Rovers' award-winning ground staff were presented with the Sky Bet League One Grounds Team of the Season trophy on Friday.
The award is given to the grounds team who maintain the best pitch over the course of a full season. Visiting managers and referees award marks to the pitch with an independent judge from Sports Turf Research Institute making visits to the top ranking pitches to determine a winner.
The pitch at the Keepmoat Stadium has stood out throughout the 2020/21 campaign – a feat which is made even more impressive when it’s taken in to account that Harrogate Town and Sheffield Eagles have both called the Keepmoat Stadium home at various stages of the campaign.
Head grounds man Andy Thompson said: “The team have gone beyond what is expected of them, so they could produce a playing surface and training ground to benefit the club.
“It’s been the most intense playing schedule in memory and to keep the pitch in the condition it is has taken a lot of time and effort - I can’t thank everyone enough for their commitment and efforts over the last 12 months.
“Every club in the country have had a very difficult winter and it’s testament to all grounds staff throughout the leagues to be able to produce pitches that they should all be very proud of. We have been recognised along with other top surfaces, and this is an award I personally am honoured to receive on behalf of our team.”
Chief executive Gavin Baldwin joined Andy Thompson and ground staff Ryan Skelton, Andy Cartwright and Lewis Cerenko-Clements for the photo.
