Bob Flaskett has announced he will be stepping down as Weston-super-Mare AFC groundsman at the end of the month (December).

Flaskett, who has been with the Seagulls for the last two decades, will now take up an advisory position with the club.

His last game will be on Boxing Day, when Weston welcome Weymouth to The Optima Stadium.

“In 2003, I received a phone call which changed my life,” Flaskett told Weston AFC’s website.

“It was Paul Bliss, Chairman at Weston-super-Mare AFC. He asked to meet and persuaded me to take the groundsman position at Woodspring Park. I only took the role because of my respect for Paul in all he did to save the club from extinction.

“In 2004 we moved to the Woodspring Stadium. These have been some of the greatest days of my life. I can recall such talent players such as Billy Clark, Matt Rose, Justin Skinner, Craig Rand, Lee Jarman, Marc McGregor, Mark McKeever, Jon French, and Stuart Slater, just to name a few.

“It has been a pleasure working for Paul Bliss, and the Bliss family. During my time at the club, Mr Paul Bliss has never interfered or criticised my work, which I am most thankful for.”

Read more: Weston AFC groundsman Flaskett on preparing Optima Stadium pitch.

Flaskett joined Weston in 2003, after staring out in Weston & District League with Winscombe under-18s and then Weston St John in 1961, where he would remain with the club for 52 years holding down a number of roles including player and manager.

His great work saw him receive recognition and finished third at the FA National Groundsman of the Year in the 2005-2006 season for teams at Step 1-2.

And in 2018 Flaskett was recognised by the Somerset Football Association where he claimed a Services to Football Award.

In an article with the Weston Mercury in the summer of 2022, Flaskett hailed football as being the "love of his life."

“It has been a pleasure working with Bob over the years, he has always got stories to tell and anyone who has had anything to do with football in the area knows Bob,” Managing Director Oli Bliss said.

“I am so glad that my Dad asked him to join the club 20 years ago, he has been a real asset.

“Bob is a friend and I am happy that he will continue to come to the club regularly and will be around to support the new groundsman when required.”

To mark his retirement a testimonial match has been organised to celebrate Flaskett’s service to the club and will take place on Saturday April 27, 2024.

A 2005/06 Weston Legends team will take on Flash’s Legends and tickets are priced at £10 for Adults and £5 for under-18s.

Flaskett will share profits from his testimonial with Great Western Air Ambulance Charity.

Players and management taking part in the game will be announced over the coming months.