For Sean Ruiz, kit man extraordinaire of Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers (Wolves), matchdays are not just about donning a fresh jersey; they're an immersive experience that requires meticulous preparation and attention to detail.
Ruiz's office is a testament to his dedication – shelves upon shelves of gleaming gold shirts, rows of printing machines, and pigeonholes packed with kit, badges, and lettering. Behind the scenes of Wolves' intimate Sir Jack Hayward complex, Ruiz orchestrates an intricate ballet of laundry, logistics, and coordination, ensuring that every player, manager, and coach looks their absolute best.
When it comes to his role, Ruiz doesn't just mean the shirts – he means the entire gamut of kit, including boots, shorts, gloves, and more. His team of three relies on him to provide an almost endless supply of items to cater to each player's unique preferences and requirements. From Tolu Arokodare, who only trusts Harry Warren to steam his boots, to Sam Johnstone's sock-obsession, Ruiz is the go-to guy for all things kit-related.
The morning of a matchday begins six hours in advance with Ruiz and assistant Barry Piper loading their trusty white van with an impressive array of gear. As they arrive at the stadium, the dressing room comes alive – routines and nuances become apparent as Ruiz works tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that every player is kitted out and ready for action.
For Ruiz, matchdays are a whirlwind experience, filled with unexpected requests and last-minute adjustments. The rarest of victories brings even more joy, like when Wolves secured their first Premier League win of the season in an honourable draw at Old Trafford 24 hours prior. Yet, it's not just about winning – it's about providing a seamless service to players, managers, and coaches alike.
While Ruiz may have stumbled into this career path by accident, he has since become the go-to kit expert for Premier League clubs. And when asked if he can name each player, number, size, and shirt preference from memory, his response is a laughable "no problem – from 1 to 38!" Indeed, Ruiz's dedication to his craft knows no bounds.
As Piper remarks about training days being all about ticking over, matchdays bring out the best in Ruiz. The service he provides goes beyond just kit; it's an experience that requires him to be attuned to every player's needs and preferences. It's a job that demands attention to detail, patience, and a healthy dose of humor.
In the end, Ruiz's mantra – "you can't say no in a new place, you've got to figure it out" – becomes a guiding principle for those around him. His team rallies behind him, inspired by his infectious enthusiasm and unwavering commitment to excellence. And when the game is done, it's back to the training ground, where Ruiz once again orchestrates an intricate ballet of logistics, coordination, and preparation, ready to bring out the best in Wolves' players for their next matchday challenge.
Ruiz's office is a testament to his dedication – shelves upon shelves of gleaming gold shirts, rows of printing machines, and pigeonholes packed with kit, badges, and lettering. Behind the scenes of Wolves' intimate Sir Jack Hayward complex, Ruiz orchestrates an intricate ballet of laundry, logistics, and coordination, ensuring that every player, manager, and coach looks their absolute best.
When it comes to his role, Ruiz doesn't just mean the shirts – he means the entire gamut of kit, including boots, shorts, gloves, and more. His team of three relies on him to provide an almost endless supply of items to cater to each player's unique preferences and requirements. From Tolu Arokodare, who only trusts Harry Warren to steam his boots, to Sam Johnstone's sock-obsession, Ruiz is the go-to guy for all things kit-related.
The morning of a matchday begins six hours in advance with Ruiz and assistant Barry Piper loading their trusty white van with an impressive array of gear. As they arrive at the stadium, the dressing room comes alive – routines and nuances become apparent as Ruiz works tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that every player is kitted out and ready for action.
For Ruiz, matchdays are a whirlwind experience, filled with unexpected requests and last-minute adjustments. The rarest of victories brings even more joy, like when Wolves secured their first Premier League win of the season in an honourable draw at Old Trafford 24 hours prior. Yet, it's not just about winning – it's about providing a seamless service to players, managers, and coaches alike.
While Ruiz may have stumbled into this career path by accident, he has since become the go-to kit expert for Premier League clubs. And when asked if he can name each player, number, size, and shirt preference from memory, his response is a laughable "no problem – from 1 to 38!" Indeed, Ruiz's dedication to his craft knows no bounds.
As Piper remarks about training days being all about ticking over, matchdays bring out the best in Ruiz. The service he provides goes beyond just kit; it's an experience that requires him to be attuned to every player's needs and preferences. It's a job that demands attention to detail, patience, and a healthy dose of humor.
In the end, Ruiz's mantra – "you can't say no in a new place, you've got to figure it out" – becomes a guiding principle for those around him. His team rallies behind him, inspired by his infectious enthusiasm and unwavering commitment to excellence. And when the game is done, it's back to the training ground, where Ruiz once again orchestrates an intricate ballet of logistics, coordination, and preparation, ready to bring out the best in Wolves' players for their next matchday challenge.