Ron and Gordon

[Barry the bird boggler]

Just thought I'd make mention that after long years of association with the club both Ron Grant and Gordon Neate are retiring in the summer.

May they both enjoy a long and happy retirement and may the club give them liftetime season tickets.

[Jackson Corner]

Will be missed great stalwarts of the club. Happy retirement to both of them.

[Maguire]

May they both enjoy a long and happy retirement and may the club give them liftetime season tickets.

Err, no thanks Sir John - we'll take the WH Smiths vouchers and the Ferrero Rocher, ta

[brendywendy]

gutted about ron

a big part of the 05/06 legends team








a statue is needed!!

[Dr Hfuhruhurr]

gutted about ron

a big part of the 05/06 legends team








a statue is needed!!

What about the blue socks to Sheffield United debacle? Never forgiven him for that.

[brendywendy]

forgot


grant out!

[Hoop Blah]

dada dada dada dada, dada dada dada dada.....KIT MAN!!!!

[Huntley & Palmer]

Good luck to Selby

[Ian Royal]

In a time when the word is over used these two really are club legends. Undoubtedly they will be missed. I hope they enjoy their hard earned retirement, but manage to maintain a continued association with the club if they so desire.

Very sad to see them go, but it had to happen eventually. This could be a season of departures for the greats at the club.

[working class hero]

In a time when the word is over used these two really are club legends. Undoubtedly they will be missed. I hope they enjoy their hard earned retirement, but manage to maintain a continued association with the club if they so desire.

Very sad to see them go, but it had to happen eventually. This could be a season of departures for the greats at the club

I hear that neither of them wish to retire - they are being retired to save cash.
This thread with reference to lifetime STs is risible. The club have - since 2006 - made it harder for former players to watch the side.

There again when Ray Kennedy an international hero and star for Arsenal and Liverpool is eking out an existence on incapacity benefit why should a little club like RFC have a conscience.

Money and business ideals: Killing football one kick at a time.

[Ian Royal]

I'd like to know a little more about that before I get a bout of Daily Mail outrage.


I'd heard they're being retired as well. Understandable, but disappointing.

[howser]

What a great pity that two of the unsung club stalwarts are being "retired", will never forget Ron with his dance on the final day of the great season, and remember seeing Gordon play back in the sixties, amazing he has been at the club all these years. Many thanks and respect to them both.

[Ian Royal]

I would hope STAR might try and make sure they get a send off at Birmingham, so the fans can thank them for what they;ve done at the club.

May be a bit sentimental and silly, but I'd certainly like the chance to give them a cheer before the game.

[Victor Meldrew]

I don't know Ron but have met Gordon (Fred) on a number of occasions and he is RFC through and through.
A real enthusiast for our club and good luck to him on his retirement however it has come about.

[LoyalRoyalFan]

There legends at the club.

Thanks for everything!

[rhroyal]

Have to say I'm rather shocked by the club. These men have given their entire lives to the club, over 50 years each. They have been with us whilst we stared extinction in the face and they have been part of our most successful era so far. Ron Grant was tearful at Leicester in 2006 the club means so much to him. Asking them to retire just shows how much loyalty there really is in the game now - none.

[Alan Partridge]

Have to say I'm rather shocked by the club. These men have given their entire lives to the club, over 50 years each. They have been with us whilst we stared extinction in the face and they have been part of our most successful era so far. Ron Grant was tearful at Leicester in 2006 the club means so much to him. Asking them to retire just shows how much loyalty there really is in the game now - none.

However both are well past the usual retirement age and whilst i'm not saying they aren't legends in their own way, Neate in particular really has been RFC through and through. Neate hasn't been head groundsman for a number of years and i heavily doubt has that much involvement anymore, and you only really need one kit man don't you?!

If you are running a business you are hardly going to keep people on the wage bill who aren't really contributing as much as they did and have since really been replaced from within already are you?

Not like me to stick up for the club but I can understand their decision, both I reckon will be treated like royalty by the club still when they go to games so it's probably for the best. To be honest, neither of them need it anymore.

[rhroyal]

I do see your point. Maybe I responded a bit strongly. It depends what happens from here. If it's a case of "Thanks for your service, now goodbye" it is a disgrace. If they're welcomed back here warmly for matches and allowed to stay in touch with their contacts at the club and still feel part of the family despite not working, it's justifiable based on what AP just said.

[Terminal Boardom]

I think that this is a perfect opportunity for STAR to do something about this and to make some sort of award on behalf of the supporters. It ay also be worth STAR contacting the Football League to see if they would be interestd in making some sort of statement or presentation. IIRC, Fred did get a Canon loyalty award in the 80s when Brian Infoot was manager.

[PEARCEY]

In a time when the word is over used these two really are club legends. Undoubtedly they will be missed. I hope they enjoy their hard earned retirement, but manage to maintain a continued association with the club if they so desire.

Very sad to see them go, but it had to happen eventually. This could be a season of departures for the greats at the club

I hear that neither of them wish to retire - they are being retired to save cash.
This thread with reference to lifetime STs is risible. The club have - since 2006 - made it harder for former players to watch the side.

There again when Ray Kennedy an international hero and star for Arsenal and Liverpool is eking out an existence on incapacity benefit why should a little club like RFC have a conscience.

Money and business ideals: Killing football one kick at a time.

Surprised Ray Kennedy is still alive tbh. He's had Parkinsons for years. He will always hold some affection to me as his was the first goal I ever saw live for Arsenal against Wolves c 1972/73 season. He scored to put Arsenal 1-0 up...Wolves scored 5 in the second half Bob Wilson was in nets for Arsenal that day.