Brechin City's Neil is a local legend

Wood, 57, from Brechin, received his award from Specsavers as part of their local legends campaign, which aims to shine a light on the unsung heroes dedicated to grassroots football across Scotland.

The Brechin City groundsman was recognised for his services to the community club, spanning nearly 50 years. Having started his career as an eight-year-old ball boy, Wood has been involved with the club throughout his life, from selling programmes and working on the turnstiles to the groundsman role, which he has held for nearly 15 years.

Wood was heralded for giving up his time on top of his own full-time groundskeeper job at Brechin Golf Club, ensuring that the Highland Football League pitch is one of the best in the country. So much so, Subbuteo even had a picture of the Glebe Park pitch in one of its latest adverts.

On receiving the reward, Wood said: ‘I'm still in shock for being nominated and receiving this award. For me it is something I love to do, so I just come here when I can and get on with it. Brechin City has always been part of my life and I hold many special memories of Glebe Park, including getting married here.”

As part of receiving the award, Wood will enjoy an all-expenses paid day out at Hampden Park to enjoy Scotland when they take on Armenia in a UEFA Nations League Match, from one of the stadium’s Sky Boxes, courtesy of Specsavers and the SFA.