Linfield manager pays tribute to Ryan McBride

David, the current Linfield Football Club manager, took time out from an event at the North West Regional College, to remember the Candystripes defender who died suddenly at the age of 27.

He said he was saddened to see the loss of a player at such a young age. There was then a round of applause in memory of Ryan.

David was the special guest of the college as part of its continuing series of ‘Getting To The Top of Your Game’ masterclasses.

He told students how he made it to the top of his profession both in the English and Scottish premiership, how his first match playing for Northern Ireland was the defining moment in his career, and how his recent move into football management felt like a natural progression.

“I hope you all have big ambitions in life,” he said. “All I ever wanted to do was be a footballer. Practice, practice and practice. Have belief. Keep banging on doors because each coach or manager will see a different trait in you.”

Luke McCloskey, deputy head of Health & Sport at North West Regional College, thanked David Healy for his inspirational and motivational talk.

He added: “David’s words to the students and audience have indeed been inspirational to all learners or indeed anyone wishing to achieve career ambitions in sport.

“At NWRC we are committed to encouraging all of our students to get to the top of their game with hard work and dedication and we are proud of our record of progressing graduates into dedicated higher education degrees or positions of employment across Northern Ireland and beyond.”

NWRC will host open days at campuses at Strand Road and Springtown in the city today (Wednesday), 12 Noon – 8 pm, and Limavady and Greystone tomorrow (Thursday), 5.00pm – 8.00pm).