Congratulations to Anthony Carter who is selling his final copy of ‘The Ram’ this afternoon after 59 years of service.
From starting out at Derby County’s old Baseball Ground in 1964 to his current pitch at Pride Park Stadium, through all weathers and nearly all divisions, Anthony has been on hand to sell editions of Derby County’s popular matchday magazine to matchday-going supporters.
After almost six decades in the role the amiable vendor is parking his vending trolly for the final time this weekend at the fixture against Cheltenham Town.
With East Midlands Today interviewing him on his final shift, the club presenting a signed shirt to him pitchside and long-time publishers Ignition Sports Media producing a bespoke cover in his honour to mark the milestone occasion, it is sure to be an emotional day for Anthony.
Everyone at Ignition Sports Media would like to offer our thanks to Anthony for his remarkable dedication to programmes over the years and we wish him all the best in his retirement.
Vending specialists DP Events Services, who handle the matchday sale in DE24, also passed on a special tribute. Company director David Prest saying: “Anthony first started selling at the BBG at the age of 16 and although he can’t remember his first game, he’s sold many hundreds of thousands of programmes over the years and even sold one to singer and actor Frankie Vaughan.
“He was there at the BBG’s last game against Arsenal and the opening of Pride Park by the Queen and has been a permanent fixture at the stadium since. Unfortunately due to health issues he is making his final ‘PROGRAMMES’ yell this afternoon and is going to be missed by all his regular customers. I would like to thank him for the 20 years of outstanding service and although we started as colleagues we soon became friends for life. Enjoy your retirement Ant.”