Pickering parks up his mower

After eight years at Mickleover Sports groundsman Steve Pickering has decided to park up his mower and put down his pot of white paint for the last time, writes Phil Matthews.

The Evo-Stik Northern Premier League's Sports say Pickering, 58, has served the club magnificently in his time, gaining many plaudits from visiting teams and managers for the quality of the playing surface.

Known around the First Division South outfit as 'Picko', he told officials he wanted to stand down from battling against the elements next season to return to a stress free life on the terraces.

To thank him for his efforts in all weathers over the years, Sports Secretary Tony Shaw made a special presentation to Pickering on behalf of Mickleover at the club's end of season awards.

A delighted Pickering said: "I've loved the job because it involves working outside which I enjoy but I'm not getting any younger. I'm going to become a season ticket holder and hopefully watch as our new managerial pair of Glen Kirkwood and Craig Hopkins starts to build their own team. I don't think it will be fair to judge them until they've had a season with their own men out there on the pitch.

He added: "I started working at the club at the same time as [then manager] Dick Pratley and it was great to be a part of Mickleover's rise up the leagues. I especially remember the famous 16 game winning run. We had a home game on Boxing Day, and because of all the hard work that we put in we managed to get our match on while clubs like Burton Albion and Belper Town were off. I like to think I played my small part in the success.

Sports are now looking to find a green-fingered successor to Pickering. For more information contact Secretary Tony Shaw on 07966 197246.