Town kitman and former keeper James Pullen is calling on Blues supporters to stage a minute’s applause for his colleague Dick Parker, who died suddenly at the weekend, on 67 during Saturday’s home game against Reading.

Parker, who was 67, had worked for the club for 20 years, most recently as academy kit man and caretaker at Playford Road.

“Please, please, please show your appreciation for Dick Parker, who sadly passed away on Saturday December 9th,” Pullen, 35, wrote on Facebook.

“Dick was a highly-valued member of staff at the football club and everybody loved him!

“We need everybody to pull together for a minute’s applause on the 67th minute (his age).

Pullen in his days as a Town keeper during Joe Royle's time as boss

“I will be putting black armbands out for the players so can we all stick together as one and make this happen.”

In addition to the team wearing the black armbands, Town will be paying tribute before the game and in Saturday’s match programme, while a large number of players, ex-players and staff members past and present have paid their respects via social media in recent days.

Photos: ITFC/Action Images

Freddies_Ears added 16:36 - Dec 13 Well done, James and ITFC.
11

Bluespeed added 16:53 - Dec 13 Lovely sentiment James, let's spread the word SBR stand ! RIP Dick
7

Seasider added 16:56 - Dec 13 Its backroom staff like Dick Parker who never get mentioned normally,and they do sterling work. Ironic that the first time I have heard about him,was when the poor chap passed away.Condolences to family and friends. I also didn't realise that James Pullen was still at the club either;but it is short career playing in League Football,and unless you are a top player there are many more years when its necessary to earn money.

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itsonlyme added 18:55 - Dec 13 Quite right too!
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RonFearonsHair added 19:13 - Dec 13 Why aren't the club organising a tribute before kick off? I think he deserves everyone's attention rather than being shunted into the middle of the match.
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Bridgford added 19:17 - Dec 13 RoyFearonsHair - the club are having a minutes silence and have donated 25 tickets to the family.
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hampstead_blue added 19:35 - Dec 13 He was a lovely man. I was part of a group of injured veterans who visited the club two years ago. He swung it so we were given loads of stash and I got Tommy Smith's training sweat shirt. We raised over £100 for Help for Heros by auctioning off the kit he gave us.
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Ryorry added 01:24 - Dec 14 So sorry to hear this. Clubs depend on behind the scenes dedicated and loyal people like Mr Parker for their smooth running. R.I.P. Condolences to his family and friends.
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BobbyBell added 12:08 - Dec 14 The applause is a good idea but a few words about the man from a representative of the club would be nice before kick off or during half time. Maybe the applause would have more significance if we all knew a little bit more about him.
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tempzzzz added 14:10 - Dec 14 Nice bloke James, he used to come in the coop when I worked there and always had time for a chat about Town. It's a shame we don't hear much about important people like Dick until after they're gone really, sounds like the players past and present thought an awful lot of him. RIP Dick, my thoughts are with his family.
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