After Guardiola praise, BVB seal surprise signing | OneFootball

After a special transfer, Borussia Dortmund makes a move off the pitch. BVB signs a multi-award-winning groundskeeper from England.

Borussia Dortmund has made an unusual signing. Instead of a new player, the Bundesliga club will soon be strengthened by a renowned turf expert. Scott Tingley is moving from English side Watford FC to BVB and will take on the role of “Head of Grounds” from October. The Englishman announced the move himself. In an Instagram post, he shared that he would begin his new role in Dortmund in the autumn.

After more than ten years at Watford FC, the multi-award-winning groundskeeper is now starting a chapter outside England for the first time. Tingley had worked as Grounds Manager in Watford since 2016 and built an excellent reputation there. His team was named “Grounds Team of the Year” in the Premier League in the 2017/18 season and in the Championship in the 2020/21 and 2024/25 seasons. Tingley also received the “Top Turf Influencer” award in 2024.

His work did not go unnoticed by prominent figures in football either. In the podcast “Do Not Scratch Your Eyes,” Tingley himself spoke about the recognition he had received from the football world: “Zlatan Ibrahimović was one who praised us highly. […] Pep Guardiola was someone who sent us a message every time Manchester City played at Vicarage Road.”

Scott Tingley joins BVB

With this appointment, Borussia Dortmund is strengthening its team behind the scenes. However, it is still unclear whether Tingley will fill an already advertised groundskeeper position or whether the club is looking for additional staff for pitch maintenance. Before his move to Germany, Tingley also gained experience at renowned clubs.

Photo: IMAGO

Between 2004 and 2009, he worked at Chelsea FC, and then at Arsenal FC until 2016. In addition, he served as a turf consultant for Udinese Calcio from 2021 to 2024. Tingley has already said an emotional goodbye to his long-time employer.

On X, he wrote: “After more than 10 years, it is time for me to say goodbye to Watford FC. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at the club and gave it everything I had! I am both excited and nervous about what lies ahead.”

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.