Arsenal’s Head Groundsman, Steve Braddock, has been inducted into the Ground Management Association Hall of Fame for his work maintaining the playing surface at the Emirates.

Steve Braddock via Twitter
Steve Braddock via Twitter

Braddock is only the second person to ever be awarded the honour after the inaugural recipient, the late Eddie Seward MBE who was responsible for the lawns at the All-England Lawn Tennis Club.

Speaking in Arsenal’s match programme ahead of the Wolves game, Braddock said, “I would of never have been able to achieve this without the backing of Arsenal Football Club, John Beattie and Arsene Wenger.

“They showed incredible belief in all I do, which has enabled me to raise the influence of grounds management and also train and mentor staff in the way I felt right. Of course, I also wait to pay tribute to all the past employees, colleagues and suppliers who made my career possible”.

It seems like the award was made earlier in November with Braddock tweeting on 6 November to say, “I’d like to say a massive thank you to the responses I have received after being entered into the Hall of Fame by @theGMA and I would like to give special thanks to those that took the time to go the extra mile with such lovely comments, it really means so much to me.”

Congratulations, Steve, well deserved!