THREE former winners will contest this season’s Suffolk FA Groundsman of the Year competition sponsored by Ransomes Jacobsen.

Bacton United 89, reigning champions Claydon and Old Newton United are all in the frame to be crowned winner of this season’s competition for clubs who play at Step 7 and below.

The Judging Panel will visit all three grounds on Friday before deciding which of the clubs, who ironically occupy three of the top four spots in Division One of the Touchline SIL, is the winner.

The Judging Panel will consist of Ipswich Town FC Head Groundsman Ben Connell, Phil Jeggo, who is Regional Pitch Advisor East of the Institute of Groundsman, Tim Parker of Parkers Pitches Sports Turf Management Services, Suffolk FA Football Development Manager Jodie Allard and Ella Boyden, PR & Communications Officer of competition sponsors Ransomes Jacobsen.

The winning groundsman will again receive £200 to be spent on groundscare equipment, with the runner-up and third placed groundsman receiving £100 and £50 respectively.

All three are invited along to the Suffolk FA end-of-season celebration to receive their prizes.

Pictured above (left to right) receiving their prizes at the Suffolk FA Awards Night last June are Old Newton’s David Shave representing third-placed Michael Brundish, winner Tony Adams of Claydon and runner-up Bryan Symonds of Bacton United 89 with John Quinton of sponsors Ransomes Jacobsen.