Tributes have been paid to one of Bristol City and England’s most legendary supporters, who has passed away.
Paul Surridge, from South Bristol, was best known at Ashton Gate and on in the England supporters’ sections at stadiums around the world as ‘Scooter’.
A City supporter from the days on the old East End, he became a popular member of England’s travelling support - and was a key reason why fans across the world see so many Bristol City flags at England games.
READ MORE: In pictures - How one Knowle West street is filled with England flags
“He was a well-loved man all over Bristol, and well known from following England all around the world,” said his brother-in-law Darren Harding. “He was a much-loved husband to his beloved wife Tara.”
Every major tournament would see Paul head off with the travelling army of England fans, while back in Knowle West, Darren and the family would fill Torrington Avenue with England flags - something that started back in the 1990s.
This year, however, with Paul diagnosed with a terminal illness, there was a special poignancy to the flag tribute - as it would be the first tournament in many years without Scooter in the stands cheering on the Three Lions.
“The family is heartbroken by the sad passing of Paul,” he added.
“Nothing can prepare you for something like this, even though you know it’s going to happen,” added Darren.
Tributes from across the Bristol City family were led by Scooter’s friend Sean Takle, who described how he was a popular figure among the sometimes fractious England fan community at tournaments.
"The East End and Three Lions Flag Days, and that’s the tip of the iceberg of what he has done following Bristol City and England,” said Sean.
“A BCFC fan ambassador going around creating friendships between clubs in Europe,” he said adding that Scooter was a ‘true gent and legend’.
Colin Sutton added: “RIP Scooter. Having known you over half my life, and not a more dedicated bloke but a real gent,” he said, adding that he was a ‘top, top bloke who will be missed.”
Bristol City’s Supporter Liaison Officer Jerry Tocknell simply tweeted an image of Scooter on a St George’s flag as a tribute.
In Torrington Avenue, this year’s St George’s flag display included that image on a St George’s flag.
“We have been putting up bunting and flags for the last three decades - my dad started the trend many years ago and we have just followed suit,” explained Darren at the start of the tournament earlier this month.
At the time, the flag tribute was in honour of his brother-in-law, who couldn’t make it to any England games. Now, it is a lasting tribute to mark his passing, just two days before the crucial game against Germany.
“This year was a special one because Paul was terminally ill. He is one of the biggest England fans I know, and is well known in Bristol, having been to every major tournament England have been involved in, and going to places I’ve never heard of.
“He was also well known for the routes he took to get to these games. He wasn’t able to travel to this year’s tournament, which was heartbreaking, and we as a street wanted to make it as special as we could for him,” he added.
