OFFICIALS and players at Bromsgrove Rovers were this week mourning the deaths of two former stalwarts.

Legendary Bill "Nodder" Oldnall, who established many new scoring records for the club and whose name is still spoken of affectionately on the terraces at the Victoria Ground, died in the early hours of Saturday in hospital following a massive stroke.

He was in his late 70s and lived in Smethwick.

Bob Kendall, 85, from Orchard Road, Bromsgrove, for 40 years one of the Birmingham Road club's unsung heroes, died the previous night.

After the war, Bob played for several local teams before deciding to assist Rovers in whatever capacity he could.

He chaired the committee twice in the 1950s when it ran the club and picked the teams.

He was also at various times unpaid groundsman and turnstile attendant and was never happier than when doing an odd job.

Bill Kings, from Stourbridge Road, author of the Rovers' centenary book, said Bob would be sadly missed adding: "His contribution to the club was made without thought for reward except for the success of the team."

A funeral service will be held at Worcester Crematorium on Tuesday November 21 at noon.

Bill said Nodder's scoring prowess, mainly with his head, hence his nickname, became legendary throughout the Midlands.

He joined the Greens in 1946 and netted 47 times in 37 matches.

When he left in 1951, his tally read 227 goals in 201 games.

Bill added: "Nodder loved football, Bromsgrove and its people. He will never be forgotten in sporting circles."