Mud, Sweat and Shears

Tales From the Turf - Life as a Football League Groundsman

Dave Thomas

• Publisher: Pitch Publishing
• eBook ISBN:
  9781785312953
• Year: 2017

A miner trades coal dust for grass stains in this heartwarming sports biography.Mud, Sweat and Shears unveils the hidden world of football through the eyes of Roy Oldfield, groundsman. From coal mine to meticulously manicured pitch, discover his journey alongside legends of the 1970s and 80s.

More than just a job, groundskeeping becomes Roy's life as he battles weather, machinery, and demanding personalities to create a haven for players and fans alike. Experience English football's transformation from a simple game to a multi-billion pound industry, all while facing challenges that test his dedication and love for the sport.

For fans of:

• Sports biographies
• English football history
• Behind-the-scenes stories

Discover the unsung heroes who make the beautiful game possible. Will Roy's passion endure the ever-changing landscape of football? Find out in this unique and heartwarming tale.

Table of contents

• Cover Page
• Title Page
• Copyright Page
• Contents
• Acknowledgements
• Our grandfather Roy Oldfield
• 1. Let’s ’av a brew with Roy Oldfield
• 2. Bob Lord makes a brew
• 3. Groundsman Roy finds his diary
• 4. Roy starts work at the Turf
• 5. A grand season, said Roy
• 6. Time for Roy to leave
• 7. Roy returns, and Kindo too: 1977
• 8. A season in the life of a groundsman
• 9. 1978/79 and two games to forget
• 10. A disaster of a season: 1979/80
• 11. Another season in the life of…
• 12. 1981: Goodbye Bob Lord
• 13. 1981/82 and a new wheelbarrow
• 14. 1982/83: A strange kind of season
• 15. Roy’s season with John Bond
• 16. The mess worsens, and relegation
• 17. A club close to folding
• 18. Dangling on the edge
• 19. A grand day out
• 20. All good things come to an end
• 21. Life after Turf Moor
• Postscript
• Photographs