Post by merse on Oct 7, 2010 11:30:00 GMT
Yesterday I was reminded of that old adage when I met up with someone I hadn't seen for a while and who's name might not immediately ring a bell with you, but when I jog your memory; I'm sure most of you will recall his story...................Nine years ago Andy Douglas was stabbed when he accompanied his good friend and fellow former Arsenal Academy player Paulo Vernazza to his new home in the early hours of the morning only to find a burglar on the premises. In the ensuing confrontation both Andy and Paulo were grieviously wounded, and Andy lost so much blood he was visited by a priest as the specialist trauma unit of Homerton Hospital began the long battle to save his life ~ a battle that took several days and nights.
Andy (his elder brother is the dreadlocked Stuart Douglas who has played against the Gulls for both Boston Utd and Luton Town) had just been released by Sheffield Wednesday and had played for Hornchurch in the Ryman League but was under contract with Grays Athletic (who's chairman Mick Woodward looked after him fantastically during the forthcoming ordeal by the way) at the time of the incident and was working hard in seeking a contract back in full time professional football whilst Paulo was a pro' at Watford; and has since played against The Gulls for both Woking and Weymouth I think I'm correct in saying.
Almost two years after his brush with death, minus his spleen and with his now re-generated liver functioning to a degree; Andy tried again at AFC Wimbledon but the stamina levels required for professional football were just not there and since then he has qualified to become a full time coach within the Arsenal Academy, Community & Development systems and this is where his and Anthony and my paths crossed yesterday.
Mindful of his recent disappointment at QPR, Arsenal sent Andy along to have a chat with my son to encourage him and illustrate just how many established and even international footballers have suffered knockbacks in their young lives. He arranged for him to go down to the Emirates Stadium after school, yesterday and begin a series of photo shoots for the club magazine in which he will regularly demonstrate those soccer skills that I had to persuade Aussie were so useful to young players
Nice for Anthony (who's come home with yet another free soccer strip courtesy of Nike and Arsenal) and for his talented friend Damilola who came along to be the willing "stooge" for the photographs ~ and a free kit for Dami too!
Then onto another disappointment for the two boys.....................attending a trial for Islington Schools Under 11s they were delivered on time by Andy only to be told that as they were a year too young, they were ineligable for the trial. Ability didn't come into it, they were forced to stand and watch as players who couldn't hold a candle to them were considered and told they should "come back next year" leaving me to enquire just why they had been invited in the first place and told this morning that having been observed, no-one even considered they might be a year too young
So I hope Anthony (and Damilola) realise their worth this morning and feel as if they ARE valued and have a positive future. They are and they certainly do as far as I'm concerned and I hope they put their disappointments of the past week to good use and use the experience to increase their deternmination to be a success in the future..................just as Andy Douglas had to!
