IPSWICH Town have appointed a successor to renowned former groundsman Alan Ferguson.

Ben Connell has been appointed as the new head groundsman after Ferguson agreed to take on a senior role at the National Football Centre at Burton.

“I’m delighted to have been handed the opportunity of working at Ipswich Town, with the fantastic facilities the club has,” said Connell.

“I know I have some big boots to fill with what Alan has achieved here but I’m looking forward to the challenge. I’ve known Alan for a few years and he’s always been there to answer a question and offer some advice.

“My first job is to continue to provide the standard of pitches that he has done but there’s a good team of groundstaff here and I’m confident we can maintain the levels he has set.”

Connell, 31, has worked locally in the industry, most recently at St Joseph’s College where he has been since 2007. He will be taking up his new post at Portman Road later this month.

Town chief executive Simon Clegg said: “I’d like to welcome Ben to the football club. We spoke to a number of excellent candidates but felt that Ben was in the best position to carry on the fantastic work that Alan and his team have done over the years.”