John Wile leads tributes to West Brom kit-man
West Brom legend John Wile today led the tributes to long-serving kitman Dave Matthews after his death at the age of 67.
Wile described Matthews, who served the Baggies for 51 years, as "one of the lads".
Matthews, who had battled cancer and been diagnosed with a rare heart condition, died suddenly at his home in Halesowen yesterday.
Wile, who captained the club's famous team of the late 70s and early 80s, said: "It is a terrible shame.
"I worked with Dave when I was a player and then again when I went back to the club as managing director.
"In my time, we just treated Dave as another one of the lads. He was just like any other member of the squa.
"What he did as kitman was just as important to us as what we all did as players. He was always extremely well prepared and that made him very good at what he did.
"I also knew his family because his daughters are a similar age to my daughter.
"He was a lovely bloke and I was only speaking to him a week or so ago at the game against Arsenal, when he looked really well. I was so sorry to hear today's news."
John Homer, chairman of West Bromwich Albion Supporters' Club, was a close friend of Matthews.
He organised a celebration dinner to mark Matthews' 50 years' service to the Baggies and last saw him on Saturday, a day before he died.
Homer said: "I could sit here all day and I wouldn't be able to find the words to say how much I thought of him.
"To spend 50 years at one club is a remarkable achievement and everyone you speak to about him says what a great bloke he was, too.
"I only saw him on Saturday, when we went to watch Wolves' game against Huddersfield, so this has come as such a shock."
Matthews' final West Brom manager, England boss Roy Hodgson, said before leaving the Hawthorns: "To complete 50 years of service at a football club is really quite remarkable.
"It is almost mandatory for there to be change these days, but it is important for a club to have an identity and Dave gives West Brom that.
"It is good for the players to know that this club existed before them, and it will exist after them."
For more tributes, see tomorrow's Express & Star
