Jim Warren: Tragedy shows the League of Ireland for the family it is

I am one of many, many football people in disbelief at the news of Ryan McBride's sudden passing.

To think of this young man in the prime of his life no longer being around is too difficult to comprehend and, of course, our thoughts and condolences go out to his family.

Any death, particularly that of a young person, is extremely difficult to deal with but there seems to be an even greater sense of loss as he was one of the League of Ireland family. 

And it is a family. No matter what your allegiance, no matter what your connection, the League of Ireland is a close-knit family as the players and managers feel like one of us.

I've watched the league now for 10 years through the eyes of a scout and have been completely drawn in, welcomed in even, by the togetherness of the league.

This is like the English Football League from the 1950s. Not because of the playing standard or facilities (although certain grounds wouldn't have looked out of place) but because there is a real connection between those on the pitch and those off it.

The days when the best players in England caught the bus to the games with fans might seem mythical given the aloofness of the modern day Premier League players, but you can see why footballers were heroes of the common man of yesteryear.

I'm not saying for one moment that you should expect to see Dylan Connolly catching the DART out to the Carlisle Grounds, or Ronan Finn on the Red Line out to the Tallaght Stadium, but we can really relate to the players and that creates the sense of family.

And that is why Ryan's passing seems so much more painful. I never met the man but I watched him on many occasions. Very tough, uncompromising but fair, brave as a lion, his unflinching desire to win every game was evident.

He looked like the sort of man you'd want as your mate - you just knew he'd be unswervingly loyal and would run through a brick wall for you.

A few years ago, I considered recommending him to be a sent over for trial because he was an absolute warrior who you'd love to have in your side.

You hear the phrase "you'd want him in the trenches with you" said about many people. That phrase could have been created specifically to describe Ryan McBride.

And so as we try to get our heads around such a tragic loss, we know that nothing we can say can help to ease the pain and suffering of his immediate family and friends.

It is an utter tragedy. However, in time I hope they can draw some comfort from the fact that he was universally respected and loved within the league for who he was and for how his character shone through.

Ryan McBride was a fierce warrior but, most of all, Ryan McBride was one of us.  

Jim Warren has been watching the League of Ireland since moving to Ireland in 2007, as a scout for Preston North End, Peterborough United and currently Doncaster Rovers. He is English by birth but Irish by marriage and parenthood!