'He was respected by all’ - Tributes pour in for avid West Brom supporter and mascot Richard Eades
"He was a football man who was hugely respected everywhere."
That is just one of the tributes paid to a 'fantastic' member of the Black Country footballing world, who has died aged 42.
Highly-respected referee Richard Eades had a close affinity with Albion, where he took on the roles of several club mascots.
Scores of tributes have flooded in from clubs across the region after the news of father-of-two Mr Eades' death.
He recorded nearly 30 years’ service with the Baggies after starting out aged 14.
Mr Eades worked as a member of the ground staff and then the coaching staff before taking on the roles of several Albion mascots, including 'Baggie Bird', 'Baggie Junior', and – from 2007 onwards – ‘Albi’.
He also played, coached and was manager of ‘Boing FC’, Albion’s official supporters’ football team – as well as a highly-regarded Birmingham County FA referee.
An Albion statement said: "Richard amassed many friends at The Hawthorns, all of whom were shocked and deeply saddened by his untimely death.
"The thoughts of all at West Bromwich Albion are with his fiancé Carly and his two young children, Lily-Mae, 8, and Archie, 3."
The club said they will pay a full tribute to the Albion devotee before the New Year’s Eve fixture against Arsenal.
News of his death broke just before Baggies' Boxing Day fixture against Everton at The Hawthorns.
Mr Eades' friend and fellow mascot Dave Challoner said: "He was best man at my wedding and a great friend.
"Most of all he was Albion through and through and we will miss him greatly.
"We have been overwhelmed by the messages of support from across the football community and I'd like to thank everyone for their kind messages at this difficult time."
An online fundraiser set up after Mr Eades' death has already doubled its £500 target.
Last night the total on the GoFundMe page had already topped £1,000 in just over 24 hours, with a single donation of £500.
Clubs from across the region have taken to social media to pay their respects to Mr Eades.
Praise was reserved for his prowess as a referee as well as his generous character.
WBA FC Women wrote on Twitter: "We are deeply saddened to hear of the sudden passing of @Richard_Eades.
"A fantastic guy who officiated us on a number of occasions over the years and always followed our progress.
"Our sincere condolences go out to all his family and friends."
Boldmere St Michaels said: "The club is deeply saddened at the tragic passing of Richard Eades...a football man who was hugely respected everywhere and a great help to us with match officials. Sincere condolences to his family."
Bilston Two commented: "The club are devastated by the news that local referee, Macron kit rep and true friend of Bilston Town Richard Eades has passed away. Our thoughts are with his young family at this truly awful and unbelievably sad time."
Cradley Town Academy posted: "RIP Richard Eades. Our deepest sympathy, all our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this very sad time.
"Richard was one of the best officials to ever officiate at Cradley Town FC [and] we always enjoyed his banter in the dugout."
Halesowen Town said: "Everyone at Halesowen Town football club are shocked and extremely saddened to hear the news of the untimely passing of Richard Eades, our thoughts are with his family and friends."
The club confirmed it would hold a minutes applause prior to kick off at their game on Saturday against Buxton FC.
Tividale FC wrote: "We at Tividale FC are in total shock at the passing of @Richard_Eades . One of the nicest guys you would ever wish to meet. Our condolences to his family and friends."
Romulus FC posted: "Roms are very sad to learn of the untimely death of a respected friend of the club, Richard Eades.
"Well known as West Brom's matchday mascot, he was always very helpful to us and refereed our pre season friendlies this year. Sincere condolences."
