Ipswich Town kitman James Pullen is calling on Blues fans to pay tribute to much-loved club stalwart Dick Parker with a minute’s applause this weekend.

East Anglian Daily Times: Dick Parker was beloved by all at Town. Picture: ITFCDick Parker was beloved by all at Town. Picture: ITFC (Image: D&A Photography)

Parker, 67, died last weekend after working for the club for 20 years, most recently as academy kitman and caretaker at Playford Road.

His death prompted a huge outpouring of heartfelt messages from players past and present, led by boss Mick McCarthy, as well as fans.

- MORE: McCarthy and Chambers pay tribute to stalwart Parker

Now Pullen has called on fans to stage a minute’s applause in the 67th minute of their Championship clash with Reading on Saturday as a way of honouring the incredibly popular Parker.

“Please, please, please show your appreciation for Dick Parker, who sadly passed away on Saturday December 9th,” Pullen, 35, wrote on Facebook.

- MORE: ‘RIP my friend’ - Town players past and present pay tribute to Parker

“Dick was a highly-valued member of staff at the football club and everybody loved him! We need everybody to pull together for a minute’s applause on the 67th minute (his age).

“I will be putting black armbands out for the players so can we all stick together as one and make this happen.”