Coronavirus: Nairn County FC sets Bill Shankly straight in an inspirational way – leader comment

Life is more important than football and Nairn County FC’s commitment to local people helps demonstrate that.

Nairn County takes on East Stirlingshire (Picture: Michael Gillen)

There is an idea in football that people should support their local club. However, Nairn County FC has turned this on its head by deciding, amid the coronavirus outbreak, to support its local community.

The Highland League team are offering to pick up shopping, get prescriptions or walk the dog for those unable to do so, while also offering to pay what they can to their local suppliers for next season so “they will have that cash now when it is most needed”.

Four years ago, the club was in financial trouble and local people rallied round to help. County’s director Ian Finlayson said “now it is our turn to repay this debt”.

He was also bold enough to contradict a footballing legend, saying “Bill Shankly once said that football is not a matter of life and death, it is more important than that. Mr Shankly was wrong.”

And, with actions like these, Finlayson and co have every right to be so bold.

But it’s fairly certain that Shankly would have wholeheartedly approved of Nairn County’s community spirit.

The Wee County is walking tall and should be an inspiration to everyone.