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GROUNDSMAN OF THE YEAR
AWARDS |
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Southminster St. Leonards' Gordon Harvey
believes it's his "tender loving care" that
secured him a third consecutive Groundsman of the Year
Award from the Essex County Football Association for his
tireless work on the pitch at the Mid-Essex League club.
The stalwart figure, who was even working at the King
George Playing Fields when contacted for his reaction,
is one of many unpaid volunteers the length and breadth
of the County who enhance the condition of local playing
surfaces. Gordon explained his delight at receiving a
hat-trick of awards: "I'm usually down here five
days a week cutting the pitch, rolling it and repairing
the divots from the previous games. The players are
always complimenting me on the condition of the surface
and thank me for my hard work. They think it's the main
reason why they've won the league for the last two
seasons!"
Harvey, who also acts as Secretary for his club, stands
out as one of Essex's leading groundsmen, having been
named the winner for the past two consecutive years. But
the accolades don't come without several mini-pitfalls
throughout the course of the campaign, particularly in
the wet weather: "The players always respect my
decision if I say the ground isn't playable. Some teams
play under six feet of water but they know if I say it's
off, it's off!"
In second place came the joint effort of Writtle's Eric
Gallagher and the late Dave Thrift, who were also
commended for their efforts, as was third-placed John
Allen of Coggeshall Town. Football's unsung heroes, who
brave the elements in their efforts for the perfect
playing surface, were condensed into a single category
this year, 'Step Seven and Below (including Youth
Football)', and nomination forms were distributed and
collected in December.
E.C.F.A. County Development Manager, Nick Perchard,
heaped praise on the volunteers who give their time and
effort to prepare a surface fit for hundreds of
footballers each year to compete on: "It's
fantastic again to recognise those who work very hard
within clubs, leagues and other organisations by
supporting those individuals in the form of these
Awards. They have worked tirelessly in producing great
pitches over the last twelve months and deserve all the
praise they receive."
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