BROMSGROVE Sporting boss Adrian Mander has praised the efforts of directors Jon Prescott and Rob McLaren to keep the Victoria Ground pitch in good shape.

The pair have worked tirelessly to ensure the playing surface has survived the soggiest January in recorded history in relatively good shape.

It has only been in the last few weeks that the deluge has taken its toll on Sporting, while many of their Midland Combination Premier rivals have not played for a number of weeks.

Ground share club Earlsdon Town saw their home clash against Bolehall cancelled on January 25.

Mander said: “Jon and Rob have done a brilliant job.

“They are retired gentlemen and they devote their time to look after the pitch and ground.

“They don’t get paid, but they are up at the ground every day as are a lot of good people who care about the club.

“People talk about the team, but without the volunteers at the club we could not play.”

Mander is hoping the poor weather holds off ahead of Saturday’s home clash against Coventry Copsewood (3pm ko).

It’s the first time the two sides have met in the league this season and third-placed Sporting will be keen to keep the pressure on the top two.

“I am very happy with the squad of players we have,” said Mander. “It’s a shame I didn’t have them at the start of the season, but we’re really positive.”

Mander is also confident defender Joe Cole will not leave for Midland Combination Premier rivals Studley, who put in a seven-day bid a fortnight ago.