Behind the scenes of Premier League football lies a complex world of kit management, where one man's expertise is crucial to ensuring players take to the pitch in style. For Wolves' head of kit, Sean Ruiz, life as a kitman is not just about printing shirts and sorting socks - it's an art form that requires precision, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of his team.
Ruiz's office, located at the heart of the Sir Jack Hayward complex, is a testament to his dedication. The walls are lined with shelves upon shelves of kit, badges, lettering, and numbering, each item meticulously organized by Ruiz himself. "It was just here when I arrived," he says, chuckling, about the small piece of card used to measure the drop from the collar.
As the team prepares for a matchday, Ruiz and his assistant, Barry Piper, work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure everything is in place. The van they use to transport kit is filled with an array of essentials, including shirts, shorts, goalkeeping gloves, coats, and towels. "You can't predict what will happen during a game," says Ruiz, but he has every eventuality covered.
But it's not just about the kit - it's also about the players themselves. Ruiz knows them by name, number, size, and shirt preference. He can name each player from 1 to 38 with ease, and even remembers that one missing digit during his time at New York Red Bulls.
As the dressing room fills with players, coaches, and staff, the individual routines and nuances show themselves. Goalkeeper Sam Johnstone always clocks his socks, while Tolu Arokodare trusts only Harry Warren, a matchday assistant, to steam his boots. Ruiz has seen it all before, but still enjoys the thrill of matchdays.
"Matchdays are the best days," Piper says, as he flits around arranging bench coats. "Training days are about ticking over - this is when it comes alive." And for Ruiz, there's no greater satisfaction than seeing his team take to the pitch in style, knowing that every detail has been carefully considered.
It's a job that requires patience, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of the players and coaches. But for Ruiz, it's not just a job - it's a passion. "These guys are like family to me," he says, smiling. And in a world where football is often about the flashy moments on the pitch, Ruiz's work is the unsung hero behind the scenes.
Ruiz's office, located at the heart of the Sir Jack Hayward complex, is a testament to his dedication. The walls are lined with shelves upon shelves of kit, badges, lettering, and numbering, each item meticulously organized by Ruiz himself. "It was just here when I arrived," he says, chuckling, about the small piece of card used to measure the drop from the collar.
As the team prepares for a matchday, Ruiz and his assistant, Barry Piper, work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure everything is in place. The van they use to transport kit is filled with an array of essentials, including shirts, shorts, goalkeeping gloves, coats, and towels. "You can't predict what will happen during a game," says Ruiz, but he has every eventuality covered.
But it's not just about the kit - it's also about the players themselves. Ruiz knows them by name, number, size, and shirt preference. He can name each player from 1 to 38 with ease, and even remembers that one missing digit during his time at New York Red Bulls.
As the dressing room fills with players, coaches, and staff, the individual routines and nuances show themselves. Goalkeeper Sam Johnstone always clocks his socks, while Tolu Arokodare trusts only Harry Warren, a matchday assistant, to steam his boots. Ruiz has seen it all before, but still enjoys the thrill of matchdays.
"Matchdays are the best days," Piper says, as he flits around arranging bench coats. "Training days are about ticking over - this is when it comes alive." And for Ruiz, there's no greater satisfaction than seeing his team take to the pitch in style, knowing that every detail has been carefully considered.
It's a job that requires patience, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of the players and coaches. But for Ruiz, it's not just a job - it's a passion. "These guys are like family to me," he says, smiling. And in a world where football is often about the flashy moments on the pitch, Ruiz's work is the unsung hero behind the scenes.
The kitman role is so underrated! I mean, can you imagine having to deal with all that pressure and expectation on matchdays, making sure every single player looks perfect? 
It's not just about the kit itself, but also about understanding each individual's needs and quirks. And Ruiz seems like a total pro at it - I've got so much respect for people like him who keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes 
. The detail he puts into every single thing, from the socks to the bench coats, is just amazing 
. It's all about attention to detail and making sure everyone feels confident and prepared for the game 
️.
The Premier League kit management system is still using old-fashioned measurements like paper cutouts and card 
. 
. Meanwhile, Ruiz has to deal with all these quirks and nuances while trying to ensure everything is perfect for the team 
. It's not just about kit management anymore, it's an art form 
.
! So I was reading abt Sean Ruiz, Wolves' head of kit & its like totally insane how much detail he puts into everything 
He knows every player by name, size, shirt preference & even has a special card to measure the drop from the collar lol what a genius 
His office is like a shrine 2 kit & it's so organized I need 2 take notes 
And can u imagine having 2 get every detail rite on matchday? Like goalkeepers clocking socks & players trusting certain ppl 2 steam their boots? 
It's literally an art form!
his workspace looks like a dream come true btw 
i mean who gets to say they know which player likes their socks steamed by harry warren? it's not just about the kit tho, sean ruiz has to keep an eye on all those players' personalities and quirks too. i heard he even has a special folder for each player's history with the team 
️ but what i think is cool is that he gets to see all these big football players in their element, just chillin' and getting ready to take on the game. and Ruiz is like the ultimate matchday strategist, always thinking 5 steps ahead 
sean ruiz sounds like a total genius though, i mean he knows every single player's size and shirt preference 
what's wild is that he can name each player with just one number, that's crazy! 
also, who knew there were so many things to transport in the van? it seems like they have everything covered but also it's not just about the kit, it's about the players themselves too 
It's amazing to think about all the little things he has to consider, from kit design to sock color, and how each one contributes to a seamless matchday experience.
The art of kit management might not be the most glamorous job, but it's clear that Ruiz loves his craft, and that's what makes it so fascinating to watch.