Alan Rejects Wembley

By Aston
July 1 2005

Ipswich Town head groundsman Alan Ferguson has rejected the chance to look after what will be the most prestige pitch in England.

Ferguson met officials from Wembley 6-weeks ago to discuss the possibility of him taking charge of the pitch at the New Wembley stadium, but he has decided that he wants to remain at Ipswich and continue looking after his prize winning pitch.   

 

Ferguson: “I decided that the grass is not necessarily greener on the other side of the fence. I have never wanted to leave Ipswich but when what is going to be the top stadium in the world comes calling, you have to give them the courtesy of listening to what they had to say.

 

“I considered it carefully but I did not feel it was right. There are many operational things which have not been properly sorted out and also I have a great job at Ipswich, working with wonderful people.

 

“I have always been fully supported here. I have always been treated as a professional and with full respect.

 

“I enjoyed a great rapport with George Burley when he was here and now with Joe Royle.

 

“I'm fully consulted about all things to do with the pitches. I speak with many other groundsman and they tell me that doesn't happen everywhere.

 

“The other thing is, it may sound corny and I have found this quite amazing, is the way the supporters treat me. They come up to me in all sorts of places and praise the pitch and that is nice.

 

“My family all love it here and we have been treated very well and have been accepted into the area which is a lovely place to live and do your work.”

 

In his 9-years at Town he has won 6 awards for the condition of the playing surface, one Premiership award, three Championship awards and twice named the best pitch in the country.

 

Source: EADT

 

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