Britain’s oldest football fan who never missed listening to a single game of her favourite team on the radio has died – AGED 107.
Dedicated Dolly Smith followed Derby County FC for more than 70 years and always wore her scarf every time they played.
She remarkably only went to two matches – a friendly against Birmingham City to mark her 100th birthday and another against German club TSG Hoffenheim to celebrate turning 107 last summer.
The lifelong Rams fan had suffered from a bout of pneumonia before she died on Sunday (11/3), hours before the team drew 0-0 with rivals Nottingham Forest.
One hearing about her death, the flags outside Pride Park Stadium were flown at half-mast.
There will also be a one-minute applause held this Sunday when Derby take on Cardiff City in the Sky Bet Championship.
Twice widowed Dolly said the secret to her longevity was eating a bowl of Ready Brek every day.
Dolly, who had four children, four grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and one great-great granddaughter, listened to every match from her flat in Alvaston, Derby.
Paying tribute to Dolly, a Derby County spokesperson said: “The club’s sincerest condolences are with Dolly’s family and friends at this time.”
Dolly’s favourite player was Rams legend striker Kevin Hector whose goals helped the club to Championship-winning glory in the 1970s.
Speaking after her 107th birthday last year, she said: “It’s all about eating porridge in the morning.
“I love having Ready Brek. That and Derby County FC keep me going.”
