Unsung hero is real special one!

Forget Jose Mourinho, like Neil "Nello" Baldwin, the ex-clown and former kit man for Stoke City FC who was the subject of Bafta-winning docudrama Marvellous, the 48-year-old has made light of learning difficulties to become a key member of the backroom staff at the First Division South club.

As far as manager and chairman Richard Evans and others at the club are concerned, they'll never have a better kit man and say their unsung hero is one of those special individuals who make Non-League such a joy to be part of.

Former Manchester United star Lou Maccari once said Nello at Stoke City was his best signing and Evans feels the same about Eastman, pictured, known and loved by all at Coles Lane as Mikey.

Evans, joint manager alongside Andy Turner, said: "Michael brings a sense of humour to the game that no other person can ever match. The players, coaches, staff and fans all have the time of day for our fella.

"He's Romulus through and through which means he knows our ethos. Everyone at Roms is looking forward to his 50th birthday which he's been planning for over a year now."

The club's official photographer Richard Clarke added: "With the midway point of the 2015-16 season passed, Mikey will be doing is bit to give Romulus Football Club that chance to get into the play-off places.

"Up or down, whatever the weather, he will do what's needed from putting the kits out for the Roms to collecting any balls that fly way out of the stadium. Never will we have a better kit-man and we are so glad that he is a Rom. Mikey, Roms salute you and I'm sure many more will do too!"

Image courtesy of Richard Evans

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