The news of Dave's death came as I was preparing the Members of the Opposition composite image for 2008/09, and it seemed appropriate to include him in it - see photo.
Dave, together with Kath and Dermot of the Rose of Denmark, was a significant part of our day out, providing fast and friendly service even when under pressure. I'd also dropped in fairly often between matches when things were quieter and had chatted with him a few times. A really nice bloke - friendly and slightly reserved but steely and resolute when turning away persistent away supporters at the back door after the match.
It seems that he had no relatives and that, unlike professional footballers and grasping MPs, he had virtually no assets, which means that a collection is being organised in the RoD to pay for his funeral.
The funeral will be on Wednesday 27th May at Falconwood crematorium. The hearse will be leaving the RoD at 11.30am, if anyone would like to pay their last respects. I'm planning to go as it would be dreadful if there were only a handful of people there to see him off.
I still can't really believe he's gone - it's only three weeks since we last saw him.
