Albion stars turnout for funeral of former referee and mascot Richard Eades

Baggies players past and present joined friends and family in saying a poignant final goodbye to Richard Eades yesterday as his funeral was held.

Former striker Lee Hughes and current players Johnny Evans, Chris Brunt and James Morrison made an appearance at the service at St Bartholomew's Church in Wednesbury for the much-loved referee and mascot.

Albion shirts and scarves were visible among the crowd of mourners who turned out to pay their respects to the popular father-of-two.

Some people were forced to stand outside during the service, such were the numbers in attendance.

The 42-year-old died suddenly last month, sparking an outpouring of emotion from the West Midlands footballing world.

Richard had spent nearly 30 years involved with Albion in a variety of roles – from ground staff, to coaching staff and in more recent years taking on the roles of mascots including Baggie Bird, Baggie Junior, and, from 2007, Albi.

He also played, coached and was manager of Boing FC – Albion’s official supporters’ football team – and served as a highly-respected Birmingham County FA referee.

The sound of drumbeats filled the air and the tune of 'Together we are Beautiful' was played on a xylophone as the coffin, draped in a St George flag with an Albion badge, was carried into the church.

Family and friends wore blue jumpers with the word 'Baggie' above a picture of Richard.

'Stuck in the Middle with You' played as the service came and end and the drums were played again.

Ex-Albion striker Lee Hughes described him as one of the kindest people he knew.

He said: "I'd known him since I started with Albion. He was a great bloke and would do anything for anyone.

"He was one of the kindest guys. A couple of months I played for Worcester, where I was player manager, and he was the linesman. There was a bit of banter.

"He always had a smile on his face every time he came to the games. We used to have a laugh and I would whip the mascot head off.

"He was a massive part of the club. You can see that by how many people have turned out, that shows he was a great person. It's just a sad day."

Captain Johnny Evans said: "He was a very popular person and you can see how much he meant by the turnout today. We can't even get into the church.

"I got to meet his family and obviously it is a very emotional time for them at a family-orientated time of year.

"It's clear he was a huge Baggie."

Pupils at Old Park School in Wednesbury, which Richard's daughter Lily-Mae and son Archie attend, dressed up in football shirts yesterday to pay tribute to him.

Friend Dave Challenor – otherwise known as Baggie Bird – said: "Rich was a 42-year-old rascal, that was probably the best way to describe him.

"His sister called him Peter Pan.

"He had a great sense of humour, he was very hard-working and did everything he could for Lily-Mae, Archie and Carly.

"When someone passes it's amazing to look at the tributes that you have and the people that came to the funeral.

"That just shows what kind of a person he was.

"People attended from school, from refereeing, from Albion as well as his family.

"So many people were there to remember Rich's life.

"I was asked to say a few words and I was proud and honoured to be asked to do that.

"Rich was like a brother to me – he was someone I looked up to and I went to when I needed advice.

"He was someone who would always offer support. He was a top guy.

"There was no-one else quite like Rich – he's irreplaceable."