Passionate about W Connection, football, and a die-hard Manchester United fan are just a few reminders of Raymond Mc Lean, who passed away at age 63 on Monday night at his home in Carapo, Arima.
McLean died suddenly on Monday Oct. 17. He will be cremated on Saturday Oct. 22 at Allen’s Funeral Home on Broadway Street in Arima. Viewing of the body starts at 10am and the funeral service promptly at 11am.
McLean, who resigned as W Connection team administrator in 2015, had, with extreme loyalty, served the “Savonetta Boys” since 2001.
McLean, sincerely referred to as “manage”, holds the record as the longest consecutive serving team administrator in the Pro League and his six straight Team Administrator of the Year awards speaks volumes about his dedication to the job.
“He will definitely be missed,” said Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (TTFA) president David John-Williams.
John-Williams, who served as Connection owner/president during Mc Lean’s time at the club, added, “He loved his job and was very particular in the way he did things. He was very passionate about the club and loved football. He always loved talking about football and was die-hard fan of Manchester United.”
McLean, a former Caroni 1975 Limited employee, was a close friend of longstanding W Connection technical director/head coach Stuart Charles-Fevrier. Charles-Fevrier is currently with the “Savonetta Boys” in Mexico for their final group game of the 2016/17 Concacaf Champions League against Pumas UNAM on Thursday night.
McLean, dressed in his W Connection jersey and his ever present gold chain with a gold pendant of the club’s logo, appeared as a specially invited guest during this season’s Digicel Charity Shield which Central FC won over Defence Force last September.
W Connection, via a post on their Facebook page, said: “Finding the right words to pay tribute to a man that has always been “Connection” to his core is truly one of the most difficult things we have had to do today.
“On behalf of our Board of Directors, Management, Staff, and our players, we wish to offer our sincerest condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of Mr. Raymond Mc Lean on his passing.
“Manage... the words escape us. You were one of a kind and you will be missed greatly. We are honoured to have known you and are fortunate to have shared many a laugh with you.”
On behalf of the Board of Directors, Chairman, CEO and staff, the Pro League also wish to offer sincerest condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of Raymond “Manage” McLean.