CHIPPENHAM Town’s Rob Bullock spoke of his pride at finishing runner up in the Southern League Groundsman of the Year.
The retired worker was pipped at the post by Leamington’s Idris Elms who has the luxury of working on a newly-laid pitch with a large budget.
“It feels like first really because we’ve only spent £300 on ours where as they’ve spent a lot more so it’s a good achievement,” said a proud Bullock.
“It means a lot because I put in a lot of hard work.
“It’s supposed to be on a part-time basis but I spend more hours here than I do at home, around 35 hours a week on average.
“I’ve got a wife and a home to go to but when I get there she says ‘I know you from somewhere?’ but she understands really.”
The awards were presented by Match of the Day pundit Mark Lawrenson, which made the day extra special for Bullock.
“The FA put on a good day and it was nice to meet Mark Lawrenson, it was worth it just to shake his hand,” he said.
“I am a Liverpool fan, as well as Chippenham, and he was one of my heroes.
“He used own a pub in Faringdon and we got chatting about local things.
“He did a bit of groundsmanship and passed on a few tips. Our chairman John Applegate has been very supportive. He did say we’ll try and win it next year.”
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