Ron and Gordon

[working class hero]

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.

There is no 'retirement age' as such these days - you are meant to be able to choose. They could be kept on the wage bill with perhaps only light duties [and light wages]. I don't think we should judge whether they 'need it'.

If we go up the SKY cash might just cover the tiny wages of 2 old school servants. They have been loyal - let us hope the club may reciprocate and draw back from the brink of blundering for the sake of a few quid.

If they are forced out then it ought to be the Club that gives them gold watches, souvenirs and a massive cheque at the Brum game - this is not really a STAR issue.

[Dr Hfuhruhurr]

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.

I can see the STAR fundraiser now.

The Ron Grant Appeal
If you donate some cash now then STAR members who use the coaches can travel free to the Birmingham game to see Ron Grant's last game

[BanffshireRoyal]

I was at primary school with Gordon and got my love of football and RFC with him behind the town end goal and playing in Prospect Park. I've not lived in Reading since 1959 and had lost touch with him but amazingly he recognised me when we bumped into each other when I was down early this season. Spent the afternoon with him when I was back for the Wolves game in January. He was newly back at work after a hip op and coming up for 68 he was concerned about his future. He hoped at worst to be able to work fewer hours but still to go in daily as he'd find retirement and life away from the club hard. He was still every bit the lovely lad I remembered and had been lucky enough to fulfil the dream of millions of little boys by playing for his local team. While he showed me around the place he introduced me to various folk and he told one I was the best goalkeeper he'd ever played with. Nobody's ever said anything so kind about me in my life. Thank you Gordon!

[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.

I can see the STAR fundraiser now.

The Ron Grant Appeal
If you donate some cash now then STAR members who use the coaches can travel free to the Birmingham game to see Ron Grant's last game

All I'm asking is that they get to be thanked publically for their support and hard work at some point before the game kicks off or at half time so that the fans can show their appreciation first hand.

[Colin Cheeselog]

These men have given their entire lives to the club, over 50 years each.

Ron Grant came to the club in 1993 I believe.

It's a business decision, happens every day across the country, only most organisations don't have thousands of people watching their every move.

[Royalee]

Couple of legends, good luck to both of them and may they have a happy retirement.

[Blue and White Toucan]

Maybe the Club should bring out some 'RFC Weed Killer' heavily disguised as Grass Fertilizer and call it 'RFC Neate Feed'

I'd buy some!!!

Joking aside 2 legends of the Club and I wish them both well. Although after all these years what will they do on a Saturday afternoon now?

[Stranded]

There is no 'retirement age' as such these days - you are meant to be able to choose. They could be kept on the wage bill with perhaps only light duties [and light wages]. I don't think we should judge whether they 'need it'.

If we go up the SKY cash might just cover the tiny wages of 2 old school servants. They have been loyal - let us hope the club may reciprocate and draw back from the brink of blundering for the sake of a few quid.

If they are forced out then it ought to be the Club that gives them gold watches, souvenirs and a massive cheque at the Brum game - this is not really a STAR issue.

There is still a retirement age at which you can be forced to retire. Age Concern brought a legal challenge to this which the EU did not hold up. They are currently challenging this.

[Silver Fox]

What a surprise that a thread that could just be celebrating 2 loyal servants of our club has turned into another reason for some internet gimps to bash the club.

Considering Ron was due to retire at the end of 05/06 but was allowed to stay on to enjoy the PL years I don't think he's exactly being pushed out when he doesn't want to go is he?
Also, Fred hasn't even been the head groundsman for quite some time now has he?

Well done and good luck to both of them, except of course when they screw up the socks

[Huntley & Palmer]

What a surprise that a thread that could just be celebrating 2 loyal servants of our club has turned into another reason for some internet gimps to bash the club.

Considering Ron was due to retire at the end of 05/06 but was allowed to stay on to enjoy the PL years I don't think he's exactly being pushed out when he doesn't want to go is he?
Also, Fred hasn't even been the head groundsman for quite some time now has he?

Well done and good luck to both of them, except of course when they screw up the socks

Exactly, both were meant to take their retirement a few seasons ago. The club have gone about this in the correct way by bringing through replacements that have worked side by side with their peers and learnt the trade. Bar the new groundsman who I believe is a Spurs fan at heart, the replacement kit man is a staunch RFC fan.

Working class hero, talking bollocks since 1955

[Deathy]

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.

I can see the STAR fundraiser now.

The Ron Grant Appeal
If you donate some cash now then STAR members who use the coaches can travel free to the Birmingham game to see Ron Grant's last game

All I'm asking is that they get to be thanked publically for their support and hard work at some point before the game kicks off or at half time so that the fans can show their appreciation first hand.

We'll decorate their parking spaces.

[AthleticoSpizz]

I was at primary school with Gordon and got my love of football and RFC with him behind the town end goal and playing in Prospect Park. I've not lived in Reading since 1959 and had lost touch with him but amazingly he recognised me when we bumped into each other when I was down early this season. Spent the afternoon with him when I was back for the Wolves game in January. He was newly back at work after a hip op and coming up for 68 he was concerned about his future. He hoped at worst to be able to work fewer hours but still to go in daily as he'd find retirement and life away from the club hard. He was still every bit the lovely lad I remembered and had been lucky enough to fulfil the dream of millions of little boys by playing for his local team. While he showed me around the place he introduced me to various folk and he told one I was the best goalkeeper he'd ever played with. Nobody's ever said anything so kind about me in my life. Thank you Gordon!

Interesting insight to Fred, Banff, Thanks.

Does his wife still wash the kit?

I'm sure Fred could be found something to do at the ground, even if it is on a voluntary or "expenses only" basis?

For somebody who as an ex player and long term servant, had so few turn up to his own testimonial back at EP (1998?), maybe the mighty Murtz's "testimonial fund" may want to side-shift a few £ his way.