'Dad wasn't dirty, just a bit hard' - Farewell to legendary Portsmouth, Crystal Palace and Bristol City tough guy Bobby Kellard

Robert Kellard chuckles at the memory which encapsulates his late father.
Bobby Kellard, who passed away on Sunday, made 176 appearances and scored 18 times for PompeyBobby Kellard, who passed away on Sunday, made 176 appearances and scored 18 times for Pompey
Bobby Kellard, who passed away on Sunday, made 176 appearances and scored 18 times for Pompey

‘I’ve met Pompey fans on buses in London and told them “My dad used to play for your team”, he said.

‘They responded with “Who’s your dad?”. When I revealed his name, they’d say “He was a dirty so and so”.

‘Dad wasn’t dirty you know, just a bit hard!’

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The tough-tackling midfielder was a huge crowd favourite during two Fratton Park spells, supporters idolising his combative, whole-hearted approach.

Kellard has the distinction of being the first professional footballer to be sent off on a Sunday, while was later shown the door by Ian St John in February 1975 after assaulting his manager.

Even on his first day as a Blues player in March 1966, he became involved in a training pitch fight with Johnny Gordon. His new team-mate had objected to a tackle.

Bobby Kellard enjoyed two Fratton Park spells. Picture: Lemmon/Daily Express/Getty ImagesBobby Kellard enjoyed two Fratton Park spells. Picture: Lemmon/Daily Express/Getty Images
Bobby Kellard enjoyed two Fratton Park spells. Picture: Lemmon/Daily Express/Getty Images
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Away from the game, the former Palace man painted in oils and, upon retirement, became an antiques dealer in Chelmsford.

Yet it was his ferocity as a footballer which earned indelible affection among those supporters who watched his 176 appearances and 18 goals.

And it was a fiery determination which continued to blaze until his January 10 death following a long illness.

Son Robert told The News: ‘Through his character, dad fell out with people, especially managers.

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‘He was a leader, so always had a bit of trouble with authority, and would speak his mind. He was honest, forthright, with a few expletives usually mixed in!

‘That tenacious side was always present, even at the end. The poor carers got it in the neck a bit, it proved he still had his fighting spirit.

‘Dad suffered a massive stroke in February while in his van. Luckily he was on the phone to my nephew at the time. Someone eventually found him in a car park.

‘I was in South London and got to him before the ambulance. He subsequently lost all his right side, his speech, being able to swallow, everything.

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‘Even when he was in hospital, it was “Get me out of here”, while trying to climb out of bed with one one leg and one arm! He never lost the fighting spirit.

‘He fought and got his speech back, he could swallow again and use his right leg. Dad fought to the very end.

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‘Until December, he was in care homes and then hospital again, but I managed to get him discharged so we had two weeks over Christmas and New Year together at his Southend home.

‘A physio would visit three times a week, paid for by the PFA. His speech was slurred, while he could shuffle along a bit, although kept picking up infections.

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‘We watched Villa v Palace on TV, a bit of racing, a couple of films, chatted, drank tea, the normal stuff. It was precious time together.

‘I would also read him the messages from Pompey supporters after I posted how ill he was on the Pompey Fans group on Facebook. That meant so much to him, they really are outstanding.’

Kellard was diagnosed with pneumonia after Christmas and then, last Tuesday, suffered a seizure while at home.

When his son returned to Facebook to announce his father’s passing on Sunday, he was once again touched by the love of Pompey fans for his dad.

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He added: ‘It’s really comforting to know that he touched so many people’s lives and they have great memories of him, because Dad was such a character. He was so sociable, everyone loved him.

‘He always talked so fondly about Pompey, especially the fans, and loved being interviewed for Played Up Pompey Too. I know all the stories – and plenty more!

‘In December, I read all the well-wishes from Pompey to him, every single one of them, and showed him photographs. There were big smiles and a few tears.

‘The fans gave me some great stories as well. Someone said he remembered him coming over to take a corner and asking who had won the Grand National.

‘That was Dad.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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