We have had a heart warming, yet very sad note from one of our readers in Brisbane, Australia, which we want to share.
Our reader has asked us to put out a thank you to all the Newcastle players who signed a Newcastle jersey recently for David Ridley.
David was a Newcastle United supporter who succumbed to cancer on Tuesday of this week.
He worked in an oncology ward in Brisbane Australia.
Before he died, David had jokingly said how he could ‘Watch all the Newcastle games from upstairs’.
His final wish was to be buried in a Newcastle United jersey.
The Newcastle club heard of this, and duly obliged by sending David a shirt, signed by a number of the Newcastle players.
We are told that David felt so privileged and special when the jersey arrived, and he was also very proud to be a faithful supporter of the Newcastle United Club.
His family and friends would like to issue a heartfelt thanks to the Newcastle players and the Newcastle United club for doing this, it’s much appreciated.
It meant so much to David.
We hope the players will dedicate our first game at Manchester United to the memory of David Ridley.
Then they will play like men possessed – or should I say good men possessed.
Rest in peace David, and we’re sure the lads will try to get you that win on August 17th, plus quite a few more as the season progresses.
We send our own condolences to David’s family and friends.
91 responses so far ↓
1 staffsmag // Jul 24, 2008 at 3:15 PM
A very touching but sad story. My thoughts go to his family and friends. Perhaps this is the sort of thing the press could report on and see Newcastle in a different light! Lets hope the lads give David something to smile about as he looks down on them
2 Robert from Serbia // Jul 24, 2008 at 3:20 PM
3 domtoon // Jul 24, 2008 at 3:23 PM
Rest in Peace.
4 Eric // Jul 24, 2008 at 3:24 PM
Well said Staffsmag. Sounds like he was a good bloke. Fair play to our players. OK stuff Manky Utd now.
5 Patrick // Jul 24, 2008 at 3:24 PM
RIP
6 geordie jock // Jul 24, 2008 at 3:27 PM
This puts everything into perspective. Hope you get a smashing view up there David REST IN PEACE YOUNG LAD.
7 valle // Jul 24, 2008 at 3:31 PM
may god take good care of your young soul David… So sad when a person that young dies.
8 united supporter // Jul 24, 2008 at 3:31 PM
Rest in peace DAVID, from japan.
9 Maxee // Jul 24, 2008 at 3:32 PM
Proud to be a Geordie.
R.I.P
10 Dillon // Jul 24, 2008 at 3:32 PM
R.I.P. Best wishes to all family and friends.
11 Mattias // Jul 24, 2008 at 3:33 PM
There is alot worse things thats happening out there then the fact that we cant sign players like we used to.
Perspective is the key word here.
R.I.P
12 Chris // Jul 24, 2008 at 3:34 PM
RIP David, hope you’ve got the best seat in the house up there for the new season.
13 xfer // Jul 24, 2008 at 3:35 PM
RIP
14 Davies // Jul 24, 2008 at 3:36 PM
RIP
15 dougnufc // Jul 24, 2008 at 3:39 PM
R.I.P
16 Fippy // Jul 24, 2008 at 3:39 PM
We’ll sing our hearts out for you mate
17 seetow // Jul 24, 2008 at 3:44 PM
RIP david, well at least yo uget a seat higher up than the directors’ box up there!
18 Lacedaemonian // Jul 24, 2008 at 3:46 PM
Peace brother!
PS The media do not need to know every intimate detail of our club. Clearly the club are not courting the media anymore, which is great. I hope MA can give something for David to watch next season.
19 reillers // Jul 24, 2008 at 3:46 PM
RIP. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dilis.
20 hadrian // Jul 24, 2008 at 3:50 PM
our players better give this lad the kind of performance he gave them in terms of support .
21 HeronMag // Jul 24, 2008 at 3:52 PM
RIP David
22 Tom4Nufc // Jul 24, 2008 at 3:54 PM
R.I.P
23 Leo // Jul 24, 2008 at 3:56 PM
Rest In Peace matey hope they give you a good seat for the games up there watching down on our club
im sure you will have a lil word in the big mans ear
24 ObaFan2 // Jul 24, 2008 at 4:01 PM
A sad and touching story, God bless you m8.
25 toonfan1 // Jul 24, 2008 at 4:03 PM
26 JOeT // Jul 24, 2008 at 4:13 PM
RIP David!
27 Bren // Jul 24, 2008 at 4:14 PM
Good lad, David. Keep watching us.
28 bob marley // Jul 24, 2008 at 4:20 PM
RIP!!!!
29 Mitch H // Jul 24, 2008 at 4:23 PM
Condolences to David’s family & friends.
30 Whitters // Jul 24, 2008 at 4:24 PM
RIP David – Thoughts are with family and freinds
31 Marty // Jul 24, 2008 at 4:27 PM
Nice touch by the Club.
Sound like a real Geordie DAVID,see ya up there when we get there.
Condolences to the Family are prayers are with you…
32 jeffa // Jul 24, 2008 at 4:29 PM
R.I.P
33 dcbashore // Jul 24, 2008 at 4:29 PM
Well done by the club to put a positive streak, however small, into a sad story.
34 Obafan // Jul 24, 2008 at 4:49 PM
Very touching story. Rest in peace David and hopefully your dream of watching the Newcastle games from upstairs comes true.
My condolences to his family and friends.
35 Whitey // Jul 24, 2008 at 4:54 PM
R.I.P
36 Alex // Jul 24, 2008 at 4:59 PM
Condolences to family and friends
Rest in peace David and enjoy watching from the sky box.
37 Christer // Jul 24, 2008 at 5:10 PM
RIP
38 Lull // Jul 24, 2008 at 5:14 PM
Rest In Peace, David
39 Alan Howourth // Jul 24, 2008 at 5:18 PM
god bless my friend , my mam and dad and Tony and Steven are up there so they will give you a hug x
40 Zero Cool // Jul 24, 2008 at 5:28 PM
Stories like this is what set Newcastle United aside from other clubs. Truly a unmatched passion between the fans and the club. Keep supporting the toon Big Dave.
41 Faustino // Jul 24, 2008 at 5:52 PM
Condolences to David and to all his family.I hope that the lad has some quality to watch from up there or, at the very least, that he can lend us a helping hand occasionally.
42 JAY K // Jul 24, 2008 at 5:53 PM
News out the day is also that Oba Martins mum has died and he has flown home to be with the rest of the family also very sad news.
43 Frankieboy // Jul 24, 2008 at 6:01 PM
Ability makes players
Humanity makes people.
A truly magnificent gesture by all at the club.
Hope all of Davids family and friends are proud to read these comments.
Have a bottle o broon with Wor
Jackie David lad.
My son also called David passed away 20 years ago n he’ll be up there with a black n white top on too.
RIP
44 Marguerite // Jul 24, 2008 at 6:04 PM
R.I.P David. Our thoughts and best wishes to his family. Well done the club and the players who signed his shirt – it has to be the best way to go.
Geordies here, Geordies, there, Geordies EVERYWHERE.
Come on the Toon, do him proud.
45 Toon_Ksk // Jul 24, 2008 at 6:06 PM
R.I.P
46 AndyNUFC // Jul 24, 2008 at 6:06 PM
RIP David.
47 nightfall // Jul 24, 2008 at 6:13 PM
ene dogodivÅ¡Äine konc…druga se zaÄenja..
48 Haseeb // Jul 24, 2008 at 6:30 PM
R.I.P my thoughts go out to his friends and family.may god have mercy on your soul
49 Nick C // Jul 24, 2008 at 6:40 PM
Rest in peace brother……
50 Brazilian Geordie // Jul 24, 2008 at 6:40 PM
Descanse em Paz, David.
RIP
51 phil anslow // Jul 24, 2008 at 6:41 PM
hey david if you can read this from the other side then you could be our twelth man against the mancs magpies never die they go on for ever!we are everywhere r i p
52 Nobby! // Jul 24, 2008 at 6:46 PM
R.I.P., Dave… and condolence to his family and friends. Nice one, Ed, for posting this. It was nice of the lads to give him a signed jersey.
53 DaveyG // Jul 24, 2008 at 6:58 PM
RIP Young man.
Keep looking doon on the toon matey, they will make you proud!!
54 Angryman the Angry Fan // Jul 24, 2008 at 7:03 PM
Aye Rest in peace son.
I am sure there are plenty of fans and past players up there to let you know your amongst friends!
ALSO, Condolences to Oba Martins and Family.
It is being reported that his mother past away suddenly!!
My heart goes out to all of you. As yet, never lost a close member of family, and i cant even begin to comprehend what your going through.
One thing it does do is put our thoughts about footy into perspective for a moment in time.
RIP x
55 natedawg // Jul 24, 2008 at 7:12 PM
RIP
56 Dondatta13 // Jul 24, 2008 at 7:48 PM
Sorry to see Oba’s mam has also passed away …..
http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/nufc/newcastle-united-news/2008/07/24/martins-heads-home-after-mother-s-death-72703-21402898/
57 Gallowgate31 // Jul 24, 2008 at 7:52 PM
Lost my Mam too on Tuesday, my heart has been ripped in two. Hope Oba and David’s family recieve the kindness and support I am currently getting.
Nice one NUFC. this is what makes us a great club.
R.I.P Irene, David and Mrs Martins.
58 Gateshead Mag. // Jul 24, 2008 at 8:00 PM
Very touching, I had goosebumps reading this as to how much Newcastle fans love our club.
RIP
59 Chris // Jul 24, 2008 at 8:04 PM
More sad news. Oba Martin’s mum has died!
http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/nufc/newcastle-united-news/2008/07/24/martins-heads-home-after-mother-s-death-72703-21402898/
60 Black and White Blood // Jul 24, 2008 at 8:18 PM
Well I expect to see a big improvement in performances from now on David as you’re up there with the big BOSS pulling the strings!
You’re a special, special, special lad; enjoy the grandstand view, a true inspiration to us all.
To your family members – You must be so proud of your little hero, remember, it’s just like a hand in a glove – Just because you can’t see the hand in the glove, it doesn’t mean its not there – God bless you all!
61 Neptoon // Jul 24, 2008 at 8:20 PM
check this out people
http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/nufc/newcastle-united-news/2008/07/24/martins-heads-home-after-mother-s-death-72703-21402898/
62 Frankieboy // Jul 24, 2008 at 8:26 PM
All our thoughts are with you too OBA.
Your part of OUR family.
63 Frankieboy // Jul 24, 2008 at 8:28 PM
The hand in the glove is like family, friends and stars.
You can’t always see them but you always know they are there.
Nice one B&W Blood.
64 Punk Skunk // Jul 24, 2008 at 8:44 PM
Poor little lad, gutted for his family & friends, how sad!..
…Good shout for Oba’s mam also Angry fan, well said!..
…All the best to David’s & Oba’s families!..
…Hang in there Oba!..
65 Punk Skunk // Jul 24, 2008 at 8:46 PM
Gutted for you Gallowgate 31, all the best man!..
66 paul [ // Jul 24, 2008 at 8:57 PM
its a sad evening all around today for all us associated with newcastle united football club. very sad day. r.i.p david ridley. my thoughts go out to all of family, as they do to oba’s family tonight.
67 R.D NUFC 4EVA // Jul 24, 2008 at 9:04 PM
R.I.P
68 united supporter // Jul 24, 2008 at 9:17 PM
R.Ｉ.P.　from japan
69 richmondmag // Jul 24, 2008 at 10:14 PM
RIP David
Geordies, gerodies everywhere
70 Ken // Jul 24, 2008 at 10:25 PM
May he rest in peace.
71 sweendog // Jul 24, 2008 at 11:15 PM
Sad story .. my deepest sympathy for his family and for oba’s.
72 normski1930z // Jul 24, 2008 at 11:24 PM
respect due to ya boss you will always be remembered …. nufc 4 ever…
73 Brazilian Geordie // Jul 24, 2008 at 11:27 PM
Somebody is asking me how old was he.
Could anybody tell me?
74 Momo // Jul 25, 2008 at 12:03 AM
R.I.P, David. Hopefully Heaven is a high enough place for you to watch games at St. James’.
And R.I.P, Oba’s mother. All of our thoughts are with you Oba and David’s Family
75 Dr O'Style // Jul 25, 2008 at 12:13 AM
RIP
76 Spyro // Jul 25, 2008 at 1:55 AM
trully sad story, R.I.P.
I am happy to hear he got the shirt he wanted.
NUFC for life and death!
77 shirts // Jul 25, 2008 at 6:52 AM
Rest in Peace.
78 Tommy // Jul 25, 2008 at 6:52 AM
After reading this and the story about Oba’s Ma, I’m not ashamed to say that I’ve got a few tears…
79 Joe Aussie // Jul 25, 2008 at 7:43 AM
Rest in Peace David.
80 WesToon // Jul 25, 2008 at 8:04 AM
Rest in peace David,best wishes to his family & friends!! He is in a better place & has a great view of St.James park from up there!! Peace be with you & all who loved you mate
81 Rab // Jul 25, 2008 at 8:38 AM
R. I. P. mate.
82 JakartaDean // Jul 25, 2008 at 8:43 AM
RIP David. Condolences to the family, if you’re browsing here.
83 BennAllen // Jul 25, 2008 at 8:45 AM
RIP
84 Geordie in stafford // Jul 25, 2008 at 8:48 AM
RIP Mate,
Hope you can bend the big mans ear in our favour.
take care up there.
85 Rob West Australia // Jul 25, 2008 at 9:36 AM
R.I.P. From all mags in western Australia.Rest in peace.
86 GM // Jul 25, 2008 at 9:45 AM
R.I.P – A truely sad 24 hours
God bless David
God bless Mrs Martins
87 Novocastrians // Jul 25, 2008 at 10:17 AM
Rest in peace young man ,god bless you.
88 joe // Jul 25, 2008 at 10:18 AM
Gallowgate 31 – condolences. Hope you and your family will be ok in the long term. With any luck there will be a new signing soon to brighten your spirits a little bit.
Joe
89 geordiegraham // Jul 25, 2008 at 10:41 AM
RIP
90 Boater // Jul 25, 2008 at 3:49 PM
Gallowgate 31 – I’m very sorry to hear that sad news marra. Try and keep your head up there mate. May your mam rest in peace.
Also to young David – keeping the faith with our daft lot from so far away is commendable… what a special guy! Tragic..
Like everyone else has said – some perspective has been put on our daily transfer and club related moaning – even if the news is so sad.
R.I.P
91 piotr // Jul 25, 2008 at 3:57 PM
R.I.P
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