Why ‘Uncle Jimmy’s scarf’ drives Brian to succeed

Over the years Brian has been ask what is his motivation to spend time and effort for a club which has not won a senior trophy in over 20 years.

“Perhaps the events of the last 7 days may give an answer to that question,” explains Brian.

On Monday, while the match with Linfield was taking place, Brian was in his normal Monday night routine collecting returns from the agents and missed the first half. Cynics might say he was lucky but he listened to the game on the radio and felt the pain of each goal.

However when he called at the Gaston household to collect Luke’s returns his mum Ann, who handed them over said Luke had taken his young brother Ethan (9) to the match. Ann also said Ethan had been given ‘Uncle Jimmy’s scarf’.

Uncle Jimmy was Jimmy Millar who recently lost his battle with cancer. He was a lifetime supporter of the club and member of the Seven Towers Supporters Club. Indeed the Gaston family circle has other names such as Gibson, Adams and Rock, all Ballymena supporters. Ann commented that Jimmy would be there in spirit with Ethan.

“To me that speaks volumes about our supporters. To me, forget the result, the important aspect was Uncle Jimmy’s scarf being passed from generation to generation - proud moment for all those in Sky Blue,” said Brian.

“Then on Friday, purely by accident, I met Andrew McCann and his family. Andrew is the son of the late Robert (Bobby) McCann, another lifetime supporter of Ballymena who passed a few years ago. I spent a happy evening in their company engrossed in reminiscences of his father’s loyalty to Ballymena.

“Indeed some years back Robert donated generously a set of chef’s knives for the Xmas Draw. Robert was a true gentleman, home and away he rarely missed a match.

“Lastly on Saturday our match with Crusaders was once again sponsored by McCurdy Fuels & Haulage.

“This business was started by the late Wilson McCurdy who with his wife Jean and family built up a very successful and respected business. Wilson was a great Ballymena supporter and was a great friend and business associate of myself.

“Wilson was delighted when I took on the role and the company has sponsored a match for the past 11 years. So on Saturday son Bill and grandson Jaimie were on hand to support us and enjoyed a great victory. I have seen Jaimie go from a mascot to now being almost taller than myself! Their support is a great sense of both pride and humbling experience.

“I have enjoyed the fellowship and support of all three and there have been many more who have been of similar inspiration.

“In their memory and to their families I get my motivation to continue the search for new revenue and promotions to bring success to the club.

“Success puts smiles on faces and after the recent sad news of Pattons this week, many of whose workers are our own supporters, we need to put smiles on their faces.

“Whether we do it on November 27 or not remains to be seen but success will come.

I have taken great inspiration from the events of this week and it’s all down to a young boy of 9 and Uncle Jimmy’s Scarf,” added Brian.