Newcastle manager sends letter of sympathy to Rice family

Newcastle manager sends letter of sympathy to Rice family

21 October 2015

ONE of the UK’s best known football managers has sent a letter of sympathy to the family of Killyleagh man Chris Rice who died in an accident two weeks ago.

Former England manager, Steve McClaren, who took charge of premiership club Newcastle United in the summer, sent the letter after hearing of the tragic death of the passionate Newcastle supporter.

Mr Rice, who died on October 7 after his car was involved in a collision with a tractor at the Saintfield Road near Darragh Cross, was a dedicated Newcastle United fan. In a personal letter to Mr Rice’s family, the Premiership club’s bosws offered his condolences and paid tribute to Chris.

His letter read: “On behalf of the players and staff at Newcastle United, I send my sincere condolences following the tragic loss of your beloved Chris.

“I understand Chris was a huge fan of the club, I hope we gave him some good memories over the years. I would imagine he also witnessed a few games that he would have liked to forget during that time too!

“It’s the likes of Chris’ support that makes this team so special and we were proud to have him follow us and would like you to accept our gratitude, on his behalf, for his unprecedented support,” said McClaren.

The manager’s letter adds: “I hope Chris managed to get a few people around him in Northern Ireland to follow the Toon Army too and hope their support continues in his memory. My thoughts go out to you all at this sad time and we send our best wishes for the future.”

Peter Rice, who paid a warm tribute to his brother in last week’s Down Recorder, said the family were delighted to receive the letter from the Newcastle United manager.

“The gesture shows just what a fantastic football club it is is. The respect they have shown for Chris and our family is very touching. We never expected anything like this but are humbled that Steve took the time to write a personal letter. Chris would be very proud they did that,” he said.

“My mother opened the letter last Friday and we believe someone who knows our family contacted the football club. The fact the manager took time to write us a letter means an awful lot. That is just the kind of club Newcastle United is, the results may not always be great on the pitch, but there is a great bond between the club and the fans.”

Peter said his brother “would be glowing” if he knew what the Premiership club had done for the Rice family.

“This was a wonderful gesture by the club. We never expected anything like this and have taken great comfort from Steve McClaren’s kind words. I suspect there are not too many football clubs who would do something like this. The letter is clearly from the heart which makes it that extra bit special,” he continued.

“Newcastle is a great club for signing autographs before and after games and Chris and I used to stand outside St James’ Park starstruck. My son Keegan is named after Kevin Keegan and when he was manager he lifted him over a barrier to sign autographs for him and to have his photograph taken as well. 

“When Keegan was born I got a letter from Kevin congratulating me. That sums what the club Chris and I love is all about it.”

Peter said his family are to send a ‘thank you’ card to Steve McClaren explaining the letter he sent provided the whole family with a lift. He added: “It is nice to know Newcastle United cares.”