Andy Ward Calls Time On 40-Year Leicestershire Career

Head Groundsman Andy Ward has called time on his legendary career with Leicestershire following 40 seasons at Uptonsteel County Ground.

An outstanding servant to the Foxes, Andy joined the groundstaff aged 17 as part of a youth training scheme in 1985, progressing through the ranks to become Deputy Head Groundsman in 1997 and later Head Groundsman in 2009.

Responsible for 21 match pitches, 14 net pitches and the biggest outfield on the county circuit, he worked tirelessly alongside his team to prepare the Club for some its greatest days, including the 1996 and 1998 County Championship winning seasons, as well as home knockout wins en route to 2011 T20 Blast and 2023 One Day Cup glory.

Andy also oversaw the preparation of wickets for several high-profile international fixtures on Grace Road, headlined by matches in the 1999 Cricket World Cup and 2017 Women’s World Cup, as well as the visit of India’s Test stars for the four-day Tour match in June 2022.

As a result of Andy and his team’s efforts, Uptonsteel County Ground became a player-favourite venue for home, away, and visiting international players “ drawing high praise from the likes of Rahul Dravid and Ricky Ponting over the years.

Such high-quality facilities also gained the recognition of the ECB in an award-laden tenure as Head Groundsman, picking up five commendation awards across one-day and four-day cricket, as well as three winners’ trophies in 2013, 2017 and 2022 respectively.

Discussing his time at the Club, Andy said: “It’s been an incredible journey over the past 40 seasons, filled with hard work but also an enormous amount of fun. I’ve made memories to last a lifetime and can fondly regard colleagues throughout my time as friends.

“As a team, we’ve achieved so much. We’ve turned what was an old, tired square into an award-winning one, and received some heart-warming comments from some of the game’s greats along the way.

“We’ve always punched above our weight against Test match grounds with larger budgets to create entertaining cricket wickets, and I’m exceptionally proud of the standards we set.

“After deep consideration, now seems the right time to start a new chapter and allow someone else the privileges I’ve had for 40 seasons. The Club has a great grounds team and I’m incredibly confident they’ll continue to deliver outstanding pitches and training facilities.

“Finally, I’d like to thank all my colleagues “ particularly Simon, Callum, Callum, and Mark - as well as my family and friends for their unwavering support and friendship throughout the years. My affiliation with the Club will continue as a fan, and I’m already looking forward to supporting the lads from the stands in the seasons ahead.”

Leicestershire CCC CEO, Sean Jarvis, said: “Andy has been a truly great ambassador for Leicestershire CCC. His work ethic and dedication to the Club over the past 40 seasons has been remarkable to witness, and the standards he’s driven will be the benchmark for years to come.

“Andy leaves with our best wishes. He’ll always be welcomed back to Uptonsteel County Ground with open arms.”

Everyone at Leicestershire CCC would like to thank Andy for his impeccable service and wish him the very best in his next chapter.