Town boss Mick McCarthy, skipper Luke Chambers and academy head of coaching and player development Bryan Klug have paid tribute to long-serving staff member Dick Parker, who died suddenly over the weekend.
Parker, who is understood to have suffered a heart attack in Stowmarket on Saturday, had worked at the club for 20 years, most recently as academy kitman and caretaker at Playford Road.
"It’s desperately sad news,” McCarthy told the official site. "It has affected everyone at the club. He was much-loved by the players, by all the staff at the training ground.""
"He would be the first one in and the last one to leave. The club will have to employ three people to replace him. "
R.I.P 😔 https://t.co/kH9IkrjxM4– Bersant Celina (@BersantCelina) December 11, 2017
"He was a big character, a big personality. Even the eight-year-old academy boys loved him and called him the giant. He was a gentle giant and he will be missed greatly by us all.”"
Skipper Chambers added: "He has been at the club for as long as anyone can remember and was a great personality.""
Absolutely gutted😢 helped me so much over the past 13 years 💙 RIP dicky https://t.co/6A8zaxZ6ac– Ted bishop (@ted10bishop) December 11, 2017
"Words can’t put into perspective what we feel at the moment. He did so much for the football club and the community. He is a massive loss for everyone and obviously our thoughts are with his family.”
Klug said: "Everyone who was part of the academy knew Dick — he was a true gentleman with a heart of gold.
The club will not be the same without him, the definition of an unsung hero, he will be missed greatly by myself personally and everyone associated with him. A fantastic man, RIP Dick💙https://t.co/yaN7Rzv6HZ– Tommy Smith (@tommysmith1990) December 11, 2017
"He dedicated a huge part of his life to Ipswich Town and particularly the training ground and academy.
"""He leaves a massive hole and will be impossible to replace. He was so conscientious in his work and was always willing to do anything to help others.
Heartbreaking news, what a truly great guy. The sort of person all football clubs should be built to accommodate & embrace. RIP my friend, you certainly helped make my time at the club more enjoyable 😞💔 #itfc https://t.co/SixzpBe86E– Tyrone Mings (@OfficialTM_3) December 11, 2017
"His family have said Ipswich Town was a massive part of Dick’s life and how much he loved his job and being amongst the players and staff. We are all so shocked at this loss.”""
Dick, a familiar face to everyone who spends time at Playford Road, leaves a wife and four sons.
The Club has lost a real special person. Thoughts are with his family at this time #RIP Dick â˜¹ï¸ https://t.co/7yAd3CE2Ve– Simon Milton (@Milts25) December 11, 2017