West Ham fans launch petition to reinstate staff member sacked after 25 years as he admits news reduced him to tears

WEST HAM fans have launched a petition to bring back stadium DJ Russ Budden after he was brutally SACKED. DJ Russy B announced on social media earlier this week that he had been let go from his role after 25 years of pre-game, half-time, and post-match service. Furious West Ham fans have launched a petition to bring back beloved club DJ Russ Budden Credit: Getty He was sacked after 25 years due to “cost cutting exercises” Credit: Getty The lifelong fan wrote: “So, got the call that I’m no longer going to be the club’s ‘button monkey.’ “After 25 years working at the club, my services are no longer needed as they are cutting costs following the club’s relegation. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! “I’m absolutely devastated. For over 50% of my life I’ve been working at West Ham, a position I’ve never taken for granted & was extremely proud to have done. “Absolutely gutted, maybe the club change their mind – especially with 50k season ticket holders, would have loved to be ‘pressing that button’!” And disappointed Hammers fans have rallied behind him with a petition describing him as a “beloved figure” who has “loyally served the club.” The petition adds: “He is synonymous with the matchday experience and a public figure of calm during the tumultuous times we have experienced as a club and a ‘family’.” Supporters believe that the move following relegation from the Premier League last season isn’t representative of them. They continue: “While we are not ignorant of the need as a club to restructure financially to compensate for the reduced income being in the championship we are dumbfounded that the insignificant amount the club will save warrants the further movement away from the traditional family values we aspire as a community to uphold, which is something West Ham has been heavily criticised for in recent years. Most read in Sport SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET UP TO £100 BONUS “We urge the powers that be to reconsider this short sighted decision, Mr Budden is part of the fabric and identity of West Ham United, a remnant of our time at our true historical home in the Boleyn ground and financially insignificant given the scope of finances involved in a hugely supported championship club. “This isn’t the actions of the club we know and love.” And in a video, an emotional Budden admitted that the news made him cry, explaining: “Unfortunately one of the consequences of relegation is cost cutting and unfortunately I’ve been informed that my role is no longer viable at the club, due to cost cutting exercises.” He said “it was a privilege” and that “I’ve managed to survive two relegations. But not the third one.” Nearly choking up, Budden went on: “I’ve worked it out. Jarrod Bowen could have an afternoon nap and would make more than me throughout the season.” He finished by claiming “It feels like a part of me is gone” and “It’s a bit like someone else sleeping with your girlfriend. Someone else is going to be pressing the button to play Bubbles.” Comment now