West Ham United have paid tribute to former Academy kit man and coach driver Stan Burke after he passed away following a stroke at his home in Clacton.
A popular figure at the club for more than four decades, Stan leaves a widow Maisie and children Paul and Tina. His funeral will be held at 1pm on Friday 1 April at St Edward the Confessor Church, Park End Road, Romford, RM1 4AT.
Academy Director Tony Carr said: "I personally had worked with Stan for many years and he was always a loyal friend and work colleague. He, like myself, started at West Ham United under Ron Greenwood and he had worked with all the managers since that time until his retirement three years ago.
"He was a big man with a kind heart, nothing was too much trouble for him and he was a massive West Ham fan. His job was a like a hobby to him. My thoughts are with his family at this time."
Carr added that Stan's daughter Tina had said the family's wish was for any supporters wishing to buy flowers to instead make a donation to the stroke unit at Colchester Hospital after they offered tremendous support following his first stroke.