Head Groundsman and Stadium Manager Ian Darler has been nominated for the Club Employee Award at the upcoming 2025 EFL Awards...
A Cambridge United legend, Ian has been an employee at the Club of 45 years and is recognised as one of the finest groundspeople in the EFL.
After starting out as Head Groundsman in 1979 at the age of 19 - becoming the youngest ever to take on that role in the Football League - Ian went on to add the role of Stadium Manager and Safety Officer.
Darler was awarded a BEM in the Queen’s Birthday Honours 2020, is a member of the Cambridge United Hall of Fame, has his own book, Life's A Pitch – A Groundsman’s Tale, and is a tireless and committed fundraiser for charity, having started up the Cambridge Charity Fundraisers.
In addition to his sterling on-pitch work this season, Ian has raised nearly £10,000 in aid of CPSL Mind with his Charity Fish Off and Walk to Berlin challenge, and is due to co-host the CB Groundworks Charity game and 'Inspirational YoungStars Awards'.
Ian is up against Morecambe's Jeremy Austin and Alan Knight from Portsmouth, with the award ceremony taking place on Sunday 27 April. On behalf of everyone at Cambridge United, best of luck Ian!