Neath Rugby Bring in New Groundsman in time for first Football game

16th July 2008

Four times Principality Premier Champions Neath Rugby will share their world famous sporting venue, the Gnoll, with local football side Neath AFC, from today , when 11 Neath men take on the Swans.

The groundbreaking move will see sport being played at the hallowed turf on a weekly basis, doubling the amount of usage the playing field currently has.

However this progression means that one of the most important jobs at the Gnoll is now the role of groundsman.

The task of switching the pitch from rugby to football mode and vice versa will be a difficult one but is something that the Gnoll's groundsman Stuart Williams is confident he can master.

The 32 year old began work at the historic ground on Monday just two days before Neath AFC play their first game at the home of the welsh all blacks.
The game against the Swans is expected to bring in a crowd of over 5,000 many of whom are eager to see the Gnoll pitch in ‘football mode' and its been a race against time for new boy Stuart to get everything in place before the football season begins.

Celtic Mowers were on hand to provide former Llandarcy academy of sport employee Stuart with top of the range equipment to ensure the pitch would be in pristine condition ahead of Neath AFC's first run out at the Gnoll.

The Swansea based company have provided the club with a state of the art tractor, quadraplay machine and renovation equipment to ensure he has the necessary tools to ensure the lawn is always in tip top condition!

Stuart Williams Neath's new groundsman commented:
I am very excited about my new job role and I'm looking forward to the challenge ahead.
The fact that Celtic Mowers have supplied us with equipment will make my life a whole lot easier ahead of this evenings game against the swans.

Terry Flynn general manager at Celtic Mowers:
We are delighted to be able to supply Neath Rugby with a nice package of machinery to co -inside with a new chapter in their proud history.

Tickets for Neath AFC V Swans are priced at £7 adults £3 for children and Oaps.

If you have footballing queries please call 01792 321364