Sunderland lead tributes to long-serving steward Andy Edmonds | OneFootball

Sunderland have led tributes to Andy Edmonds, the club’s long-serving press lounge steward, following his death last week. A familiar presence to reporters for more than four decades, he was known for his warmth and good humour.

According to Sunderland Echo, Edmonds began stewarding in the 1980s at Roker Park, later moving to the Stadium of Light. He greeted the press at the last home game against Manchester City before passing away suddenly and unexpectedly on Saturday.

Sunderland marked his service in the matchday programme before the game against Crystal Palace. A book of condolences in the press lounge invited messages that reflected the affection in which he was held. He also appeared in the Netflix series Sunderland ’Til I Die.

Born in Sunderland in February 1940, he had youth spells with Sunderland and Leeds before returning home, then played in the Wearside League, particularly for Langley Park. Away from football he worked as a plater at J.L. Thompson’s, then at Marcon Engineering and Coles Cranes.

He is survived by his wife Norma, his children Julie and Tony, five grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Colleagues remembered a welcoming figure who lightened even the most pressured matchdays.

One fond anecdote recalled his weekly plea for phones to be switched off before press conferences, only for his own to ring during a Roy Keane briefing, a moment he met with a broad smile.

Source: Sunderland Echo