Paul Brind quits as Surrey's head groundsman

Paul Brind, Surrey's head groundsman since 1994, is to retire at the end of the season on the grounds of ill health. Brind, whose skills were on full display during England's astonishing Test victory over South Africa at The Oval last week, has been unwell for a number of weeks, and has decided that it is in his best interests to make a change in his career at this time. He officially leaves at the end of November.

Brind has been an integral part of Surrey's success over the past decade. He has won Groundsman of the Year twice, and has helped Surrey to eight trophies in the last eight years. The high quality of his international pitches have earned him numerous accolades from around the world.

"I will be very sorry to be leaving The Oval," said Brind, "as I have many happy memories of my time there and of all the wonderful people I worked with. However, I feel that now is the right time to take the opportunity of changing my career path and moving on to other things."

Bill Gordon has been appointed to succeed Brind as the new Ground Manager with immediate effect.