Cleaning Harry Kane's boots to playing The Liquidator - Kitman Pat’s view inside England's boot room
While the country is still celebrating England cleaning up their Panamanian opposition, one man had some other cleaning to do – hat-trick hero Harry Kane’s boots.
England kit man Pat Frost has been keeping the England faithful updated on the behind-the-scenes goings on in Russia with a series of posts from his twitter account @KitmanPat
The former West Bromwich Albion kit man posted a series of tweets following England’s 6-1 win over Panama, including a shot of current tournament top-scorer Kane’s boots and his two man of the match awards.
While the country gets caught up in World Cup fever over the efforts of Gareth Southgate’s side, Pat also got into the swing of things, joining a series of tongue in cheek posts from fans with his own “football’s coming home”.
As captain Kane and his fellow teammates were back in training ahead of Thursday’s clash with Belgium Pat posted a picture of the skipper’s right boot with the message “Just gone to clean this little sucker . . . it’s going to have to wait . . . it’s still too hot to hold”.
The Telford kit man’s account has more than 16,000 followers, and has long been a favourite with football fans for his insights into the behind-the-scenes world of professional football.
Following the victory over Panama he praised the efforts of the team, saying: “6 goals . . . 6 points . . . 1 hat trick . . . it’s coming home . . . what a day . . . see you in Kaliningrad.”
In the build-up to the match Pat also posted a picture of the England fans preparing for the match, including a flag from his former side, West Bromwich Albion.
The keen Baggies fan also paid homage to the club by hanging this flag in part of the kitroom.
The difficulties of ensuring perfect preparation were also illustrated in a note shown by Pat which revealed how they were communicating with the laundry team in Russia.
Alongside a picture of a hand-written note with Russian instructions he posted: “Communication problems with the laundry ladies here in Russia so we have started giving them written messages.”
England will be hoping Pat brings them luck after the kitman was also with the England under 20 team for their World Cup success last year.
His role and importance to the team was illustrated with a heartfelt note from the winning side’s goalkeeper, Freddie Woodman, in the wake of the tournament.
Woodman, who referred to Frost as “the football man”, spoke of his importance to the team.
The note said: “I would like to take the time to appreciate the help and support you gave me during our time away.
"I’d like to thank you for the time, effort and hard work you and the rest of the staff put in to help us achieve our goal.”
Other lighter moments included Pat playing out The Liquidator from speakers in the England dressing room.
