1963 Symington, Brian
Biographical Text
Brian Symington was an Irish amateur international who joined Exeter from Brighton in 1963. Returning to Northern Ireland he worked to the benefit of people with visual impairments for forty years and was duly awarded the MBE.
When he arrived at St James' Park it was reported that he had recently turned down a move to PSV Eindhoven but, during his time with the Grecians, he was only to play for the reserves without making the first-team.
Don McConnell, father of future City player Barry McConnell, knew Brian from school in Belfast and recalled that "Brian was a very skilful player who unfortunately had a bad injury which more or less finished his football career. Had that not happened he would undoubtedly have made a lot more progress".
Returnung to Belfast, Brian worked with children and adults who were deaf, blind, visually impaired or deafblind for over forty years both as a principal social worker and director of RNID NI together with chairing several other bodies in the sector. He was awarded a MBE for his services in 2001.
When he arrived at St James' Park it was reported that he had recently turned down a move to PSV Eindhoven but, during his time with the Grecians, he was only to play for the reserves without making the first-team.
Don McConnell, father of future City player Barry McConnell, knew Brian from school in Belfast and recalled that "Brian was a very skilful player who unfortunately had a bad injury which more or less finished his football career. Had that not happened he would undoubtedly have made a lot more progress".
Returnung to Belfast, Brian worked with children and adults who were deaf, blind, visually impaired or deafblind for over forty years both as a principal social worker and director of RNID NI together with chairing several other bodies in the sector. He was awarded a MBE for his services in 2001.
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Terry Thompson
Hi I remember Brian well when he played for Distillery back in the 1960's, he was a quality player, possibly if he reads this he might like to come along and watch the current team.
Cheers
Terry
Brian Symington
Terry ,
Thank you for your kind comment. Distillery were very good to me. When I returned home as a teenager it was uncertain that I would play again. I had received a serious head injury and it was only when I returned home that I got medical treatment. I had been out of football for some months when Distillery offered me the opportunity to start playing again. It meant playing mostly on the wing to avoid heading the ball as much as possible. The risk proved too great and my last Irish League game was when I was 22 years of age. On reflection it was not a good decision to leave Distillery after two seasons to join Glentoran. Perhaps my biggest regret was not taking up the offer to go to Burnley when I left school.
I am currently involved with Sports Chaplaincy UK and act as Chaplain to PSNI FC and the IFA's Cerebral Palsy Team. I would welcome the opportunity to go along to watch the current Distillery team. I can perhaps do that when the team plays the PSNI FC.
Kind regards ,
Brian