Paul Murray
Monifieth,Dundee
Summary
Grounds manager with 25 years of experience in preparing, presenting, and maintaining elite natural grass sports surfaces. Expertise in leading teams, managing budgets, and executing major renovation programs while ensuring top-tier playing conditions. Proficient in sports turf management, including nutrition, irrigation and disease management. Committed to continuous improvement and delivering world-class surfaces for professional football.
Overview
1
1
Certification
27
27
years of professional experience
Work history
Grounds Manager
Dundee Football Club
Dundee
2024.05 - Current
- Liaise with the senior leadership team of the football club, ensuring maximum efficiency and standards expected of a professional football club are achieved and maintained.
- Responsible for the day to day management, preparation and maintenance of the pitch at Dundee FC’s stadium, including all matchday pitch preparation and operations, ensuring the playing surface meets the highest professional standards.
- Oversee the day to day operation, preparation and maintenance of the grounds at Dundee FC’s training facility and academy campus’.
- Manage a team of full-time grounds staff, contractors and casual matchday workers, overseeing rotas, training, and performance.
- Develop, implement and oversee the annual grounds maintenance budget.
- Design and implement tailored fertilisation and chemical programs based on regular soil testing.
- Plan and oversee end-of-season pitch renovations.
- Ensure all grounds operations are carried out in accordance with health and safety legislation and best practice.
Head Groundsman
Dundee United Football Club
Dundee
2022.06 - 2024.05
- Responsible for the day to day management, preparation and maintenance of the pitch at Dundee United FC’s stadium.
- Manage a team of part-time grounds staff and casual matchday workers, overseeing rotas, training, and performance.
- Oversee and execute the annual grounds budget, negotiating with suppliers and ensuring cost-effective procurement of materials.
- Implement tailored fertilisation and chemical programs based on regular soil testing.
- Plan and oversee end-of-season pitch renovations.
- Responsible for all matchday pitch preparation and operations, ensuring the playing surface meets the highest professional standards.
Assistant Supervisor & Lead Spray Technician
St. Andrews Links – Eden Course
St. Andrews, Fife
2014.04 - 2022.05
- Assist in the day-to-day operations of the golf course including course set-up for local, national & international tournaments.
- Assist in the scheduling and implementation of work schedules.
- Responsible for all chemical and fertiliser budgets and applications.
- Responsible for the training and development of assistant and seasonal greenkeepers.
1st Assistant Greenkeeper/Spray Technician
Ochil Developments – gWest International Resort
Blackford, Perth and Kinross
2009.04 - 2014.04
- Assist in the day-to-day operations of the golf course through the management team.
- Assist in the scheduling and implementation of work schedules.
- Responsible for the training and development of senior, junior and seasonal greenkeepers.
- Responsible for all chemical and fertiliser applications.
- Led teams in the construction of all areas of the development, including greens to USGA specification with rootzone preparation prior to final seedbed preparation.
- Involved in all aspects of course construction and grow-in.
Assistant Greenkeeper/Spray Technician
Monifieth Golf Links, Monifieth
Monifieth, Angus
2004.03 - 2009.03
- Assist in all aspects of course set-up and maintenance.
- Responsible for all chemical and fertiliser applications.
- Involved in the course set-up for local, national and international tournaments.
Assistant Greenkeeper
Ballumbie Castle Golf Course, Dundee
Dundee
1999.03 - 2004.03
- Assist in the construction and grow-in of an entire parkland golf course.
- Involved in major excavation work using 360’ excavator, JCB 3CX, telescopic handler and dumper.
- Assist in all aspects of course maintenance and set-up.
Certification
- Amenity horticulture Sports Turf – SVQ II & III
- Safe Use of Pesticides – Pa1, Pa2, Pa6
- Use of Chainsaws – Unit CS31
- Lantra qualified ATV Operator
- Site specific qualified - 360’ Excavator, 180 excavator, forklift, dumper.
REFERENCES
- Adam, Legzdins, Head of Operations, adam.legzdins@dundeefc.co.uk, 07841775678, Dundee Football Club
- Graeme, Anderson, Stadium & Facilities Manager, graeme.anderson@gaeventsafety.onmicrosoft.com, 07777672506, Dundee United Football Club
Timeline
Grounds Manager
Dundee Football Club
2024.05 - Current
Head Groundsman
Dundee United Football Club
2022.06 - 2024.05
Assistant Supervisor & Lead Spray Technician
St. Andrews Links – Eden Course
2014.04 - 2022.05
1st Assistant Greenkeeper/Spray Technician
Ochil Developments – gWest International Resort
2009.04 - 2014.04
Assistant Greenkeeper/Spray Technician
Monifieth Golf Links, Monifieth
2004.03 - 2009.03
Assistant Greenkeeper
Ballumbie Castle Golf Course, Dundee
1999.03 - 2004.03