Lincoln City’s behind-the-scenes heroes have received national recognition after being named Professional Grounds Team of the Year.
The Imps’ ground staff were honoured at the 2026 GMA Industry Awards, a ceremony that celebrates excellence across the grounds management sector, and the award is a fitting tribute to a team whose work often goes unnoticed but plays a crucial role in the club’s success.
The awards were held alongside the new GMA Conference, bringing together professionals from across the industry to recognise outstanding standards in pitch preparation and grounds management. Lincoln City’s team, led by grounds manager Liam Markie, took home the Professional Football Grounds Team of the Year award, a major honour in the world of stadium and pitch management.
Anyone who has been at Sincil Bank regularly over the past few seasons will know just how high the standards have been. The pitch has consistently been one of the best surfaces in League One, standing up to heavy winter schedules, cup fixtures and the demands of a high-intensity playing style. Visiting managers and players have frequently commented on the quality of the surface, and that consistency does not happen by accident.
Recognition for years of hard work
Chief executive Liam Scully was quick to praise the team following the award, highlighting the dedication and professionalism that goes into their work every single day.
“It’s brilliant to see Liam Markie and the grounds team recognised by the GMA as Professional Grounds Team of the Year,” he said.
“We couldn’t be happier for a group of hard-working and fully committed colleagues. They take huge pride in what they do and quietly go about their work to an incredibly high standard every single day.
“This public recognition is richly deserved after many years of hitting high marks and quietly receiving praise from players and coaches from all sides.”
That last point is important because grounds staff are often only noticed when something goes wrong. When the pitch is good, it is simply expected. When it is poor, it becomes a talking point. To maintain a consistently high-quality playing surface across an entire season, particularly with the British weather and fixture congestion, requires enormous planning, expertise and hard work.
The award is also a reflection of how the club operates behind the scenes. Lincoln City has built a reputation in recent years for professionalism and attention to detail across all departments, and the condition of the pitch is a visible example of that approach.
While players, managers and results understandably take the headlines, success at a football club relies on far more than what happens on a Saturday afternoon. From the office staff to the kit team, the media department and the ground staff, it is a collective effort.
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