RIP Len Badger

1945 - 2021

A true legend of the Lane

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Rainbow Blades was devastated to hear news of the passing of Len Badger, former Sheffield United captain, and very recently announced as our ambassador.

 

In his playing days, Len was a stalwart of the SUFC team, appearing at right back over 500 times for the club. Many of us won’t have had the pleasure of watching him play, but as Len joked in his video announcing himself as a Rainbow Blades ambassador, your “grandads will probably remember [me] but the young people won’t”. 

 

Sheffield United FC commented:

“"Len was one of the greatest full backs to play for the club, but he was also one of its greatest characters. Those fortunate to know him will testify that he was one of the funniest, warmest and kindest people you would ever have the joy of meeting.

 

He loved the Blades beyond measure. He never wanted to play for anyone else, and it was possibly that loyalty to one of the more unfashionable clubs that cost him a far more glittering career, but that mattered little to him.”

 

It was Len’s continued involvement with the Blades that ensured his ongoing status as a Legend of the Lane. 

 

At the beginning of May 2021, Rainbow Blades was thrilled to announce Len as its newest ambassador, joining Curtis Woodhouse in supporting our group in its mission to achieve total & comprehensive LGBT+ equality, diversity & inclusion at Sheffield United Football Club.

 

James Laley, Rainbow Blades Founder & Chair, said:

“Len was so happy, enthusiastic & honoured to be a Rainbow Blades Ambassador. I only spoke to him a few weeks ago & he was eager to get involved. His passing is devastating & my whole heart goes out to his family & friends. The term “legend” can often be thrown about rather too freely nowadays, but for a man who played for our club over 500 times, former captain and still involved with the club, there is no more fitting term than legend. He will be missed by Blades. RIP Len.”

 

Rainbow Blades’ thoughts are with his wife Mal, his children Sam and Stephen, and to all those to whom Len was dear. His loss will be sorely felt but his legacy will live on through both the work of Rainbow Blades and Sheffield United FC, and future generations will continue to learn about our great captain, the Sheffield lad.

 

Thank you for everything, Len.