Lee Williams is in line for a top honour only five months after arriving at Boundary Park.

Williams is one of three nominations for the groundsman of the year in Coca-Cola League One.

The nominations are based on match reports from referees as well as marks awarded by opposing managers.

And it is great testimony to Williams and the groundstaff that the Boundary Park pitch has been shortlisted as one of the top three in League One.

Chief executive Alan Hardy is delighted with the nomination as Latics are usually at a distinct disadvantage because of the harsher climate in this area.

Mr Hardy estimates the growing season at Boundary Park could be as much as three months shorter to clubs in the South of England which tend to monopolise the top-ground honours because of the more favourable conditions.

He said: "I would like to thank Lee and his team of Warren Caine, Chris Bailey and Dan Doherty for all their efforts during what has been an extremely severe winter.

"The nomination is thoroughly deserved and I hope their efforts are rewarded with victory."

Williams, who has been a groundsman at Manchester City's training ground for six years  and who has worked in golf and football for 11 years, admitted it has been a baptism of fire.

"I have never experienced a winter which has been so cold and with so much snow. It has been a gruelling five months," he said.

Williams has had a particularly exhausting build up to this week's home league match against Leyton Orient following the unexpected return of a cold snap.

Williams and Bailey worked overnight on Monday to ensure the frost covers remained in place and that heaters, positioned under the most vulnerable areas of the pitch, were functioning properly and he says the pair of them went  41 hours without sleep.