Guest Post by Ian Reardon
Robbi “Bish” Reardon was the mascot for the Aldershot FA Cup third round game 5th January 1991. Robbi had a brain tumour and I applied for him to be a match day mascot. I had lived in Aldershot for a while as my father was in the Army and it was quite a coincidence that my son was named as the Mascot. Tony Gale played a blinder that day looking after Robbi out on the pitch passing the ball back and forth with Robbi. Tony didn’t realise how heavy Robbi was and he nearly dropped him when posing for photographs with the referee and linesmen. The ref also put an arm out to help support Robbi.
Martin Allen was injured for the game and we sat near him and he asked about Robbi and offered to take the album into the dressing room at half time to make sure everyone signed it. We thought that was it and we enjoyed the day But there was more to come as Robbi was invited back for the replay. We were walking toward the Boleyn ground a group of supporters turned around and said ‘that’s him on the programme’ and to our surprise there was Robbi posing with Tony Gale. It’s my understanding that Robbi was the first non player to appear on the programme. We were met by Brian Blower the then commercial manager who said we were going to be filmed and feed and watered and that we had seats in the directors box.
Near to half time we were taken down to the tunnel were we were in time to see Ian Bishop score. Robbi did his best to run onto the pitch to celebrate with his favourite player. We were taken to the centre circle to be presented with gifts and a framed program with signatures of both sets of players. We then attended a hospitality suite where we had photos taken and Ian Bishop demanded to hold Robbi who by this time had a soaking wet nappy. Despite that information Bish held him and posed for the picture.
Being mascot lead to Robbi have a Police day that was organized by Dave Armitage, the father of a supporter, who I hope will forgive because I can’t remember his name!
Sadly Robbi passed away on the 25th March 1991 just a few months after being mascot. Tony Gale and Ian Bishop attended the funeral and Tony said that Billy (Bonds) would have sent the whole team but they were up north for the Oldham game. Staff also attended the funeral – uBrian, Gary and Adrienne Williams and I think Gina Allen. I felt sorry for Bish and Galey as they were pursued for their autographs although they had just attended a funeral. Those two days will live in my heart and that of his brothers and sister and my ex wife Gina forever.