Bolton Wanderers named League One Grounds Team of the Season

Bolton Wanderers’ ground staff have been named the Sky Bet League One Grounds Team of the Season for 2024/25, a well-earned accolade based on consistently high marks from referees and visiting clubs.

The award highlights the exceptional standard of the playing surface at the Toughsheet Community Stadium, and the dedication of Head Groundsman Chris Simm and his team.

Maintaining elite pitch quality on an ageing Desso system

At the heart of this achievement is a remarkable feat of turf management: delivering elite-level pitch quality on an 18-year-old stitched Desso system. Many would consider a pitch of that age well past its prime, prone to wear, drainage issues, and rooting limitations.

But Chris and his team haven’t just kept it playable, they’ve made it the best in the league.

Chris Simm, Head Groundsman at Bolton Wanderers FC.

“It’s been a long season with what is now an 18-year-old Desso pitch giving us the usual challenges,” said Chris. “But we’ve got a great team who work hard at both the stadium and the training ground. This award is a real reward for their efforts.”

Agronomic strategy for season-long performance

Behind the scenes, a well-planned  agronomic strategy has supported that success, from seedling establishment through to matchday presentation and post-game recovery.

Working closely with Phil Collinson at ICL, Chris developed a nutrition plan that delivered the growth needed for recovery without risking excessive softness or vulnerability under play. ICL’s controlled-release fertilisers offered season-long efficiency and consistency, helping maintain turf quality while reducing peaks and troughs.

Water management was just as critical. With the help of Qualibra, Chris maintained consistent profile moisture, essential for germination and establishment, and equally vital through dry spells when playability needs to hold firm.

Matchday presentation and local support

To enhance the visual impact on matchdays, Chris applied a tank mix of Greenmaster Liquid CalMag and Vitalnova Stressbuster 48 hours before kick-off. The combination not only lifted the appearance but also supported turf strength and recovery.

“Our local support from Phil Collinson at ICL has been excellent,” said Chris. “He’s always available, whether it’s a call or a site visit, and the recommendations are backed by solid technical knowledge.”

Consistency under pressure

Bolton previously received the Grounds Team of the Season award in 2022. To reclaim the title in 2024/25,  with a heavy fixture list and an ageing surface, is a testament to their ability to deliver consistency under pressure and their commitment to continuous improvement.

Looking ahead, Chris is clear about what matters most: “We want to work with companies who bring innovation and knowledge. If ICL continue in that direction, it ticks the box for us.”