Welch, chosen from over 50 applicants, is due to start work at Wembley at the beginning of October this year and will head up the grounds management team.

He will be ultimately responsible for keeping the Wembley turf in mint condition for the Stadium’s prestigious line-up of events including The FA Cup Final, home Senior England Internationals and the Rugby League Challenge Cup Final.

The 2002 Professional Football Club Groundsman of the Year has vast experience of preparing pitches for music events which will be an important part of the job when major concerts return to Wembley Stadium next year.

Steve said: "When I saw the job at Wembley advertised, I just knew I had to apply. Working at the national stadium is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I am thrilled that I have been chosen to take on the prestigious role of ensuring that the new Wembley Stadium’s playing surface is as good, if not better than its famous predecessor. I can’t wait to get started."

Peter Swordy, head of HR at Wembley National Stadium Limited, said: "We received a high number of quality applications for this position, but Steve’s excellent track record and breadth of experience in maintaining world class pitches together with his managerial skills clinched it."

The new Wembley will be the most exciting stadium in the world and the playing surface will be its centre piece.

The turf is currently being grown off-site and is being maintained to the highest standards before its transfer to north-west London at the start of next year.

The new pitch will use the latest technology that has been tried and tested to produce a top quality playing surface for the new ‘Venue of Legends’.