“Some people believe football is a matter of life and death…. I can assure you it is much, much more important than that”.
We all understand the sentiments of Bill Shankly’s famous quotation, but, of course, it is not true. Life and football were put in perspective at Harlaw Park last Saturday when long-time supporter John Chalmers collapsed just before kick-off in the league match against Wick. He died later in hospital. Everyone extends their deepest sympathy to the Chalmers family.
Despite the tragic and sad circumstances, the response to the incident did highlight the tremendous professionalism behind the scenes at the football club.
Help was on hand immediately from Stuart Gordon, Inverurie Loco. Work’s First Aider, club doctor Aileen Connelly, other Locos’ officials, as well as NHS first aid responders and paramedics.
The club was extremely grateful for the help offered by the Wick Academy doctor and physiotherapist, who is also a paramedic, and everyone worked together as a team to resuscitate and stabilise Mr Chalmers and prepare the transfer to the ambulance.
Thankfully such occurrences are relatively rare, but the response which ensued on the day certainly highlights the organisation, training and effort behind the scenes which many “unsung” club officials undertake to allow the games to proceed in a safe environment.
The SFA and Highland League deserve commendation for ensuring that all Highland League clubs have a “defibrillator” and doctor on hand at all matches.
Following on from my article last week, the incident also reinforces my view that the Highland League is “in a different league” (to coin the title of Rodwill Clyne’s famous book) in terms of its “family” culture.
That view was echoed by league president Finlay Noble of Fraserburgh FC as he described the league as “one big community” in which all member clubs would share the sadness involved.
I do hope that the SFA will come to appreciate the unique “culture” within the Highland League as they develop their new pyramid system to/from the Scottish league.
As for the match last Saturday, it was a good one with Wick deserving their 3-2 win, but for once the result didn’t really matter.