Where is Rusty?

Noticed yesterday that one time. Part time Media Man, Full time Kit Man, Russell Gray was not there on Sunday, and tbh don't actually recall seeing him at all this year.

Has he retired? Have I missed it all together?

yes he retired in the off season

ahhh ok. 

Not announced by the Nix? 

didn't see anything official, think I heard it on Phoenix City

Great reward for a guy who's been there ten years. Thanks Nix. Rusty was a fan favourite.

Pretty Poor really

My understanding is that he didn't exactly leave on his own terms.

#continuingshamblesbehindthescenes 

Russell is living up in The Phoenix Lounge for home games.

TBF kitman is pretty far down on the roles within a club that you'd a proactive public comment on. Reckon most people wouldn't have the foggiest idea of who he is. 

I still think it would have showed a bit of class to send him off after so many years. He was also the media manager (although the reason why escapes me!) and a really well-liked member of the wider team.

It isn't unusual, especially in Europe, to see the likes of long serving kit men, physios etc being given a nice send off when they retire.

Let's face it, how long would a website article and facebook post have taken to write? 

Sad. 

You may not have gotten the implication of "not on his own terms". He was sacked, then. Maybe for malpractice. Why would they give him a send-off in that case?

Jesus no, this is not what happened. Redundancy, more like.

Not much for 10 years I would have thought, even if you are just sweeping the floors around the place.

He was media manager because before he worked for the Phoenix he was Chief Football Writer for the Dominion, he took redundancy when they merged with the evening post. When the Phoenix started up he got involved as he knew Ricki Herbert.

Russell taught me English and gave me a bit of football coaching when I was at school.

That was a while back. Just thought you'd like to know.

He does not come across as one who seeks the limelight.  

Thought I saw a photo from the last awards night with something in his hand

other than kit. I Maybe confused though?

Is having a crack at writing a book and given some of his contacts it could be entertaining.

It was an honest mistake based on Patrick's wording, and I'm glad it wasn't true.

His book would be a very interesting read. Had quite a few chats up at the training ground with him. Those alone are worth a mention, whilst having the kit on Spin cycle, he was getting the players to sign god knows how many kits. funny as to see happening. Always approachable, great story teller. The sort of guy that should have taken up giving speeches. Thanks Russell for making the time. Your are a real Gem.

Russell, I understand , had voiced concerns that the club weren't too good at looking after the fans. Particularly, last season, with four 'home games' being played away.

And Russell was quite correct and to some extent this season. 

Trying to get a "Home game" to be played in Canberra?? FFS.

But also the fan experience at the Stadium. Over loud music before kick off, shark for half time "entertainment" although I do like the cross bar challenge.

I've seen sweet fudge all advertising for games in Upper Hutt and there is a fairly large fan base there that make the trip. Our fans that travel from further afield - Whanganui etc. They deserve more than what is slopped up. 

Having said that, I wish most of the fever would not leave it to the last second to show up after getting loaded at the Back Bencher. Be nice if the players could hear them in full voice during the player warm ups.

Yep.

lulz

Once upon a time.
YF used to leave the BB with flags and march to the stadium

Now it's all about getting that last pint down.

And I was thinking English was your first language .. :-)

Anyway this thread is about Rusty. Don't turn it into a Fever-hate thread.

The only way to get through the matches I suspect...

I miss the press releases that spelt Phoenix wrong. 

So that accounts for about eight people.  What of the rest?  

The club is lucky they turn up at all TBF

Patrick, we weren't turning it that way at all, don't be so precious. I have Russell's cell number, I hope to ring him in the next few days. See if i can get him to come to a game in the zone!

Would be great to get some ex players/staff into the zone for games.
Rusty must have some tales to tell.

#sackfever

heehee

#LastOneOutTurnTheLightsOff

I'm still working on getting Leilei Gao to turn up.

Bring on the Chinese geezer

Sort the priorities out?