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The awards, voted for by chairmen in the Premiership, Championship and Scottish Premier League, saw the three Sodexo contracts take the top prize in their categories based on how club directors judged their ‘away’ matchday experience. Aidan Connolly, Sodexo’s chief executive and other Sodexo representatives from Goodison Park, St James’ Park and Pittodrie collected the awards at the ceremony held at the DW Stadium, Wigan. The awards, which are in their sixth year, were hosted by former Eastenders’ star Ryan Philpott, who was supported by special appearances from former footballers Danny Wallace and George Lawrence. Sodexo’s operations at Everton FC were also singled out for individual praise as they picked up the bronze award for overall matchday hospitality in what was a closely-fought battle involving over 25 clubs in the Premiership and Championship. This award was based on assessments by a team of independent judges, led by Peter Griffith from Salon Culinaire, who looked at everything from parking experience, to the food and atmosphere in the stadiums. Aidan Connolly said: “I am really pleased that the hard work, commitment and dedication of the staff from the Sodexo operations at Everton, Newcastle and Aberdeen has been recognised at these awards. "To be beating clubs like Aston Villa, Manchester City and Chelsea who have such large modern facilities is a massive achievement”. Tony Watson, who works for Sodexo at Everton and is also chairman of Stadium Experience, added: “The recognition given to those nominated and winning awards is vital to the moral and continued dedication of the catering and events teams at our football clubs. They work tirelessly behind the scenes on matchdays and non-matchdays to ensure that, in some instances, up to 90,000 visitors are well looked after in any one given day”.
Other awards presented to Sodexo during the evening included silver star of the year for Paul Hendry at Aberdeen, bronze chef team of the year at Newcastle United for Conrad Blair and Scott Kirk, and another bronze chef team of the year at Everton FC for Gareth Billington.
Set in the stunning parkland of Burghley House, the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials offers that elusive ‘something different’ at one of Britain’s favourite events. Thursday 2nd - Sunday 5th September, 2010
Back of the net! With Newcastle United back where it belongs in the Premier League, now's the time to get on board with the winning team by holding your next meeting, conference or event at Newcastle's own St James' Park