West Brom players to wear black armbands on Sunday for mascot Richard Eades
Albion will pay tribute to former referee and club mascot Richard Eades during the New Year's Eve game against Arsenal, following his death aged 42.
Mr Eades had a 30-year association with the club and was one of the club mascots on matchdays.
The players will wear black armbands during the match, while Mr Eades'his fiancee Carly and their two children Lily-Mae, 8, and Archie, 3, have been invited to attend as special guests.
A film paying tribute to the popular father-of-two will also be played at The Hawthorns.
A fans' campaign for a round of applause in the 42nd minute has also been launched online.
Tributes poured in following the death of Mr Eades just hours before the Boxinf Day game against Everton. He was was a highly-respected Birmingham County FA official and huge Baggies fan.
Albion’s Chief Executive Officer Martin Goodman said: “It has been a sombre few days for everyone who knew Richard and we wished to pay tribute to a man who was much-loved at the stadium and in return totally devoted to the Club.
“Most importantly, we want to show our support for Carly, Lily-Mae and Archie and provide any comfort we can. We know the wider Baggies family look after their own in such difficult times and I’m sure that will be the case on Sunday.”
