[Football] Andy Robus R.I.P.

There will be several members of this board who will remember Andy Robus, whether from Hove County Grammar School in the 1970s, from Lloyds Bank in Hove and Gatwick, from Haywards Heath Station Taxis or, since 2012, from the West Stand Upper and the Evening Star.

Although Andy followed The Albion at The Goldstone, and indeed was at St. James’ Park with his whole family on that famous day in May 1979, he recently gave up his Albion season ticket in favour one at Pride Park, to support his first football love – Derby County – rallying to the call when they were in deep trouble with bad ownership and languishing in the League One. He has been following Derby home and away ever since and was thrilled and relieved when the new owners took over and promotion was achieved last season.

After burying both parents in the past thirteen months, most recently his Mum the previous Friday, Andy and his wife Debbie flew to Australia on holiday on 16th September.

Andy passed away peacefully in his sleep the following Sunday, leaving his two children Michael and Natalie, their partners, Kayleigh and Tom, and two young grand-daughters

As you’ll imagine all his friends and family in deep shock. Tributes have been appearing on Facebook and X from Sussex and Derbyshire. Details of the funeral will be posted once details are known.

RIP buddy

Shit. I have been following him on Twitter for a while. That's really sad news.

Very sad…RIP

Andy’s season ticket was a few seats along from mine. Didn’t know him that well but always said hello as we passed each other in the seats. Was never shy about his love of Derby County including taking some light hearted ribbing one game when we went 2-0 up quite early on in an Amex game in one of our early seasons. RIP.