the moon with this year’s pitches. I am incredibly proud of the results.”

Pitch Perfect at Morecambe FC

Pitch Perfect at Morecambe FC

Rob joined the club in 2021 following the renovation period and during the first year he struggled to keep coverage on the shaded area of the pitch.

During a visit to Origin Turf, Science and Technology Centre, Rob had the opportunity to review the research data comparing tetraploid and diploid grass seed mixes.

For his first renovation Rob selected R140 grass seed mix from the R range because of the tetraploid content. He remarks, “Since using R140 at the stadium we have seen improvements in coverage, density, colour and over all turf health, especially in the shaded areas of the pitch. The germination and establishment could not have been better this year.”

“Visiting the OAS Turf, Science and Technology Centre has given me additional confidence in the products and the technical support offered by the Origin team has been excellent. With support from Origin, we have tailored the OAS Grow-In plan to suit the pitch requirements. Having a structured Grow-In programme has allowed us to get the best out of the products with a limited budget.”

It’s not just about the products through. Rob adds, “Working with OAS has allowed me to enhance my education and understanding of the products I use and how to get the best from everything I apply. Their events also provide networking opportunities and a chance to meet with peers and form relationships, which I believe is an important part of our industry.”

Rob has used the OAS Grow-In Programme for his second year at the club. The Grow-In programme is borne from extensive R&D at the OAS Turf, Science and Technology Centre. It is a two-step approach which comprises a mix of products to be applied at renovation and at emergence.

The mix for application at renovation stage includes an organic soil amendment – a composted cow manure and Humic Acid soil conditioner, Tricure AD™ Granular – a residual wetting agent, and Mycorrhizal Inoculant – a microbial inoculant.

At emergence, the programme uses an organo-mineral fertiliser and biostimulants that feature nitrate nitrogen and molasses providing early carbohydrates and instantly available nitrogen to promote growth and enhanced plant health.

Rob reports, “The addition of the liquid mix applied at emergence alongside the C-Complex 14.2.5 has given us a quick grow response. Cutting schedules have commenced earlier and cutting frequency has meant third leaf stage has been reached quickly to allow for Primo Maxx applications. The biostimulant applications and organo-mineral fertilisers, supported by Verti-drain aeration has promoted a healthy root system.”

Andy Merry, Key Account Manager from OAS said ‘it has been great working with Rob over the last few years. His professionalism and communication with the club has established a trusting relationship, enabling the renovation work required to produce a surface that performs. Rob is enthusiastic and committed to providing pitches of the highest quality using modern techniques and technology. He has improved the standards across all pitches and produced surfaces that play well and look impeccable. It has been a joy to see the results.”

For further information or to discuss a future Grow-In programme for your club contact the OAS team on 0800 138 7222 or email sales@originamenity.com

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A Day of Learning and Networking at Leicester City FC

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A Day of Learning and Networking at Leicester City FC: Leicester City FC Training Ground recently played host to a fantastic gathering of turf professionals.

Turf Science Live, an event organised jointly by ICL and Syngenta, offers a platform for greenkeepers and groundsmen to dive deep into the latest in turf management. The incredible surroundings of Leicester City Football Club’s training facilities made for the perfect backdrop. With over 100 attendees from sporting venues all over the UK, the day was ripe for sharing insights and experiences.

A Day of Learning and Networking at Leicester City FC

A Day of Learning and Networking at Leicester City FC

The day commenced in the impressive press room, setting the tone for the informative sessions that were to follow. Attendees were divided into four groups, ensuring an intimate and comprehensive learning experience. Each group would experience all four designed stations – two in the morning, followed by two post-lunch.

Speaking of lunch, it wasn’t just about satiating hunger. Attendees had the opportunity to showcase their golfing skills, with a “longest drive” and “nearest the pin” putting competition on the site’s golf course, adding a touch of camaraderie and friendly competition to the day.

The seminar’s core, however, was undeniably the four stations:

Station 1: From Research to Results

Dr Andy Owen, International Technical Manager for ICL Growing Solutions, Turf and Landscape Division, and Dr Jonathan Knowles, Head of the Sports Turf Academy at Leicester City Football Club, explained the intricate process of turf research, exploring its nuances and the journey from laboratory findings to real-world applications

Station 2: Environmentally Friendly Outfield Nutrition

In this session, Henry Bechelet, ICL’s Technical Sales Manager for UK and Ireland’s turf and landscape business, discussed the shift towards eco-friendly solutions, highlighting the importance and efficacy of sustainable nutrition for outfield areas.

Station 3: Integrated Turf Pest Management

Glenn Kirby, the Syngenta EAME Technical Services Manager for Turf & Landscape, enlightened attendees on holistic approaches to turf pest control, emphasizing the integration of multiple tactics to achieve optimal results.

Station 4: Biological Tools for Turf Management

Eric Chen, the Syngenta EAME Biologicals Technical Manager for Turf & Ornamentals, presented on the potential of biological tools in turf management.

As the day wrapped up, Ed Carter offered heartfelt gratitude to the team at Leicester City FC for their partnership and for hosting the event. Prizes were awarded to the competition winners and attendees had the opportunity to walk on one of the football pitches.

This marked a memorable end to a day filled with learning and networking. The overwhelmingly positive feedback from attendees is a testament to the event’s success and the relevance of the topics discussed.

As the industry continues to evolve, gatherings like Turf Science Live ensure that professionals stay abreast of the latest developments and best practices in turf management

For more information, please visit www.icl-growingsolutions.uk

For more news and insightful views, you can follow ICL on Twitter @ICL_Turf

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