Scott Patterson is The Oval's new head groundsman

Bill Gordon has passed the mantle of head groundsman at The Oval on to Scott Patterson. Patterson, 31, has been on Surrey's staff since 2007 after gaining previous experience at Shenley CC, Horsham CC, Arsenal FC and Merchant Taylor's School.

"It is a great honour to become Head Groundsman at such an incredible ground as the Kia Oval and I am very much looking forward to continuing to prepare for the new season," said Patterson. "I would also like to take this chance to thank Bill Gordon for teaching me so well over the last four seasons. He is one of the top groundsmen in the world today and learning from him has been an amazing experience."

A widely respected groundsman, Gordon won the ECB's Groundsman of the Year award for six years running after taking over from Paul Brind in July 2003. Always favouring dry wickets that produced an even battle between bat and ball, Gordon produced the raging turner for the deciding Ashes clash in 2009 and played a major part in England reclaiming the urn.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for Scott and I look forward to seeing him lead our ground staff over coming seasons," added chief executive Paul Sheldon. "Bill Gordon has been a fantastic servant of the Club for many years and I am delighted that he will continue to work with Scott."

Gordon has been part of Surrey's groundstaff since 1974 and will continue his association with the county to offer specialist support to Patterson in all areas.