Tributes have been paid to a Bristol City legend who worked as the team's physiotherapist during the 1990s.
Harold ‘Buster’ Footman, who was an icon of Bristol football for many, died on Sunday evening (May 17) after a short illness.
Players and fans have posted touching tributes online, with many remembering how the physio would run on the pitch in a T-shirt regardless of the weather or how fans would chant his name during matches.
Buster was also a dedicated fundraiser, having raised over £100,000 for charities, including Royal British Legion Charities, The Ghurkha Welfare Fund and Somerset Legion House.
Last year, he was presented with a medal by Bristol's Lord Mayor for his volunteering work, which included visiting lonely war veterans and delivering gifts to those who served in the armed forces.
Steve Phillips, former goalkeeper for Bristol City, was one of the ex-players who said he would be deeply missed by the Bristol City community.
"He was one of life’s proper men, humble, dignified hardworking and a huge part of the dressing room during my time at Ashton Gate," he said. "He was also hard as f*****g nails! RIP Buster."
Brian Tinnion, another former player, said: "RIP Buster Footman a character and a lovely lovely man."
"So sad to hear the passing of Buster Footman. My first professional physio at Bristol City. He treated me like a son during my 4 years there," Wayne Brown added.
Broadcaster Geoff Twentyman, in a message to Buster's son, Rick, said: "He gave so much to so many. A heart of gold. When I was at Rovers I was in hospital after an op on my ankle. Guess who my first visitor was? Yep, your dad, the City physio."
Bristol City fan Tony Wilkins said: "Very sad to hear of the passing of Bristol City legend Buster Footman.
"The days of running on a pitch in any weather in just a t shirt and trackie bottoms to treat a player.
"Was great to see him years after he left collecting for the legion selling poppies last time I saw him."
The Exiled Robin wrote: "Undoubtedly #BristolCity’s most iconic physio and a club cult hero - a sad day."
One Team in Bristol said: "Buster Footman would walk back around past the east end after treating a player.
"Everyone called out his name as if he was a best mate. Everyone loved him, sleep well Legend."
James Bolam said: "RIP Buster Footman. I did work experience with him at Bristol City in 1994. A top man.
"Ex-marine who climbed Kilimanjaro aged 70. Once regaled me with stories of working with Bobby Moore. Players loved him. Will be missed."
Another fan added: "Hard to think of 90's City without thinking about Buster Footman.
"He was like a Keith Valle equivalent, albeit a totally different character. Big part of the 90s Bristol derbies and a proper gent."
