'Managing turf can be tough at times' - groundsman

Head groundsman Aaron Tong is responsible for keeping the pitch at MKM Stadium in perfect conditionFootball on Boxing Day has been a long-standing British tradition with clubs up and down the country taking to the pitch on this bank holiday.

As Hull City - and its army of fans - head to Preston for its festive fixture, spare a thought for the legion of labourers who are busy beavering away to make the Tigers' ground at the MKM Stadium pitch perfect for the new year.

Head groundsman Aaron Tong is responsible for seven playing fields at the club including the training ground in Cottingham.

Leading a team of seven, many of Mr Tong's staff will spend Christmas handling lawnmowers and painting…