Mark Sleightholme has admitted there’s some sadness as he prepares to leave the Club in the coming weeks after almost four years as Moors’ Head Groundsman.
The work he’s undertaken alongside his staff during that time has helped gain the Club a reputation for having one of the best playing surfaces in the National League and he’s become a familiar face around The Brewery Field.
However, Mark has recently accepted an exciting new role working for South Shields which is just minutes from his family home and represents an opportunity he found too good to refuse.
“It’s been a really difficult decision because I have been here almost four years and it’s an excellent Club to work for, so I am leaving with a heavy heart,” Mark explained.
“In the end it came down to the fact that I am from South Shields and live two miles from their ground so when the opportunity arose there it was one that I just couldn’t turn down.
“All the staff and the supporters at Spennymoor have been fantastic and I can’t say enough good things about the Club and, if I’m being honest, this has been the best job I have ever had and I am proud of everything we’ve achieved over the last four years.
“The Chairman here has invested heavily in the pitch and in terms of the tools and machinery a groundsman would want to do the job, you’ve got everything needed here at The Brewery Field.
“I really want to thank him for that investment because without it you can only do so much, and I also want to thank Tony Wilson as well as David Mills who interviewed me for the job in the first place.
“My final thank you goes to the fans – that recent gesture of donating all that money so we could buy a heat lamp to improve the pitch was incredible, and it’s that community spirit and togetherness which makes this Club what it is.
“I will definitely be keeping an eye on the results at Spennymoor and hopefully I can come back here one day with South Shields.”
Moors General Manager, Ian Geldard, added: “Mark has been pivotal to the success of the Club in recent years, having overseen all of the much-needed pitch developments that have brought Spennymoor Town to National League Standard.
“He will be a great miss to the Club, not just for his skill and expertise, but for his passion, dedication and great personality which has led to him being a much-loved figure in the Moors setup by fans and staff alike.
“We wish ‘Mighty Sleighty’ all the best in his new role!”
Good luck, Mark!
