Tragedy puts football into perspective
Thursday, 16 October 2008
Ballymena United manager Roy Walker.
It should have been the biggest celebration of Ballymena United's season so far.
But Saturday's 2-0 win over champions Linfield, United's first victory of the season, was rendered irrelevant after the tragic death of Lorraine Stewart, mother of young defender Aaron Stewart.
Mrs Stewart, wife of Reserve team boss Alfie, died while driving Aaron to Saturday's game against Linfield.
Ballymena United Manager Roy Walker has said the tragic loss puts football into perspective.
“It certainly puts football matters into perspective and that phrase of Bill Shankley's 'some people say football is a matter of life and death, I can assure you it is much more important than that' is a nonsense," he told Guardian Sport.
“It is at time like this when football doesn't matter," he added.
Walker said the players were on a high after two wonder strikes from Kevin Kelbie gave the Sky Blues their first maximum point haul of the JJB Sports Premiership campaign - against the champions no less.
Their elation soon turned to despair as Walker broke the tragic news to them in the Showground's changing room.
“The players where full of euphoria after a great win but when we broke the news to them they were absolutely devastated. They were gobsmacked," he said.
“At that stage we didn't know whether Archie (Aaron) was hurt, as it turns out that was not the case but they were absolutely distraught," added the boss.
Mrs Stewart is understood to have suffered either a heart attack or stroke while driving along the Whiteside Road in Randalstown.
Aaron and his sister Alana, waited with his mother for 20 minutes before an ambulance arrived.
Walker said it will take some time for the family to come to terms with the loss.
“I have been in contact with them and Archie has been holding up better than Alfie and his younger sister. They are still in a terrible state coming to terms with it," he said.
Meanwhile, turning to the game, Walker was delighted with the performance against the Belfast side.
“We did really well once we got over the first fifteen minutes. Linfield had a few chances and Alan Blayney made a string of good saves.
“After that I felt we were in control of the game, we passed it well and were the better team," he said.
Flying Scotsman Kelbie, who was courted by Linfield in the summer, scored a cracking goal in each half.
The first an unstoppable pile-driver from the edge of the box and the second an accurate finish, again from distance.
He dedicated both strikes to Mrs Stewart.
“Obviously I am very pleased (with Kelbie's goals). They were two great strikes and at the end of the day goals win matches," said Walker.
The boss is hoping Kelbie will again have his shooting boots on on Saturday when the second of the big two come to town.
Glentoran are the visitors on Saturday as the big fixtures keep coming for the Braidmen.
The east Belfast side have been the scourge of United this season having knocked in ten goals against them in their two encounters this season.
But that marvellous win against Linfield will have boosted confidence.
Walker is hopeful that United can continue to avoid making the costly mistakes that plagued them in the early part of the season.
“We have to approach it (Glentoran) in the same manner (as Linfield and Coleraine)," he said.
“I have said to you and others in the past that if we don't make mistakes, obvious mistakes, we will get results. We didn't make them against Coleraine and we got an result and we didn't make them against Linfield and we got a result and if we don't make them against Glentoran we will have a chance," he added.
The right back position will give Walker the biggest headache this weekend as Aiden Watson is suspended.
As far as injuries are concerned the boss will make an assessment later in the week.
“Unfortunately Aiden Watson has picked up five bookings and is suspended so that is disappointing. For injuries it is too early in the week and we will assess the squad tomorrow," he said.
Walker is also keen to be sensitive with Aaron Stewart's return to action.
“I need to just assess that later in the week, coming back may be a good thing for him, we just have to look at that carefully," he said.
Walker said plans are still being discussed but that a minute's silence in memory of Lorraine Stewart may be held before Saturday's game.
“I am sure we will so something in that regard. The Reserve fixture against Distillery tomorrow night has been cancelled," said Walker.
