Westmoreland football community in mourning following death of ‘Pegleg’

A SOMBRE mood has gripped the Westmoreland football fraternity after they were plunged into mourning following the death of one of their patriots, 61-year-old Ronaldo Webley, at the weekend.

Webley, also known as 'Pegleg', a Manning's School mascot for more than 20 years, died in the Savanna-La-Mar hospital in Westmoreland where he was hospitalised for injuries he received after a fall from a building. He succumbed to his injuries Friday night after battling for a week.

President of the Westmoreland Football Association (WFA), Everton Tomlinson, told STAR Sports that the community has lost a true warrior.

'Pegleg's death mash wi up. The place in mourning right now, he really will be sadly missed. The entire football fraternity from Westmoreland is in mourning. He dedicated his life to Reno and Manning's School. Reno FC had an away match against Duncans on Saturday, and the Trelawny fans showed us where Pegleg would normally wave his flag. They loved his vibes, it is really sad," Tomlinson said.

According to Leon Blake, Webley's older brother, at about 7:30 p.m. Friday, January 24, Webley was assisting a friend on a two-story building. The area was dark and Webley missed his step and fell which he ended up breaking his neck and spinal cord. It resulted in him being paralysed. A week later he succumbed to his injuries.

Blake said since his passing, there has been a void in the family and they are not handling it well.

"I didn't expect him to go before me. We were very close. When I am sick, he is always around me. Our last conversation we spoke about life and he said he doesn't want to get sick. He didn't want to be a burden to anyone or be crippled in bed and can't do anything for himself. He would prefer to die and he told the doctor that. Trust me, it is very sad," Blake said, after coming to terms with his younger brother's death.

"He was a jovial person and a good boy. He got along with everyone. If you and him argue today, tomorrow you are friends. He was a clean hearted guy and didn't carry any feelings. I really feel it for him," added Blake.

Webley, who was from Gooden's River in Westmoreland, was a lover of the sport and was always seen at the Llandilo Community Centre at football games with his jovial spirit and passion for the game.

"He contributed a lot to the Llandilo Community Centre. He has been with me day in and day out. I have decided to name the official stands 'The Ronaldo Pegleg Webley' in honour of him. That is where he would be with the excitement. His honour and memory will always be with us."

"I have received a number of phone calls from both past and present students and they can't come to terms with his passing and want confirmation. He was well known, loved and respected by all," added Tomlinson, who expressed the uncertainty of what the season would be like without Webley.

Webley's passion for football could not go unannounced as even rival fans noticed his cheerful spirit at games.

A candlelight vigil will be held on Saturday, February 8 after Reno FC's home game at the Llandilo Community Centre to honour Webley.

Captain of The Manning's School daCosta team, Javin Williams, said the team has lost one of their biggest motivators.

"There is nobody like him to motivate us on match and training days. On match days, he is always there for us. I don't think anyone can give us the motivation like he gives us or reach his standards. He was like a father figure to us and we are all asking that for next season, who will be our motivator?" Williams said.

Webley was a past student of Manning's and could always be seen on the field during daCosta Cup games with two vuvuzelas taped together, a Manning's School jersey and flag waving. His presence could always be felt from a distance.

"Right now, we are still in disbelief. It doesn't feel real and that is what we are all saying. If we were at camp and wanted anything, he got it for us. He made sure we were always okay and came to camp to check in on us."