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Ron Grant
Born: Reading 1936

Ron Grant was Reading Football Club kit manager for almost 17 years from 1992 to 30th June 2009.

Before joining Reading he had worked as a BT engineer before taking early retirement at the age of 57. He was initially handed a part-time role in 1992 under Mark McGhee, but quickly became an invaluable full-time employee.

Grant is a lifelong fan of the club, first visiting the clubs previous stadium, Elm Park aged ten. “I have been a Reading fan since my dad took me to Elm Park in 1946 to see us play against Bristol Rovers.”

He was and still is, highly respected by those involved with the football club and the town of Reading. Chairman John Madjeski described him as “one of the true stalwarts of Reading football club"

A cult figure among Reading fans, one forum member suggested, “Actually it HAS all gone pear shaped following Ron Grant's retirement. Perhaps HE was the driving force in the club?”

He was greatly respected and endeared by players at the club. A national newspaper reported, “The kit man, Ron Grant, has been here for years and the players fold up the kit and put it away for him."

Grant was honored for his service to Reading Football Club in 2009 on 2nd June 2009 at a ceremony hosted by John Madjeski and attended by numerous current and former Reading players. He was also given special mention at former Reading captain Graeme Murty’s testimonial on 20th July 2009.

Grant also saved his sons North Oxfordshire Cricket team from collapse after taking on the job of scorer which rescued from a five league point penalty.