The Hyundai A-League community remains in shock following the passing of Wellington Phoenix legend Russell Gray on Monday.
The club confirmed Gray passed peacefully at his home.
Russell was a member of the Wellington Phoenix staff for over ten years, since the club’s inception, serving as both Media and Kit Manager up until the 2016/17 season.
Prior to the Phoenix, Russell had an illustrious career writing for media outlets around New Zealand.
CONDOLENCES | It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to club legend, Russell Gray, who passed away, peacefully this morning. A great man loved by players, staff and fans. Our deepest sympathies to his wife Barbara and their family.
Read more here 👉 https://t.co/yLLpLSg5er
— Wellington Phoenix 🔥 (@WgtnPhoenixFC) April 2, 2018
He had been a newspaper printer at Press House, but his knowledge of football, and desire to become a sports writer resulted in him joining the paper, where he excelled. He specialised in reporting football, golf, softball, and netball from club to international level.
He also wrote biographies for sporting greats Ricki Herbert and Irene van Dyk.
Despite retiring, Russell was still actively involved around the club and could often be seen at training talking to players and coaches and writing articles for the club, including this past weekend’s match report.
Well-liked and respected by many across the wider football community, players, media personalities and fans were quick to pay tribute to ‘Rusty’ on social media.
Shattered to hear of the passing of Russell Gray. An absolute gentleman and lover of football. Journo, media liaison, kitman, story-teller supreme. An iconic part of Wgtn Phoenix. Time spent with him was never wasted. My thoughts with Barb and family. Rest well now, Russ. pic.twitter.com/TZN5AHM2uJ
— Jason Pine (@pineynz) April 2, 2018
You loved your job. You loved your club. You were a gentleman & always up for a chat. It was an honour to see you receive the recognition you deserved at last year’s @WgtnPhoenixFC awards. The @NZ_Football & @aleague community has lost one of its stalwarts. RIP Russell Gray. pic.twitter.com/A0csy3B33P
— Shane Harmon (@ShaneHarmon) April 2, 2018
Deeply saddened by the loss of Rusty, Epic Life of Writing, Travelling, Talking,Moaning and Laughing.
We will all miss you !
Russell Gray.@WgtnPhoenixFC Legend. pic.twitter.com/pEFttyXdyT— Jonathan Gould (@jonathangould68) April 2, 2018
Devastated to hear of the passing of Russell Gray former Phoenix kit man.
He was an absolute gentleman and tireless worker.
RIP Rusty— Paul Ifill (@PaulIfill) April 2, 2018
CONDOLENCES | @NZ_Football is sad to hear the news that Russell Gray has passed away. He will be remembered as a legend of the @WgtnPhoenixFC https://t.co/1zXhLPwl3d pic.twitter.com/V3ddFmsWgT
— New Zealand Football 🇳🇿 (@NZ_Football) April 2, 2018
Russell Gray. He was what every football club needs and wants .. lives & breaths for the club he loves & will never be forgotten. We shared many chats together in an empty dressing room.. I feel privileged to have always been the last one out now Rusty🙌🏼😘 R.I.P @WgtnPhoenixFC
— Shane Smeltz (@ShaneSmeltz) April 2, 2018
RIP Russell Gray, such an approachable man who I had many of chats with, a great servant for the club and will be sorrily missed🤝 @WgtnPhoenixFC pic.twitter.com/AlJXo5YvQq
— Dylan Fox 🦊 (@dylfoxy) April 2, 2018
Rest in Peace Russell Gray, feel very privileged to have spent many mornings with such a great guy. Packing up gear after every session with you was never made dull as it always came with humour. @WgtnPhoenixFC pic.twitter.com/6EU98ZcQWx
— Jack-Henry Sinclair (@JHSinclair) April 2, 2018
