RFC Trivia Question..

[Tinrib]

I've been asked a question which I dont know the answer, so I'll field it out to the HNA massive..

At some point during our Elm Park residence, the groundsman at the time mistakingly put weed killer on the pitch which resulted in some matches being postponed. What year did that happen, and what was the name of the Groundsman concerned?

If any of you can help that would much appreciated.

Thanks..

[M Brook]

I believe it was our Gordon and it wasn't that long ago - 15 years maybe less.

[Stranded]

It was Gordon Neate IIRC. Not sure what year, pretty sure it was late 70s/early 80s though.

[Wycombe Royal]

It was Gordon Neate IIRC. Not sure what year, pretty sure it was late 70s/early 80s though.

I would have said it was late 80's or early 90's.

[Stranded]

It was Gordon Neate IIRC. Not sure what year, pretty sure it was late 70s/early 80s though.

I would have said it was late 80's or early 90's.

You could well be right, I know the story but am unsure on the year.

[bobby m's syrup]

I am by no means certain, but I think it may have been prior to our campaign in the old Division2 back in 1986.

[West Stand Man]

I don't think he put weedkiller on it. My recollection is that it was an over strong dose of grass fertiliser with a weedkiller content (a bit like the lawn feed and weed stuff you get for home garden use); he didn't dilute it sufficiently and hence the effect that ensued - a totally murdered pitch.

[Gordons Cumming]

I believe it was our Gordon and it wasn't that long ago - 15 years maybe less.

I've never been a groundsman.


The pitch looked like most of the green places affected by the drought now.

[Aubery Boyce]

It was in the close-season before the 85-86 record breaking season. IIRC

Weed-killer/fertilizer, an easy mistake to make.

[The Cube]

It was the summer of 1986 - no League games were postponed.

[Alan Titchmarsh]

Yep sometime in the June of 1986 I believe. Decidedly brownish looking grass come first home game of the 86-87 season (WBA I think).

[Scarface]

Correct, I remember it vividly. However I don't think any league games were postponed.

[bre]

I recall that I had free tickets to the Arsenal pre season friendly which was cancelled

[The Cube]

Yep sometime in the June of 1986 I believe. Decidedly brownish looking grass come first home game of the 86-87 season (WBA I think).

First home game was Millwall (0-1). West Brom was the next home League game, and there was a League Cup cup tie against Bristol Rovers inbetween.

[Jackson Corner]

No games were postponed from memory it didn't look that bad just a bit bare in patches. Fred was more upset as he took great pride in the playing surface.

[From Despair To Where?]

I could have sworn it was 89-90. I remember our first game being a 3-3 with Shrewsbury and the pitch was in a shocking state. The programme had an aerial shot of Elm Park on the cover and the pitch was brown. Maybe the mind is playing tricks. though.

[readingbedding]

I could have sworn it was 89-90. I remember our first game being a 3-3 with Shrewsbury and the pitch was in a shocking state. The programme had an aerial shot of Elm Park on the cover and the pitch was brown. Maybe the mind is playing tricks. though.

So you read old programmes at Xmas when you're boozy too.
I thought I was the only one.

Nice one.

[From Despair To Where?]

No, you're on your own there. Sadly my mind is a recepticle for meaningless and shite trivia.

[noise]

thanks for the links checking it out

[West Stand Man]

It was in the close-season before the 85-86 record breaking season. IIRC

Weed-killer/fertilizer, an easy mistake to make.

Except he didn't make that mistake as I recall. He put the right treatment on but didn't dilute it enough