Bolton Wanderers fans set up petition to get sacked groundsman his job back
- Southend FC's groundsman was sacked after match with BWFC was postponed
- Conditions for the pitch were deemed unplayable following a bitterly cold January weekend
The fans of Bolton Wanderers have set-up a petition with the aim to get a Southend groundsman his job back
Ken Hare has been tending to the Roots Hall pitch in London for 27 years and was given the sack on the weekend following the postponement of their match against the Trotters.
Typical sub-zero January temperatures led to the pitch freezing over and subsequently being deemed unplayable by the match officials.
Despite making the 492-mile round trip for nothing, the Bolton fans sympathised with the groundsman and have since started a petition online to get Mr. Hare reinstated at the club.
A week on and the appeal has gained traction quickly, obtaining over 2,300 signatures. The story has been picked up nationally by radio stations such as BBC Essex and Tower FM and has also found itself being reported stateside on FOX Soccer.
Daniel Welton, the fan who started the petition on Change.org wrote about the recognition: “Hopefully all this can filter through to Southend United Football Club and something will be done regarding Ken’s position.
“I urge any Southend and Bolton supporters to get a message across when the replay does take place whether it be banners, flags or a note saying ‘Bring Back Ken!’ on the back of a beer mat.”
Life-long Wanderers fan James Power added: “It’s ridiculous, one game being postponed is not reason enough to sack someone.
“It’s not like he’s working with state of the art technology down at Southend United, the guy needs to be cut some slack – I really hope he gets his job back.”
The decision from Southend United to dismiss their groundsman has bemused many a football fan, including Shrimpers fans themselves. One commented on the petition: “I will not go to the ground again until Ken is reinstated.”
Echoing the thoughts of many, former footballer Clive Gritt tweeted: “This is despicable. A man has been sacked because of the weather. I will never visit Southend United again.”
The club have kept quiet on the matter and have even removed a previous tweet they made praising the groundsmen:
Time will tell whether or not Ken will get his job back but if you want to do your bit for the cause, you can sign the petition here: https://www.change.org/p/southend-united-fc-re-instate-southend-groundsman-ken-hare/u/19184450