In remembrance of ‘Chicken’

Death, whilst inevitable, is rarely accepted when reality strikes.

Therefore, the tragic loss of national footballer Roy “Chicken” Richards, last Saturday night, in his home town of Barrouallie, through violent means, again gave another taste of the sting of death.

It is normal that persons will look for all the superlatives to shower on the deceased, even if they have to sometimes go against their conscience.

But in the case of Chicken, truth be told, he is deserving of the glowing tributes which have thus far been bestowed on him and his impact on football and general human living.

Among those who have given their piece on the life of Chicken, is former president of the Barrouallie Sports Association Lorson Lewis.

“Roy had always dedicated his football career, starting very early since his days at Keartons United as a youngster… He has represented at every call or opportunity that was presented to him, such that he had made the left back position his, hence no one dare took his place,” Lewis said.

“It is sad that we had to lose a stalwart and even more crushing is the way he met his demise… He will truly be missed on and off the pitch and the community has lost a gem, one that is irreplaceable,” Lewis added.

Also paying tribute to Chicken was head of BESCO-Pastures Raymond Trimmingham, who recalled him to be a “humble human being”.

“Chicken was person who people often gravitate to. He had that inviting personality which connected with others… He hardly got vexed with anyone,” Trimmingham said.

Relative to the Chicken’s contribution to BESCO-Pastures over the years, Trimmingham stated: “He was one of our stalwart players … He was a tower of strength to the team and I would venture to say that he is irreplaceable”.

President of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation (SVGFF) Venold Coombs had this to say in a media release.

“This is another sad day for our sport… another relatively young man taken out in the prime of his life… it is really sad… I cannot find words to describe my feelings… this has left me devastated.”

Coombs described Richards as a committed footballer, who despite not being blessed with the greatest of talent, was prepared to work hard to improve his game.

“As a national defender he would not be remembered as an outstanding player, like for instance, Cornie (Cornelius) Huggins, (Tyrone) Tweety Spence, Ezra Hendrickson or “Bally” (Raymond Ballantyne), who are household names, but he gave it his all whenever he was on the field, regardless of the type of match,” Coombs added.

With his favourite number being #3, Chicken at the time of his death was 33 years old, and represented St Vincent and the Grenadines football well over the past nine years.

Quiet by disposition, Chicken rose to captain the senior national team, during some of the matches of St Vincent and the Grenadines’ last World Cup campaign.

As it turns out, his final outing was versus the USA here at the Arnos Vale Playing Field, September 2, 2016.

Besides representing St Vincent and the Grenadines and local club BESCO-Pastures, Emerald Stars and Keartons United in the Barrouallie Football League, Chicken played for Rendezvous in the Premier Division of the Barbados Football Association’s tournament.

He had helped the Barrouallie League cop a few titles in the National Inter-Community League competition, staged by the SVGFF.

Chicken’s defensive services were also sought by other teams in the various community leagues played across St Vincent and the Grenadines.

This column joins in the football fraternity in expressing condolences to the late Roy “Chicken” Richards’ family.