Stags groundsman Mez Merriman receives League Club Hero award

Michael, who is pictured receiving the award from secretary Keith Burnand, has worked at the club for 14 years, starting with Football in the Community before moving to a new role as kit man and then head groundsman, following the departure of Rob Sprigg.

Speaking to the club website, the 40-year-old said: “It’s nice to be recognised by the club and the League.”

Recalling his best memories during his spell at One Call Stadium, he said: “I’d have to say the Liverpool game at home two years ago was my best moment as well as the Millennium Stadium play-off final in 2004.”

Stags’ head of media and communications Mark Stevenson said: “Michael’s qualities in his dual role as head groundsman and kitman have been witnessed first-hand by the hundreds of players he has worked with during his long stint at the club and by the numerous directors, chairmen and managers, under whom he has ‘survived’.

“His wickedly dry sense of humour and strong work ethic endears him to staff and supporters alike.

“A local man, best known as Mez, he has become a part of the club’s fabric who has endured and enjoyed both difficult and prosperous times in the club’s recent history.

“Michael is well known and respected in the lower regions of English football for the pride in which he takes in maintaining the One Call Stadium playing surface, and more importantly for being a thoroughly decent human being.”