Line Marking Prowess at York City FC

News & Events

Sky Bet League Two side York City has signed a three year supply agreement with Sherriff Amenity for all line marking and paint requirements. A Bowcom GMX line marker and Bowgrass Supreme Plus paint will exclusively be used for all line marking duties at Bootham Crescent and the club’s nearby training ground.

Head Groundsman Wayne Simpson said that he had used Sherriff Amenity products for a number of years in previous roles in Scotland before moving south to York City: “I’d used Sherriff Amenity products in previous jobs before coming here and always had a good experience with them.

“The previous groundsman here had used Sherriff Amenity, so it made sense to stick with them as we had always had good results. When I told Rebecca, our area manager, we were looking to replace our old line marker; she suggested the Bowcom GMX. We took one on trial and it was great, so we signed up to a three year supply agreement.”

The potential to save money, with a fixed price for paint over the three year period, the convenience of purchasing paint as well as all fertilisers and grass seed from one supplier added to the fact that the GMX gave a strong bright line that lasted much longer than the previous line marker were also key factors in the purchase. “The GMX is also more robust, more powerful and the battery lasts a lot longer – it made perfect sense.”

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The combination of the Bowcom GMX and Bowgrass Supreme Plus paint offers groundstaff the ultimate in precision line marking application. The GMX incorporates a number of comprehensive, flexible spray options including fully adjustable line width, central or off-set spraying, protected, quick release spray head assembly, optional twin jet nozzle and optional side marking armPage 1 of 2 along with a removable 25lt paint tank which offers the operator total flexibility when changing, cleaning or filling.

Benefitting from a reduced viscosity and improved flow properties, Supreme Plus line marking paint remains the preferred choice for high profile sporting venues both in the UK and internationally for producing an exceptionally bright, durable weather resistant line. "The Supreme Plus paint quality means that I don't have to re-mark pitches.

Since using them, the lines have lasted far longer than previously. I also like the fact that the machine has two separate tanks so as well as line marking; I can carry out spraying tasks. I can fit a 2m boom to it for spraying liquids on to the pitch, which further reduces costs and gives me greater flexibility as I don’t need to bring a contractor in.” Since promotion two seasons ago, the club has heavily invested in a range of turf maintenance machines as well as products from Sherriff Amenity.

At the start of each season Rebecca and Wayne take soil samples before discussing which programme to put in place. A fixed price is agreed for the season ahead which Wayne says has been key to the surface being in the best shape for a number of years: “Since Rebecca came up with the new programme and since exclusively using Sherriff Amenity products, the surface is holding up a lot better than it ever has done and I regularly get comments from supporters saying how good the pitch is looking.

"Through this new agreement, we are able to further improve the standard of the pitch. Rebecca is extremely knowledgeable, helpful and friendly – I’d have no hesitation in recommending either her or Sherriff Amenity,” said Wayne.