Claret and Hugh understands that Fulham’s head groundsman, Greg Bolton has been appointed by stadium operators London Stadium 185 to look after the Olympic Stadium grass pitch.
Earlier today Greg posted “Beautiful sunny day down at the cottage, about to start prepping for my last matchday”
He previously posted “I’ve very much enjoyed my stay at the club and I’m thoroughly looking forward to the next chapter in my career.”
Greg spent twelve years at Reading FC after joining the grounds staff from school, he worked his way up to head groundsman before joining Fulham in 2014.
He is expected to take up his post this month at Stratford, looking after the pitch which will be used by West Ham this August.
Claret and Hugh understands that West Ham’s head groundsman, Dougie Robertson will continue to be employed by the club, he will have responsibility for the training grounds of Rush Green, Little Heath and Chadwell Heath and will oversee preparations and work at the Olympic Stadium on the run up to match days.
As we reported earlier, a one million pound Desso Grassmaster pitch is currently being installed at the former Olympic Stadium which we used for football, athletics, rugby as well as the possibility of American football, cricket or even baseball.
The state of the pitch in a multi-use stadium will become an important factor with West Ham hoping over-use does not take its toll on the playing surface. Let’s hope ‘Groundsman Greg’ as he is affectionally known keeps the pitch in tip top condition with a beady eye from Dougie.
So poor old Dougies been down sized,
Maybe it’s a more important job trying to get the training ground so we stop suffering so many injuries,
Sorry Dougie may be its a promotion
Got to meet Doug last month. Thoroughly enjoyed hearing about the work that goes into the pitch. Very, very clever guy and whatever he is asked to do there is no doubt he will do extremely well. Top man.
Just watching the FA Cup game; Reading v Palace. Rugby is played at the Madeski as well, and the pitch looks dreadful….it’s a worry!
Yeah but London Irish play there from Sept through to May.The OS & West Ham ain’t going to have a rugby team playing alternate weekends there are they.Big difference.
That’s the good thing about grass. It always grows back eventually. Million quid in the back pocket. Thanks very much.