Bradford City Gent Lenny Berry quits mascot job after weight loss A Bradford City mascot has lost his job after nearly two decades because he is no longer “portly” enough for the role. Lenny Berry, 59, has been wearing a bowler hat to play the rotund City Gent for 20 years but has quit after losing seven stone due to diabetes. The club said Mr Berry’s physical appearance had become an issue because it was so different from the character’s original concept. It said it offered him a “Sumo-style suit” but he did not accept. The City Gent character wears a bowler hat and carries an umbrella and brief case. He was first introduced by the club in the 1960s and also lends his name to its fanzine. In a statement, club director Roger Owen said Mr Berry decided to leave with immediate effect following talks. Mr Owen said: “We agreed that action needed to be taken. I met Lenny late Friday and he gave me his decision, which he had been pondering for some three weeks. On behalf of the board, I would like to thank Lenny for his efforts over what has been a long time, in all […]
