ARSENAL head groundsman Steve Braddock has passed away aged 58 after suffering from a long illness.

Braddock joined the Gunners in 1987 following a chance meeting with then manager George Graham – who needed someone to look after the pitch at Highbury.

He exceeded in his job, winning the Premier League Pitch of the Season award on several occasions as well as ‘Turf’s Top Influencer’ in 2019.

A year later 2020 he became only the second person in history to enter the Grounds Management Association’s Hall of Fame.

Braddock was famed for his work on the Highbury turf before making the switch to the Emirates, while he also worked on the 11 pitches at London Colney, Arsenal's training ground.

He also passed on his knowledge to other groundsmen and had his own mentor in North London – Arsene Wenger.

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The Arsenal legend was like a father figure to Braddock and the pair remained close up until his death.

The club has announced black armbands will be worn in Saturday's match against Bournemouth in his memory.

A statement also read: "Our thoughts are with Steve’s wife Shuk, their daughters Jasmine and Lily, Steve’s sisters Janice and Susan, and all Steve’s family and friends."

Tributes have poured in from the Arsenal community, with many taking to social media to honour the famed groundsman.

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One fan wrote: "RIP Steve, Arsenal legend. My love and thoughts are with all his family and friends at this awful time."

Another added: "The man that gave us “the carpet”. I love how good our pitch has always looked.

"A wonderful professional and understated member of the Arsenal family. Rest In Peace. Best wishes to family and friends."

A third said: "The man behind the beautiful carpet. Rest in peace Steve!"

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