A man who worked as a steward at Watford FC for half a century, earning the affection of fans and players and the moniker of "The Old Git of Vicarage Road", died at The Peace Hospice in Watford on Saturday.

Mr Peter Lawson, who was 82, lived just a short stroll from the football club, and began working there selling tickets and manning the turn-styles in the 1960s when Watford were competing in the old English Third Division. He completed a number of different roles, finishing a few years ago as the steward looking after the players’ lounge.

During his time with the club he made many friends on the terraces, within the club’s back-room and with the players and their families, especially while looking after the wives and girlfriends in the players’ lounge.

His family have fond memories of the crowd singing to Peter as he walked around the pitch perimeter, "Old Git, Old Git, Give us a wave, give us a wave", and naturally, he always obliged.

Even to the end Peter was still a season ticket holder and was looking forward to this year’s campaign with huge enthusiasm expecting the team to push on to automatic promotion and the Premier League.

The only thing that kept him away in his later years was his illness, which eventually claimed his life.

Son-in-law Ian Rusher said: "I was lucky enough to take Peter to the play-off final in May.

"While it was a disappointing result, I was amazed at how many people came up to say hello to him. Many of them were stewards and ex-stewards, as well as a number of fans. He was such a familiar face around Vicarage Road that they all recognised him.

"The play-off final was a great day for both of us and I will remember it fondly for many years to come.

"Peter will be greatly missed by his own family and his extended family, including those at Watford FC over the years, and Watford is a sadder place without him."

Peter was born in Cecil Street, Watford, and attended Alexander School.

As well as his unstinting service to Watford FC he was employed as a plumber with a company from Harrow which had a contract with Watford Borough Council throughout his working life. 

Ian explained: "Basically he was born, worked, married, died  and supported Watford his whole life."

He was married to Maureen, who is also deceased, but he is survived by two daughters, Kim Rusher and Amanda Grimston; sons-in-law Ian Rusher and Mark Grimston; and grandchildren Jamie Ryan and Emma Ryan, and Rebecca Grimston and Hannah Grimston.