West Brom legend John Wile today led the tributes to long-serving kitman Dave Matthews after his death at age 67. Wile explained Matthews, who supported the Baggies for 51 years, as aone of the ladsa. Matthews, who'd fought cancer and been diagnosed with a heart issue, died suddenly at his home in Halesowen yesterday. Wile, who captained the clubas popular team of the late 70s and early 80s, said: aIt is really a terrible shame. "I caused Dave when I was a player and however when I went back to the membership as managing director. "In my time, we just treated Dave as another of the lads. He was exactly like every other person in the squa. "What he did as kitman was just as very important to us as what we all did as participants. He was often well prepared and that made him excellent at what he did. "I also knew his family since his daughters are a similar age to my daughter. aHe was a bloke and I was only talking with him per week roughly before at the game against Arsenal, when he looked effectively. I was so sorry to know todayas news.a John Homer, chairman of West Bromwich Albion Supportersa Club, was a detailed friend of Matthews. A celebration dinner was organised by him to mark Matthewsa 50 yearsa support to the Baggies and last found him on Saturday, a day before he died. Homer said: aI could sit here all day long and I wouldnat manage to find the words to state simply how much I thought of him. aTo commit 50 years at one club is just a remarkable achievement and everybody you talk to about him says exactly what a good bloke he was, also. aI just saw him on Saturday, when we went to watch Wolvesa sport against Huddersfield, which means this has come therefore a shock.a Matthewsa remaining West Brom director, England manager Roy Hodgson, mentioned before leaving the Hawthorns: aTo full 50 years of service at a football club is truly very remarkable. aIt is nearly essential for there to be change today, however it is essential for a club to have personality and Dave gives that to West Brom. "It is good for the players to understand that this membership existed before them, and it'll occur after them.a For more tributes, seeAtomorrowas Express & Star West Brom legend John Wile today led the tributes to long-serving kitman Dave Matthews after his death at the age of 67. West Brom midfielder Youssouf Mulumbu has pushed his team-mates to clinch a League defensive record this season. Expressandstar.com bring you shift talk from Wolves, West Brom, Aston Villa, Birmingham and Walsall. Gareth McAuley has raised the cover on Albionas distinctive company after becoming the very first of the squadas periodic prize winners.
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