Wembley Stadium’s Head Groundsman, Karl Standley, was delighted to receive his Top Turf Influencer Award for 2017.

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The award, sponsored by Kubota, was presented to Karl on the edge of Wembley’s stunning pitch by Turf Business Publisher, Martin Smart.

Karl, Head Groundsman at London’s Wembley Stadium, was thrilled and surprised to win the coveted award, saying: “I was very surprised. I saw the nominations and it was a privilege to be nominated. This award is a real honour and an achievement for Wembley.”

It has been an unprecedented season for Karl and his team with an incredible 57 matches played – the most in Wembley’s 95-year history. However, for Karl, this award is very much a team effort: “At Wembley, it has been a really busy year for us and we just want to get the work done. This award is more for my team than for me.” 

As Head Groundsman, Karl oversees a year-round team of grounds staff creating the immaculate world-class playing surface for top sporting fixtures. In part, Karl’s hectic schedule has increased with Tottenham Hotspur FC temporarily using their pitch for games, on top of both women’s and men’s FA Cup and national team matches. Over the next few weeks, the FA Cup Final will follow, as well as the financially important play-off finals. He also prepares the pitch for turnaround and recovery after concerts and other events.

England’s national stadium is notoriously multipurpose, meaning there are a number of varying events taking place from football to Rugby Union, Rugby League, and in more recent years, NFL games.

Each year, Turf Business asks the industry to name the individual or organisation they feel to be the most influential. Karl is only the second recipient of the Turf Business Top

Influencer of the Year title, with the 2016 award going to Paul Burgess at Real Madrid FC.

Turf Business would like to thank their sponsor, Kubota UK, for all their support. Adrian Langmead, Groundcare Business Development Manager for Kubota UK, commented: “We are absolutely delighted to have sponsored the 2017 Top Turf Influencer Award with Turf Business.”

Turf Business would like to congratulate our worthy 2017 title winner and wish him all the best for the rest of the season and in the future. Look out for an exclusive interview with Karl in our June issue!