Ballymena United were in the headlines last week after an incident in their game against Rangers, but they have returned to the news for all the right reasons in recent days.
When it was announced Wrightbus, a firm based in the town, would close its doors it was a crushing blow to the community. 1,200 workers are set to lose their jobs, something that is sure to have a big effect on families in the area.
While nothing can make up for the emotions those workers must currently be going through, Ballymena United made a small but thoughtful gesture to those affected.
They announced all 1,200 workers were invited to attend their clash against Cliftonville free of charge, something that caught the attention of a certain football-mad Scottish singer.
Three cheers for @BallymenaUnited! 🏰 🎉
What a wonderful, charitable gesture to the Wrightbus employees.
There should be more of this in football. ⚽️
- Sir Rod xx https://t.co/ypEkJ5XSTJ— Sir Rod Stewart (@rodstewart) September 26, 2019
In a statement posted on the club's Twitter account, Ballymena United explained the reasoning behind their gesture to the workers:
We share in the emotions that have swept over our town.
The devastating news yesterday that Wrightbus has entered administration was a body blow to their workers, their families and the wider supply network, many of whom are in the makeup of our loyal fan base.
This morning the board of directors and management committee have discussed ways in which Ballymena United can give back to those who support us through thick and thin, acknowledging that as our fans are there for the club, so too must the club be there for its fans.
In that regard, the first step will be to offer free admission to all Wrightbus employees at our match verses Cliftonville this Saturday on production of their Wrightbus ID or clock card.
We hope that even if for 90 minutes, everyone's mind will be diverted to the team on the pitch and we can roar the lads home to a valuable three points.
