West Brom kitman Dave Matthews calls full time on career

He has experienced the joy of promotion, the agony of relegation, and seen numerous managers come and go over more than half a century.

But now a West Bromwich Albion stalwart has hung up his kitbag for the last time.

After 51 years as kitman, Dave Matthews – one of Albion's longest servants – has announced his retirement.

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Health reasons have prompted the 66-year-old's decision. For the past year Mr Matthews has been off work battling cancer and was recently told it was in remission.

But tests have revealed fresh problems with his heart and doctors have said it would be unwise to return to work.

"I can't keep going on forever and the club needs to know where it stands, said Mr Matthews.

"Until this heart problem is sorted out, I don't know what the future holds.

"With Roy (Hodgson) going and a new manager coming in, it seemed like as good a time as any."

Father-of-two Mr Matthews, from Hasbury, Halesowen, began at Albion the age of 15.

As a keen gardener he hoped for a job as a groundsman, but the only vacancy going was in the wash room. He began scrubbing boots and washing muddy T-shirts before working his way up to become kit manager.

Among the highlights of Mr Matthews' career was the first time the Baggies were promoted to the Premier League back in 2001, under the leadership of Gary Megson.

"That first time was special," he said. "It's a feeling that will never be replaced.

"I can remember wiping the champagne from my eyes as we celebrated in the changing room. It was spraying everywhere – we were like a load of five-year-olds."

On another occasion, a few years ago, the father-of-two recalled how the players' boots were lost on the way back from a pre-season tour in Holland.

Airport staff had refused to let the team take all the kit on the plane with them and had promised to transport it on the next available flight.

But it did not arrive until two or three days later, meaning Mr Matthews had to scrape around to find boots for the players to train in.

"Roberto Di Matteo was the manager at the time and I don't think he was very happy," said Mr Matthews.

"We managed to find other boots fortunately. It was only a few days so we got by."

More than 360 people attended Mr Matthews' 50th anniversary dinner in March last year. "It was a tremendous day," he said. Mr Matthews said he could recognise the boots of every player he worked with. He said Jeff Astle was the most gentlemanly player he had the pleasure to meet.

Assistant head coach Keith Downing said: "For 50-odd years Dave has been an integral part of the club. He's had a tough few months and come through it really well.

"Sunday will be a big day for him as well as Roy."

Mr Matthews added: "I feel very lucky to have done what I have done. I wasn't good enough to be a player but I still felt I was involved.

"It was a hobby turned into a job and I enjoyed every minute of it."