Our Team

Dr Richard Earl is a chartered engineer specialising in the design and construction of natural turf and synthetic sports surfaces and has many years of experience in design and project management for clients in community sport, national sports governing bodies and national and international sports stadia across Europe. Richard founded TGMS in 2008 and was formerly on the academic staff of Cranfield University where he was Leader of the Agricultural Engineering Group and Director of the Cranfield Centre for Sports Surfaces. His published research career developed in the inter-related areas of Soil Mechanics and Soil Environment Engineering, both key components of sports surface assessment and design. Richard is a Visiting Fellow of Cranfield University, has published widely in the academic press, is a Chartered Engineer and has over 20 years of consultancy experience relating to land drainage and soil environment engineering.

Matt has over 20 years of experience in the industry having held a number of course management and supervisory positions at prestigious golf clubs both in Europe and the UK. He has a technical and practical background in not only designing but also managing professional standard turf facilities and has provided advice and support on golf course tournament preparation for several European tour events, including the Ryder Cup. Matt has also project managed multi million-pound golf course renovation projects and has provided technical support to golf course construction companies, golf courses and teaching organisations. Matt has completed an MSc on turfgrass pests and diseases at Cranfield University’s Centre for Sports Surface Technology. As a consultant for TGMS, Matt is involved in a broad range of projects including sports pitch construction and renovation, drainage improvement and agronomic advice. Matt has completed an MSc (on turfgrass pests and diseases) at Cranfield University’s Centre for Sports Surface Technology As a consultant for TGMS, Matt is involved in a broad range of projects including sports pitch construction and renovation, drainage improvement and agronomic advice.

Craig has 20 years of experience in the industry having held golf course management roles and supervisory positions at prestigious golf clubs in the UK. He has a technical and practical background in managing professional standard turf facilities which has involved major projects, including large-scale drainage and remodelling of a variety of surfaces. Craig has assisted in setting up over 10 major golf tournament events in both cool season and warm season climates. Craig has completed a BSc Hons in Sports Turf Science and Management at the University of Lancaster. As a consultant for TGMS, Craig is involved in a broad range of projects including feasibility studies, sports pitch construction and renovation, drainage improvement and agronomic advice.

Darren joined TGMS as a Consultant in 2023. Prior to TGMS, Darren led a team of three Regional Pitch Advisors as Key Account Manager for the RFU team at the GMA, responsible for delivering key strategies for National Governing Bodies of sport. Darren joined the GMA in January 2015 and worked for six years as the Regional Advisor for the Southeast covering football, rugby and cricket. During which time he gained an FdSc in Sportsturf Science (distinction). Darren also brings over 15 years’ experience as a ground’s maintenance operative working within multi-sport organisations including St Albans School and Oxford University Parks.