In June 2013, Roger, the 67-year-old Bristol Rovers kit man lost his battle with cancer, at Woodlands Nursing Home.

He joined the club in 2002, when Ray Graydon, with whom he grew up, was manager.

For more than a decade Roger – known affectionately by players and fans as Uncle Albert, after the character in television comedy Only Fools And Horses – prepared the kit for hundreds of players, many of whom became his friends.

In a statement, the club said: "Roger was a vital part of the Bristol Rovers family and he will be deeply missed by everyone connected with the club. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time."

Club spokesman Keith Brookman described Roger as an "unsung hero" at the Memorial Stadium. Not only would Roger ensure players looked immaculate on match days, he helped with logistics and timings when the team travelled to away games and would even give the manager updates on pitch conditions.

Mr Brookman said: "The role of kitman is important at a football club because it is a link between the players and the managers.

"Roger was very efficient, very thorough, proud to be part of the club and proud of his job. The players who have known Roger over the years are absolutely devastated.

"He made many friends because of the way he did his job – and because he was such a character. When we would play against teams who had former Rovers players in their side, Roger would be the first person they would look for."

Roger had always been into football, playing for amateur clubs and being a long-term fan of Rovers.

 

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