It is with a sad and heavy heart we write to confirm that our Head Groundsman Dave Bates has sadly passed away this morning.

Dave has been a huge part of everything happening at Hednesford Town FC over the years, and his presence will be missed beyond what words can express or explain at this time.

He rightly was given the twitter handle the #GrassMaster, for his knowledge and expertise in the field of agronomy, as he was one of the top professionals in the field.

Dave, was always known for his fun and witty sense of humour & the carpet he was so proud of (being the playing surface at Keys Park Stadium); and was a great person to have around the club.  We have been blessed with having such a great character to have been part of the Hednesford Town FC Family.  We thank him for everything he has done for the club over the years.  He has been an inspiration to everyone at the club, for those who knew him.

We ask that privacy at this time is respected to the family, as we’re sure all of us together wish to show our support to the family, whilst the family grieve and process what has happened.

We shall mark this event in due course, once we as a club have spoken further with the family, to ensure its in a manner which they would wish.

As a family, our thoughts and prayers are there for Val & the family.

RIP Dave Bates #GrassMaster