Baggies players and staff donate money in respected ref's name
West Bromwich Albion players and coaching staff are donating money to the young family of Richard Eades, the Baggie bird mascot who passed away on Boxing Day.
The 42-year-old, who has two children aged eight and three, was well-known to many of the Baggies players and his sudden death from a suspected heart attack before the Everton game has shocked many of them.
The squad had a meeting this week and decided to have a whip-round to help his fiancee Carly, who will also be the club's fans champion on the pitch at this Sunday's home game with Arsenal.
Head coach Alan Pardew and members of the coaching staff have also contributed.
It comes as an online fundraiser to support Mr Eades' family reached £1,950.
"It was a shock," said Pardew. "He was a young man and a young father. We were aghast for him and his family.
"We had a quick meeting and we know immediately there’s a slight problem with finance there.
"So the players have got together and done a nice donation. That will go straight across, I think today, to the family.
"It’s just a nice gesture from us and obviously the club have put loads of stuff on for the game.
"We're wearing black armbands and there will be a minute’s appause during the game.
"We’re trying to do as much as we can to try to ease the blow. But there’s no upside to it really, it’s tragic news."
Mr Eades had been one of the Baggie Bird mascots for nearly 20 years and was known to many of the experienced players who have been at the club for a while.
Mr Eades was also a highly-respected Birmingham County FA official.
He died on Boxing Day morning ahead of the Everton game. He leaves behind fiancée Carly and children – Lily-Mae and Archie.
The online fundraiser can be found at gofundme.com/for-our-richard-eadesbaggie-bird
