Tributes pour in for mascot who 'put a smile on the face of so many'
'Les put a smile on the face of so many fans during his life, and was a true gentleman with a kind heart'
Tributes have been paid to "legendary" Tranmere Rovers FC mascot Les Roberts, who has died. For 30 years, Les was the man behind the iconic Rover the Dog costume, appearing in front of thousands of Tranmere fans at Prenton Park every season.
The ECHO previously reported how Les, from Rock Ferry, had supported the team since he was seven. Through the decades Les was at the heart of the club and a huge part of thousands of memories and photographs for fans across Merseyside.
Paying tribute today, Tranmere Rovers FC released a statement on social media. They said: "We are extremely saddened to learn of the passing of Les Roberts, who was the man behind our Rover the Dog mascot for 30 years from 1994-2024.
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"Les put a smile on the face of so many fans during his life, and was a true gentleman with a kind heart. He will be sorely missed at Prenton Park. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time."
Earlier this year, Les was interviewed by Tranmere Rovers FC for the matchday programme of his final game as Rover, which he called "the best experience of [his] dog life". Les shared some of the highlights of his career, his favourite part of being a mascot was meeting children who had never been to a game, so he could "make a big fuss of them."
He continued: "I enjoy going round and meeting all the fans and hearing the stories they tell me. Many want shirts or programmes signing, and some have a little mini Rover that they want me to introduce myself to.
"I’ll go around to every part of the pitch including the away fans, I always go and see them! Sometimes they want photographs taken as well. I go over to those with disabilities to meet them and have a chat.
"There are some who are able to head the ball, so I throw the ball to them, we talk about the game, and then go to the wheelchair bay in the Kop, I always go and see them to have photographs. Sometimes, maybe about five minutes before kick-off, I try and get the crowd going, and dancing!"
At the end of the interview, Rover was asked what he thought about Les Roberts, to which he replied, "I’m biased, obviously, because I do know him. I think he’s fantastic. He said the cheque’s going to be in the post for saying that about him!"
Since the news broke of Les' passing, many have taken to social media to pay tribute to him. On Facebook, one user said: "He was one of the best, always welcomed everyone at Prenton park."
Another tribute read: "So sad to hear this news. Les was an amazing mascot at Tranmere and made so many children happy and have an enjoyable match day experience. RIP Les, hope you've got your dancing shoes on up in heaven xx"
A third fan wrote: "Wow, absolutely gutted to hear this. Proper diamond of a guy and the kids loved him as Rover. Sincere condolences to his family and friends. RIP Les, you will be sorely missed. Ubi Fides my friend."
