Many Bradford City fans yesterday spoke in support of the club’s long-standing, but now slimmed down, City Gent mascot, who quit after refusing to wear a ‘Sumo-style suit’ to continue the role.

The Telegraph & Argus reported yesterday how Lenny Berry, who has been the Bantams’ well-known mascot for almost 20 years, decided to step down after the League One club told him he would have to wear a padded suit and costume-head to look more like the original City Gent, former chairman, the late Stafford Heginbotham.

The 59-year-old textiles worker said he had lost seven stones after being diagnosed with diabetes in 2006 and had told the club he would not wear a costume after hearing he would not be able to continue doing mascot match-day tours and charity events.

City said “action needed to be taken” because Mr Berry’s appearance was “much changed” from the original concept of the City Gent and that the Football League had said mascots must wear an “anonymous headset”.

Yesterday, fans took to internet forums and social networking sites to give their reaction to the news, with one Bradford firm printing ‘Save Our Lenny’ T-shirts.

On the T&A website, some suggested chants in support of Mr Berry at the club’s first home league match against Carlisle on Saturday.

Hoggy64 said: “Absolutely gutted for Lenny and appalled at the way he has been treated by the club. My son was a mascot once and Lenny was brilliant with him.

“People like him are the lifeblood of the club and I hope City reconsider.”

Macca1969 added: “This is unfortunately a sad situation. I really feel for Lenny who is in the eyes of most supporters Mr Bradford City.

“Let’s give him a great reception on Saturday. Positive support though that doesn’t damage the club as that is the last thing Lenny would want.”

But other fans said it may be that change was needed.

MDP Bradford said he was not “up in arms” about the loss of the City Gent.

“Why wouldn’t Lenny meet the club half way and suggest a conservative ‘fat’ suit to give him more of a natural ‘plump’ look, like the original idea, rather than an absurd sumo suit and silly head? If it was me that would have been my counter offer for a club I loved so much.”

And Dennis Mann said: “Times change and it’s time for the club to move on.

“For whatever reason, Lenny’s image no longer accords with the original City Gent concept.

“That isn’t to disparage what Lenny has done in the past and I’m sure he has brought much fun and joy to City fans young and old.”

Other fans gave their views on Facebook pages set up in support of Mr Berry, including one called Team Lenny.

Don McCully e-mailed the T&A suggesting City let the mascot do a lap of honour at Saturday’s first home league match of the season, saying: “This would allow the City supporters the opportunity to say thank you and goodbye to a person who has been a good servant to the club.”

And Anne Light, 53, called to say: “I’m appalled with the way he’s been treated. He’s been with the club 100 per cent, he’s always been there for them.

“He’s done something for his health and by losing the weight he’s being a good role model.”

Bradford City declined to comment further last night.