Pitch Perfect: Celtic win Pitch of the Season Award 2025/26 | OneFootball

Celtic Football Club is delighted to announce that ProPitch, the SPFL nominated expert pitch consultants have awarded Celtic the Pitch of the Season Award for season 2025/26, thanks to the work of Head Groundsman, John Hayes and his team. 

The award recognises pitch quality throughout the season, through a data led, regular assessment approach.

In a bid to drive up standards of the natural and hybrid pitches in the William Hill Premiership, the league began working with the leading pitch consultancy firm at the start of the 2024/25 campaign.

The SPFL’s partnership with ProPitch has been extended, and will include William Hill Championship, William Hill League 1 and 2 clubs in season 2026/27.

A spokesperson for ProPitch said: “John and his team have consistently delivered an exceptional playing surface throughout the season.

“Following the club’s investment in the surface last summer, the results have been evident across all three assessments, with the pitch presented in superb condition from both a playability and agronomic perspective. It is fully deserving of its accolades.”

Celtic Head Groundsman, John Hayes said: “It is really satisfying to receive this award and we are very grateful to be recognised in this way.

“We have again made significant investment into the pitch across the year and of course this, combined with the real hard work and commitment of my team across the season has been really important in our success.

“There are always significant challenges in ensuring a high-quality surface, week in, week out and my team works tirelessly to do all it can to deliver the very best we possibly can for our players, and ultimately for our supporters.”

Celtic manager, Martin O’Neill added: “I’ve known John for years and he’s always been the best groundsman around.

“I want to take this opportunity to congratulate John and his team for achieving such great recognition. 

“They all do such tremendous work in all weathers to give us the very best and I am well aware of the challenges they face in producing a pitch of such high quality. 

“We have enjoyed an excellent playing surface during the season and I know this does not come easy, it is the result of a massive collective effort.

“John has such a wealth of knowledge and experience and it is fantastic that his expertise and that of his team have been recognised again.”