When it comes to creating a top-class playing field Cliff Aspey can make the opposition green with envy. In fact the green-fingered groundsman has just been hailed the best in the Northwest - and beyond - by the Football Association.

Cliff, who is groundsman at Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust's (WLCT) Robin Park Sports Arena has recently picked up two accolades from the FA in their annual groundsman awards competition. The 47-year-old father-of-three was named best the year's best groundsman in Lancashire and then best in the Northwest and Midlands in the competition's local authority category.

Cliff, from Standish Lower Ground, played host to an expert panel of judges, including groundsmen from the Premiership, who inspected every inch of his hallowed turf. He now goes through to the national final of the competition which will be presented at the FA's London HQ. Cliff was nominated for the award by WLCT's Grounds Maintenance Team.

Centre Manager Mike Woodruff said: "We are immensely proud of the pitch here at Robin Park, it truly is the envy of every other local authority. We have 50 matches a year on the pitch along with 40 athletics meetings so it's fair to say that it takes a lot of hammering.

"We also try and keep the pitch for community use as much as possible so local sides can get a real feel for playing on a first class surface.

"Cliff's out there in all kinds of weather looking after the pitch. His dedication is truly admirable. We are lucky to have someone like Cliff looking after the pitch and we are delighted his hard work and skill have been recognised."

Cliff has been looking after various green spaces and sports pitches across the borough for the past 25 years. He has been Robin Park's dedicated groundsman since the sports complex opened eight years ago. And in these days of under-soil heating and astro-turf, Cliff's recipe for success is a simple one - hard work.

"You just have to keep on top of it," he said. "Once you get to know the pitch it becomes like second nature but you still have to go along and put all the divots back and be prepared to get your hands dirty."

And while ardent 'Latics fan Cliff tends his green in the very shadow of the JJB Stadium he has no ambitions to join the professional game.

"I'm proud of the pitch here and really pleased and surprised to have won the award but I wouldn't swap jobs with the guys who look after club football grounds, that really is a different league!"

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Notes to Editors