Inside the EFL: Meet the heart and soul of Stevenage

In the first episode of our new series, Stevenage kitman Keith Bell invites LiveScore into the Lamex Stadium to talk about what goes on behind the scenes.

Keith Bell lives and breathes Stevenage. 

Having supported the club since he was five, the kitman does not view his job as a regular nine-to-five — for him it is a matter of pride. 

He told LiveScore: "Everyone has a part to play.

"The kitman at any club is someone the players can always go to if they need to and know that they're always there for him."

After running the Boro supporters' team for over 10 years, Bell got a call from former CEO Alex Tunbridge about the job opportunity.

Wanting a change, he took the risk. Five years later, he is still going strong.

Having to get the jerseys washed, arrange boots, set up training sessions and remember players' matchday rituals, there is a lot to juggle for a kitman. 

Bell added: "I just got thrown in the deep end to be fair. I came in and I had to learn right there and then on the spot what to do.

"It was nerve-wracking at first because obviously I had to learn everything. But once I get something done for the first time, I'd like to think I know what I'm doing."

Fan favourite

While being a favourite in the dressing room, Bell is also adored by the fans.

Lewis Collins, a die-hard Stevenage fan and retro-kit enthusiast, shed light on some special arrangements involving their beloved Keith.

He said: "We've done a few little quirky bits for Keith.

"At Bristol away, we announced a sponsorship with a huge life-size cardboard cutout of Keith.

"The following season at Tranmere, we got about 50 fans to all wear facemasks of Keith. This season we finally released a Panini sticker.

"[The] kitman role is hugely important at any club. They obviously serve as a big importance to team morale and quoted by our player Elliot List, he is the heart and soul of the club."

For Bell himself, what is important is staying grounded. 

He explained: "It's just nice to have the hometown feel and getting to work for the club that I've supported since I was five. It's a job that I cherish and a job that I enjoy every day."