Steve Braddock, the top groundskeeper for Arsenal, died at 58 following a protracted illness.
Following a chance encounter with then-manager George Graham, who was looking for someone to maintain the pitch at Highbury, Braddock signed with the Gunners in 1987.
He excelled at his work, garnering many Premier League Pitch of the Season awards and, in 2019, the title of “Turf’s Top Influencer.” He was only the second individual in history to be inducted into the Grounds Management Association’s Hall of Fame in 2020, one year later.
Before moving to the Emirates, Braddock was renowned for his work on the Highbury turf. He also worked on the 11 pitches at London Colney, where Arsenal trains.
He shared his experience with other groundskeepers and had Arsene Wenger as a mentor in North London. Braddock viewed the legendary Arsenal player as a father figure, and the two remained close friends until the latter’s passing.
In honor of him, the team has declared that will wear black armbands throughout Saturday’s game against Bournemouth.
“We send our condolences to Steve’s wife Shuk, their kids Jasmine and Lily, Steve’s sisters Janice and Susan, as well as all of Steve’s relatives and friends, ” stated the statement.
Numerous members of the Arsenal community have paid tribute, with many using social media to do so.
Is Steve Braddock Married?
Yes, Steve Braddock was married to his beautiful and supportive wife now widowed Shuk Braddock. The couple had two kids together named Jasmine Braddock and Lily Braddock.
