Bradford Bulls chiefs have paid tribute to the club's former kit man Fred Robinson, who has died.

Mr Robinson served as kit man for over 40 years, from 1964 to 2005, and on Saturday the Bulls staged a minute's applause to honour his memory ahead of their friendly tie with Hull FC.

Chief executive Robbie Hunter-Paul said has fond memories of the man he has called 'a legend'.

“Thursday was an extremely sad day for Bradford Bulls as we lost a beloved member of the club's history.

“'Freddie was a legend to so many of us that experienced Bradford Bulls and Bradford Northern during his time as kit man.

“He was a philosopher, a joker, a mentor, a rascal and a gentleman.

“He was always the first person you would meet upon reaching the changing rooms and he always had a smile on his face.

“On a number of occasions you would drift into his inner sanctum of the kit room, sit down and have a cup of tea with him.

“He would fill you in on the dos and do nots of all things Britain and Yorkshire.

“He had a direct influence on my personality and taught me the ‘Northern’ ethos of 'doing ‘right' by people.

“To me and my colleagues he was a rock in a world that has extreme highs and lows, always having the ability to bring you down to earth or lift you out of despair.”