Challenge

A new pitch was required for Rotherham's new 12,000 all seater stadium.

Solution

Dave Fellowes, Playing Facilities Manager has been at the club for 2 and a half years, because Dave had used Johnsons Sports Seed Mixtures in the past, and has always been happy with the results, the breeder was chosen for the new pitch. He believes in using the STRI seed book as it allows comparison of all the best rated cultivars on the market and goes by the top ratings for his selection.

He overseeded in early October 2013 with J Rescue because he wanted to get it established whilst there were still good soil temperatures and good sunlight (not lots of shade). In the past he had overseeded late but found that once temperatures dropped it didn’t come through. However, his plan worked as the plants came through strong and sustained within 5-6 days, helped by the existing grass cover that give the seedlings some protection. Not only achieving rapid establishment but good winter colour too. The spring-back and recovery of it was excellent.

Outcome

Rotherham had nine fixtures throughout November and they were able to play on the pitch that quickly. Dave says that if he hadn’t overseeded when he did, he wouldn’t have had a pitch left coming into the winter season. The players have been more than happy with the surface.

Dave will be looking to dig the pitch up again at the end of the 2014 season, put some new material in and then overseed from scratch with Johnsons J Premier Pitch. He says, "I’m really happy with the results Johnsons Sports Seed give us – colour and playability – and for a market leader it is very reasonably priced.”