Tributes have been paid to former Somerset Cricket Club head groundsman Cordell “Herbie” Brangman, who passed away on New Year’s Eve at the age of 69.

After succeeding former Cup Match player Winton “Timmy” Edwards as head groundsman, Brangman earned a reputation for his work ethic, expertise and devotion to his club, and passion to his craft, which created a lasting impression on many, including successor and friend Reid Jones.

“This is a huge loss because Herbie was definitely a true Trojan,” Jones told The Royal Gazette.

“He put his all into the club and took his work very seriously, for sure. He was very passionate about his work, which is an understatement. He was a master with the roller and one thing I learnt from him is that you have to roll even. Some people would just roll up and down the middle, but he used to roll the entire surface even, and that’s one thing that I picked up from him.”

Jones, a former Somerset cricketer, was mentored by Brangman before taking over the reins as head groundsman almost a decade ago.

“Herbie was happy when I took over from him,” Jones said.

“One thing about Herbie is that he was a team player and so he always felt it was a team effort and never took credit for the things he had done. He was always ‘this is what we did’ because it takes a team.”

Despite failing health, Brangman still offered his services to help Jones and assistant Neko Smith to repair Somerset’s ground in preparation for the most recent Cup Match after it had sustained significant damage during the football season.

The trio’s efforts did not go unnoticed as they were recognised by the Bermuda Cricket Board as 2024 Groundstaff of the Year during the association’s recent awards ceremony.

“We had a big task to get the field ready because it suffered from a wet football season and it needed a lot of repairs going into Cup Match and we were grateful we got the end product and we were recognised for it,” Jones said.

The ceremony was a special and heart-warming occasion for Brangman, who was given the honour of accepting the award on the club’s behalf.

“This time around we wanted Herbie to feel that this one was his” Smith said. “And it really was for him.

“That was the last time we had that connection on a professional level in knowing that people showed us appreciation, and we appreciated that and each other like brothers.

“When we’re all done and sitting down on the boundary, Herbie’s favourite line was ‘Let the evidence speak for itself’. He always said that over and over again.

“Everybody knows Herbie was the most dedicate hands-on member when it came down to preparing the grounds and the building. Anything that needed to be done around the club he was there and he was a very strong supporter of all sports.

“Herbie is going to be a huge miss and is definitely going to be a big loss for us and the club as far as preparations for the cricket season.”

Richard Scott, the club president, also paid tribute to the late groundsman.

“Anyone who has been around Somerset Cricket Club for any length of time would know that Herbie was a staple name within the grounds for years,” he said.

“Recently his health dictated a scaled-back version, working under the guiding hand of close friend Reid Jones, but he was no less dedicated and was among the team recognised by the BCB as groundstaff of the year for the 2024 cricket season.

“Herbie will be a sure miss with the field preparations as well as any assistance that was needed around the club. His contributions over the years will be remembered indeed.

“We, the officers and members of Somerset Cricket Club, offer and express our sincere prayers to the Brangman and Swan families. May God comfort you all during this difficult time.”