Steve became the second recipient of the Hall of Fame award, joining Eddie Seaward MBE who is the former Head Groundsman at the All-England Lawn Tennis Club. Steve has been recognised for his outstanding contribution to sports turf management across professional football, including his innovation and leadership that has helped attract new talent and upskill other grounds staff.

Steve’s influence has also fast-forwarded the careers of many professional sports turf managers maintaining professional sports surfaces across the globe, and he has also supported many grounds volunteers and communities in his work so far.

Steve found himself “in a state of shock” when informed that he has entered the GMA Hall of Fame, especially “considering the contribution that Eddie Seaward made to the sector over the course of his career”.

Steve said: “I would of never have been able to achieve this without the backing of Arsenal Football Club, John Beattie and Arsène 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 want to pay tribute to all the past employees, colleagues and suppliers who made my career possible”.