Who Is Jonathan Calderwood? The Story Behind Paris Saint-Germain’s Groundskeeper
Jonathan Calderwood joined PSG in 2013 after making a name for himself in England. More than a decade later, an issue at the Parc des Princes has once again put the spotlight on the work of one of the club’s lesser-known specialists.
At Paris Saint-Germain, maintaining a high level of competitiveness also involves work off the pitch. One of the people behind those efforts is Jonathan Calderwood, a Northern Irish pitch maintenance specialist who joined the Parisian club in 2013 from Aston Villa.
His arrival reflected the club’s commitment to specialization, a common practice in English football that PSG sought to incorporate into its structure. Calderwood already had an established reputation, having been named Premier League Groundsman of the Year in 2009 and 2012. Since then, his work has been closely linked to maintaining the stadium where the Parisian side plays its home matches.
An Unexpected Situation at the Parc des Princes
Calderwood’s name reappeared in reports about the club following an issue with the pitch at the Parc des Princes. According to L’Équipe, the specialist was called in for an interview ahead of a potential decision regarding his future at the club, following the problems that prevented PSG from hosting its match against Rennes in Paris on the opening matchday of Ligue 1.
The match had to be moved to Roazhon Park. At the time, PSG explained that the pitch conditions were linked to the heat wave that affected France during the summer. The situation nevertheless raised questions about the maintenance of the playing surface.
The Impact of the Venue Change
The change of venue also had administrative consequences. PSG was fined nearly $168,000, but retained the option to host the return fixture against Rennes at the Parc des Princes in March. The Breton side appealed the decision to the French National Olympic and Sports Committee (CNOSF).
The Challenge of Meeting the Standards of an Elite Club
Another factor that drew attention to the Parisian pitch was the Ligue 1 stadium pitch ranking for the previous season, in which PSG finished fourth, behind Nice, Metz, and Nantes. For a club that strives to pay attention to every detail of its performance, this result represents an opportunity to improve its facilities.
The work of a specialist like Calderwood depends on various factors, from weather conditions to the processes involved in maintaining and restoring the playing surface. His career in England and subsequent move to Paris demonstrate the importance PSG has placed on this field of expertise. For now, his future at the club remains unresolved, as the institution faces the challenge of ensuring that the Parc des Princes meets its sporting ambitions.
