Ian Darler, who has been recognised this year as Groundsman of the Year for the fifth time, is celebrating 30 years at Cambridge United Football Club. He joined the Club in May 1979 as Head Groundsman - and was the youngest person to hold this position at the time.
Over the past 30 years, Ian has also taken on the responsibility of Stadium Manager and Safety Manager, putting him in charge of multiple things around the ground, including the structure, hygiene and safety, the employment of the emergency services and the pitch surface.
During his time at the Club, Ian says he feels privileged to have worked with so many prominent figures in football history and to have provided a playing surface for legends such as Kevin Keegan, Glenn Hoddle and Stan Bowles.
Ian recalls his two most memorable games from the past 30 years, the first one being in his starting year with the club, against Leicester in 1979. This match is unforgettable for Ian due to the amount of praise the pitch received - from the manager and directors of Leicester. The praise was so great it even made the local news, which was a proud moment for Ian. The second match was against Coventry City in the League Cup - when manager John Sillett, whose team had won the FA Cup at Wembley only months before, said that Cambridge United's pitch was in a better condition than the pitch at Wembley.
The seasons of 1989-90 and 1990-91 are important seasons for Cambridge, due to the fact that they made it into the final 8 of the FA Cup. Ian remembers this exciting time and describes the period as, "One big buzz" and describes the club as a "well oiled machine" during this time. He said it was a brilliant time to be involved at Cambridge United and that everyone had 'risen to the occasion'.
Another great achievement for Ian is the top safety qualification he received last year - an NVQ Level 4 in Spectator Safety Management. This qualification keeps in line with legislation set by the Football Licensing Authority, who are responsible for ensuring stadiums have a high standard of safety.
This season, Ian has been awarded Groundsman of the Year for the fifth time. Ian has praised the volunteers who help him to keep the pitch in such good condition. "It is really nice to win this prize, but it's also a nice reward for volunteers who have helped out greatly in the past few years. After losing three out of five members of staff during administration, we totally depend on our volunteers, who provide an incredible service."
Ian has received a number of job offers from other clubs over the years, including one from Coventry City, two from Premier League clubs, two from Championship clubs and a local golf club. Ian said he hasn't been tempted to leave because of the friends and contacts he has at Cambridge, who work together well, even when they face problems. He said, "I am a strong believer that the grass isn't always greener! I'd never say never, but I have been here 30 years and am not looking to change."
Over the years, Ian has experienced highs and lows whilst working at Cambridge United. He's enjoyed the buzz of success and the misery of relegation, but believes Cambridge has now turned a corner. "This is the most settled I've known the Board of Directors and I now have direct links to staff, who communicate with the directors. There is a lot of progress." Ian hopes that Cambridge will get out of the conference soon and as high up as possible, but says, "At the moment, my priority is to continue to offer supporters a safe and friendly environment, to watch good football."
Interview courtesy of Emily Allen
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