Comment: This week put things into perspective

The thoughts of everyone connected with the football club are with defender Joe Riley, his partner Kayleigh and their family.

The young couple lost their first child early this week, Leo Joseph, who was stillborn.

The next day Town were rocked further as news emerged of the passing of a true legend in Ken Mulhearn.

Legend is an over-used term in football and that can often diminish its meaning. But Mulhearn, who was 72, was a proper bona fide legend.

His antics off the pitch were a big part of life at Montgomery Waters Meadow on matchdays and other occasions. Manager Paul Hurst, as well as other staff, admitted that his presence will be a big loss.

It is a time where every petty football debate feels totally irrelevant. Professional footballers – across all divisions in the country – are in privileged jobs, some are paid far more than others, but they are working.

They are not robots, they are guys, family men with real feelings – despite their impressive ability to take abuse hurled from the stands.

Joe and Kayleigh deserve all the time in the world to grieve and be there for themselves and their families. Football should be the last thing on Riley’s mind.

Though knowing the admirable professional that he is, the defender will want to get back in among his team-mates whenever possible.

The horrible news seemed to capture the hearts of the wider football family.

Online tributes have been paid to Riley from former clubs Bury and Bolton as well as far and wide. Football fans from across the nation show real togetherness in others’ time of need and it is an uplifting thing to see.

Full credit to today’s hosts Scunthorpe, who have got behind a minute’s applause after two minutes of the game in honour of Leo Joseph.

I am sure that will mean everything to the couple. Riley has thanked the public for overwhelming support and showed his class by thanking the ‘truly amazing’ midwives at the Royal Bolton hospital.

While Riley’s team-mates, some of who have young children themselves, will rally and support their friend, it is the middle and older generation of fans that will have been knocked back by the sad passing of Mulhearn.

An excellent career, a top flight winners medal with Manchester City. Part of a legendary Citizens team. But his true longevity was with Salop

Tributes from fans have remembered a massive figure between the sticks at Gay Meadow. Supporters thought he just could not be beaten.

Ask anyone who knew Ken, either in his time as player or the man who amused and entertained behind the scenes on matchdays, and it was his character and humour that will have him best remembered.

His sharp wit was unique and tributes from Graham Turner, Bernard McNally, Jake King, Andrew Tretton have all been heartfelt and sincere.

It is true that everybody will remember his larger than life character.

This magnificent season has brought bucketloads of sheer joy for everyone connected with the club. An automatic promotion push and Wembley final, when predicted to be battling the drop, is exceptional.

Sometimes sad news can hit like a bombshell and it is sad that Ken will not be around to see this side try and accomplish what his legendary class of ‘79 achieved.

It is comforting that Riley will be offered all the support he needs. He is a lovely lad and I wish him and Kayleigh all the best. My prayers are with them.