Club News

Pardew confirms players’ donation

ALAN Pardew has confirmed his players will make a donation to the family of Richard Eades.

The Albion family was left heartbroken by the news of Richard’s untimely passing on Boxing Day - and the Club has since announced details of a tribute to the Baggies devotee at the Arsenal on game New Year’s Eve.  

Eades dedicated nearly 30 years’ service to the Club, most recently in his role as mascot ‘Albi’, and was well known to players and staff at The Hawthorns. 

Pardew met Richard’s close friend and fellow mascot Dave Challoner, who plays the role of ‘Baggie Bird’, at the Club’s Palm Training Ground on Thursday and today confirmed his squad will make a financial contribution. 

“We’re shocked,” admitted Pardew.

“He was a relatively young man and a young father. 

“We were aghast really 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 way and that’s gone straight across, I think that’s going to go today to the family.

“It’s just a nice gesture from us and obviously the club have put lots of stuff on for the game - black armbands, clapping during the game, so we’re trying to do as much as we can to try and ease the blow but there’s no upside for it really, it’s tragic news.” 

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