In 1949 Les “Sparrow” Watkins took over from long time Claremont bootologist Percy Smith who had carried out these duties since 1935. Les was a diminutive self-styled bootologist who gave many years of service to the Claremont Football Club. He had an impish personality that endeared him to all the players and officials and his lively repartee often lifted spirits after a defeat. Les began his service at Claremont in 1949 finishing his association with the Club, but not the ground, with his death in 1979. His ashes are spread over the ground which was his second home.
