Chris Wood is Stags’ Unsung Hero

Mansfield Town’s head groundsman Michael Merriman says a member of his groundstaff has been ‘blown away’ after receiving a prestigious club award for outstanding service to the Stags.

Chris Wood (57) began sweeping the stands at One Call Stadium in 1987 as a volunteer and has continued to help maintain the ground to this day.

His service was recognised by the club at the Annual Awards Dinner last Sunday, as he was announced as the recipient of the Unsung Hero award.

Unfortunately, Chris was unable to attend the event, but gratefully accepted his trophy today.

“He is over the moon,” said Michael Merriman, speaking to mansfieldtown.net.

“Chris can get excited over the smallest of things, so something like this has ‘blown him away’. He is a top man, and loves coming to the club.

“He’ll begin his working day by picking up litter in the car park, outside the Sandy Pate Bar and in the dugouts, whether there has been a game previously or not.

“He volunteered initially on Mondays and Wednesdays during the week, and now does Monday to Thursday. He comes to games every home matchday.

“A good family friend of Chris’ brings him to the home games. He very rarely misses a match and is Mansfield through and through.”