STEVE BARKER – 30 YRS ANNIVERSARY
Can it really be 30 years that Steve Barker has been our head groundsman? I well remember his predecessors including Guy Furr, Micky Walker, Ken Hoffman, Mick Webb Denis Chapman, John Burke, John Moon, Peter Kirby etc and they all did excellent work in their time. But to complete 30 years of service is some achievement particularly as Steve took on the role without any specialist knowledge and has basically learnt the ropes as he has gone along. I think the quality of the Top Field playing surface proves that he has picked up the necessary skills very well indeed.
I have been involved with Steve for all those 30 years and I have always admired how protective he is of his beloved pitch. He does not want it played on if there is the risk of damage being done particularly if it is very wet. He often rings me in the run up to a game telling me I need to get a referee to do a pitch inspection and he will give his opinion that he feels it should be called off. I fully respect Steve wants to protect the pitch but I sometimes think he would be happy for it only to be played on if conditions are perfect! So over the years we often have had discussions as to whether a game should go ahead with me desperate for it to be played and Steve desperate for it to be called off. But we have always respected each other’s opinions and never fall out over it. Once the referee has passed the pitch fit for a game Steve will do everything he can to make the pitch as good as possible for the game even though he will often disagree with the decision.
One thing I really admire about Steve is that if you offer him praise for the quality of the pitch he will immediately deflect the praise from himself and say it was all down to his team of helpers. Indeed he does have a great team and they are all very loyal to Steve. They all work so well together and Steve has created a really close knit team who each have their respective roles.
Steve does not get paid for all the work he does and he must have put in thousands of hours over the thirty years. Many is the time he has gone to the ground simply to move the sprinklers further across the pitch then gone home again. It really is a labour of love and I have often seen Steve feel really proud when opposition teams complement the playing surface.
If I get a phone call from Steve I know he will want me to spend money on the ground or tell me a game should not be played! But he is very realistic and appreciates we work to tight budgets and will fit in around this.
Over the years Steve has had to fight battles with various creatures that have harmed the Top Field pitch. Worms have been his most regular foe and even now in November they are causing problems and need special treatment. Foxes have also been a problem as have crows but Steve is ever vigilant in this battle.
Steve really does deserve to be recognised for his fantastic work over the last 30 years and I can only hope he continues to keep Top Field in its immaculate condition for many years to come.
BY ROY IZZARD