Introducing new head groundsperson, Ben Gibson

Ben Gibson has taken over as Sussex Cricket’s head groundsperson, replacing Andy Mackay who has moved to a role at the ECB after 14 years at the club.

Ben has been part of the groundstaff at The 1st Central County Ground for nine years, having begun his career as an apprentice at Horsham Cricket Club in 2009.

After joining the team at Sussex as an assistant groundsperson in 2011, the 28-year-old has spent the last five years as a senior groundsperson.

During that time, he has been in charge of the practice facilities at Hove, as well as spending time on secondment to the Desert Springs Cricket Academy in Spain.

After taking over last week, Ben said: “I couldn’t be happier to have been appointed head groundsperson. I’ve got big boots to fill but am delighted to be getting started. It’s a really exciting time to be part of the club and it’s a privilege to be playing a part in that.

“I've got a great young and enthusiastic team working with me here at Hove, as well as at Blackstone [Academy Ground, sponsored by Hurstpierpoint College], the Aldridge Cricket Academy and Preston Nomads where we also look after the facilities.

“My first role was as an apprentice at Horsham CC under Roger Ward and out of the current team of ten at Sussex Cricket, eight of us started as apprentices. It’s an unrivalled way to gain the experiences and qualification to make a career in sports turf. We have two apprentice roles currently available here in the grounds team and I’d encourage anyone thinking of starting out to apply.

“As he moves on to his new role, I’d like to say a big ‘thank you’ to Andy for the opportunities, advice and support he’s given me. He’s been a brilliant mentor and boss.”

Andy Mackay leaves Sussex Cricket to take up a senior role at the ECB. Before his departure, he reflected on his time at Sussex: “On Monday 9th March I start my new role as the ECB’s Pitches and Grounds Advisor. Whilst I’m excited to face a fresh challenge, leaving Sussex Cricket is a huge emotional wrench for me because this has been my life for the last fourteen years.

“Being a groundsman is not simply a job that you leave at the end of each day, it is a lifestyle: something that you live and something which mentally occupies you constantly. I leave happy that I have given everything I was able to give to Sussex Cricket, holding nothing back, and I feel blessed to have been part of this club.

“There have been some exceedingly difficult times: in the early days whilst building the grounds team and challenging ‘the way things have always been done’ and whilst reconstructing the square.

“Being a head groundsman is an exceedingly lonely place at times, but most of the time I have had a great deal of fun and I am very proud of what my team and I have been able to accomplish with all of the playing surfaces.

“I am delighted that Ben excelled in the interview process as my successor and I am very confident that he will not only continue our work and keep the ground moving forwards but bring fresh ideas and a new outlook.

“I look forward to being able to come through the gates in the future as a member rather than as an employee and being able to enjoy watching cricket rather than spending my time just watching the pitch.”

During his tenure, Andy oversaw a ten-year pitch relaying programme at The 1st Central County Ground, reconstructed the outfield including installing irrigation and drainage and led the renovation of the practice areas at The 1st Central County Ground, turning them into some of the best in the country. In total, Andy and his team won nine ECB awards for pitch quality at Hove. 

At Blackstone Academy Ground, sponsored by Hurstpierpoint College, Andy managed the building of an off-field grass practice area and made significant improvements to the outfield.

The  apprentice scheme that Andy set up in 2009 has produced 20 groundspeople that have since forged careers in the sports turf industry.

Everyone at Sussex Cricket would like to thank Andy for his fantastic work over the last 14 years. We wish him the very best of luck in his new role.

Sussex Cricket currently has vacancies for two apprentice groundspersons. For full details please visit the current vacancies page.