A fond farewell to Harlington Grounds Manager Mick Reynolds

After 48 years at Imperial, Mick Reynolds, Harlington Sports Ground Manager and longest serving member of the College support staff, is retiring.

After 48 years and seven months at Imperial, Mick Reynolds, Grounds Manager of Harlington Sports Ground and longest serving member of the College support staff, is retiring.

Can you describe your role at Imperial?

I ensure that the grounds are maintained and made ready for match days. This can require preparation which starts several months in advance, as well as last minute work, for example clearing snow from pitches or puddles from goalmouths. My team and I also cater for Queens Park Rangers, who train here, and any external competitions we host, such as the European Frisbee Championships.

What are you most proud of from your time at the College?

To be awarded the President & Rector’s medal for supporting the student experience at Commemoration Day this year. The experience at the Royal Albert Hall was unforgettable: I sat near the front of the stage so I recognised a number of the sportsmen and women as they were awarded their degrees. After the ceremony, we rode on Jezebel, the fire engine of the Royal College of Science, with the Rector.

Any memorable moments that stand out for you?

Victories against arch rivals UCL, and more recently the ‘varsity’ matches between the College teams and the Imperial medics’ teams were certainly memorable events. Through the ground’s connection with professional football, I’ve also had the opportunity to meet some real legends such as Jeff Hurst, the only person to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final.

What changes have you seen?

There is a much wider provision for Imperial sports teams now; Gaelic football and lacrosse both have their own pitches and we currently have a baseball diamond. The floodlighting which we installed in 1990 has allowed the teams to play later. Female participation has also risen – there are a lot more sportswomen at the College now.

How have the sports teams changed over the years?

They are a lot more academically focused these days, so there is not as much drinking as there used to be. When I first arrived at Harlington it was so full in the bar after matches that you could barely move. Back then going home at 7pm would be an early night for the team, but now it could be 5.30pm and all the team have gone home.  There is perhaps a little more professionalism, too. Players used to just show up at the grounds for the matches, now they have training nights

What are your plans for retirement?

I have just moved out of the onsite house at Harlington and returned with my wife to my childhood home I left 43 years ago when I got married. It is surreal to find myself doing the same commute for these last few days as I did when I first started at the College over 48 years ago. Since I announced my retirement two clubs have named a cup after me and they have asked me to come back to present it at their annual dinner.