A goal with a special dedication

The goal recently scored by Barry Douglas was dedicated to a special person - his friend with whom the Scott played back in the Queen's Park and who had passed away a few days before. Stuart McGrady died in sleep at the age of 29. His old teammates (including Barry) raised a special fund that is meant to support the family of the player.

1. In the explosion of happiness caused by the goal you scored not a lot of people noticed your dedication. Was it something you have planned, or was it spontaneous?

I knew if I scored I would 100% dedicate it to Stuart. Because of the timing and importance of the goal, it was a very emotional moment for me. 

2. You owe a lot to Queen's Park who have reached out to you. How much did your teammates help you back then when you joined the team as "a boy from the backyard"?

I owe a lot to Queen's Park, because they gave me my chance to pursue my dream of being a professional footballer. For that I will always be grateful. It's a great club.

3. The site where you keep the remembrance of Stuart alive and raise money to support the family was set up from the your and your teammates' initiative. When observing you it seems that you are a "well-knit" group. Do you still keep in touch since you left?

The group of boys we had at that team was amazing the team spirit was incredible. It will be hard to come by a dressing room like that again - it was truly unique! We do speak now and again, but this tragedy has brought us all closer than ever. It puts life into perspective and makes you really appreciate all that we have.

4. In the amateur clubs the approach to football isn't as strict and many great memories are made off the pitch. Do you recall any stories involving Stuart?

There are many stories, but they will need stay with the dressing room, I'm afraid! Although, there was one that involved a group of us on holiday in Magaluf, Spain. Stuart was known for not caring about his appearance and he showed up at night wearing one of the boys' new trainers. After a few drinks, he was drinking out the shoe, then threw it from the bar we were in to one across the street. He wasn't bothered about the trainer at all! It was a funny moment 

5. Whenever an athlete dies at a young age people start asking questions about the reason and the impact of the sport. Not always the death happens on the pitch. In May last year when sleeping (just like Start) died the former goalkeeper of Lech, Ivan Turina (he was 32 years old). Do you think it is possible to avoid or prevent such accidents?

I think there are that many tests an athlete gets nowadays and they prevent a lot of accidents, but in such situations I don't think there is much anyone can do. Stuart was young and healthy and he had no problems, so it is hard to say such things could have been prevented.

6. When your uncle Scott died, you decided to shave your head bald to draw people's attention to the preventive treatment of cancer. If you get to know the reason of Stuart's death, are you planning a similar action?

The circumstances were different, as it was to raise awareness, but also to show my support to my uncle and to make him feel he wasn't fighting the disease alone. Of course, if there is anything I can do to help raise awareness about tragedies like the Stuart's one, I will do it without hesitation.

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Stuart's memorial fund website can be found here>>>