Roy has been involved in the industry for over 45 years, from a local authority maintaining bowling greens to managing thirteen club sites around the globe for one of the biggest football clubs in the world
Roy’s first experience of working in the industry started when he was 14 years old through his father knowing the Groundsperson at the local bowling club Roy worked through the school holidays helping around the bowling green and even now still supports his local bowling club).
Roy then started working for the local authority at 16 years old as an apprentice, attending college on day release. He worked at the local authority for 15 years.
His next step was to join Blackburn Rovers as Head Groundsperson at the training ground, working there for ten years.
In 2001, Roy joined Manchester City FC as Head Groundsperson, changing the management of maintenance throughout the club and starting a journey that would see him through to retirement in 2023.
In 2002, Roy oversaw the move from Maine Road to the commonwealth stadium (Etihad), including the full construction of the new stadium pitch.
In 2008 the club was taken over, turning the club overnight into one of the richest clubs in the world, leading to a change in approach and managing sites around the world, which Roy took in his stride and with a professional approach that has been with him throughout his career.
Now in his last year before retiring, the portfolio of club sites around the world has increased and Roy manages 13 club sites, including training facilities, at locations around the world including New York City, Uruguay, Melbourne, and Belgium.
Throughout his career, Roy has always embraced new techniques and sought to develop teams of highly skill grounds staff which have won numerous awards over many years. The industry has changed significantly since Roy first entered it at 16 years old, but his approachable style and professionalism throughout his career ensures that he will be sorely missed.
The industry wishes you a very happy retirement, Roy!