ENSURING the ground at Bloomfield Road is perfect for each home game is no mean feat for head groundsman Keith Wadeson, especially considering some of the poor weather conditions in Blackpool.

And then there's combating the vandals who steal the goalposts if they are left out.

But 62-year-old Keith is philosophical about the job. He said: "The weather is all part of the job. It wouldn't be the same if the weather was glorious all the time and it certainly makes it more interesting for me.

"And I don't get too worried about not being the centre of attention. I just get on with my job and make sure the pitch is in the best possible condition.

"I've been into football since I was eight years old when my uncle took me to see the Manchester derby at Maine Road.

"But I'm a Sandgrown'un, Blackpool born and bred, and I started supporting the Seasiders when I was about 12 - so getting the position as head groundsman at Bloomfield Road was superb for me.

"When I came here eight years ago to start work I was quite impressed with the pitch.

"It drains well and it doesn't cut up too badly.

"In the eight years I've been here I've seen some great players and matches.

"I suppose the best match I've seen here was around four seasons ago when Blackpool played Chelsea in the old Coca Cola Cup.

"The team now are a bit up and down.

"The lads have got to dig in and do their best to play ourselves out of the relegation zone.

"But one thing's for certain - you can't blame the pitch!"

Don't forget to send your letters for Seasiders' chairman Karl Oyston to answer to: The Citizen, St Annes Buildings, Clifton Drive North, St Annes, FY8 2NA.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.