To describe his loss as disappointing is an understatement. He has let himself and the club down. There are plenty of unsubstantiated stories going the rounds and this article will make no mention of them. The criticism of the player is more that he has failed to live up to the responsibilities that go with his hopes of having a decent career as a professional footballer.
Remember the praise which the manager heaped upon the players at the start of the season as they got into the best shape of their lives? They applied themselves to his training regime and took to heart the scientific approach which saw them monitored regularly.
The advantage this gave the team during the first half of the season could only be maintained if they looked after their bodies. The phrase, 'you are what you eat' is particularly true of those who make their living by maintaining a physical peak. Eat and drink the correct foods, get proper rest and train hard - it all seems so obvious.
Possibly the most difficult battle they face is that youngsters (at twenty two, maybe not so young) have to win the mental struggle. If they are to succeed they have to make difficult choices and nightclubbing in downtown Wishaw till the early hours as the season reaches a climax seems not to be the correct option. Quite simply, he should not have been there.
On his appointment as captain after Phil's death he is quoted as saying, "Given the previous captain it's a huge responsibility for me and it's something I intend to do to the best of my ability. I have to represent the club everywhere and in everything I do - It's very exciting!"