Former Reno midfielder Pringle dies in US
THE LOCAL football fraternity has lost another stalwart. Former Reno midfielder Cecil ‘Silla’ Pringle passed away earlier this week in the United States.
Circumstances surrounding the death of the ex-Reno defensive midfielder are still unclear. However, there are reports that he fell while at home. Reno president and former coach Wendell Downswell said they are awaiting his autopsy report to confirm his cause of death.
Nevertheless, Downswell recalled that Pringle was a family man and good leader within the team. He was at the heart of the team he coached during the club’s most successful period, from 1987 to 1996, when they made six Premier League finals and won three titles.
“He’s gone too soon. He will be sadly missed,” said Downswell. “His contribution from a Reno perspective was immense. He was a very intelligent man, trustworthy and hardworking.
“He gave real yeoman service to Reno from a tender age coming out of Manning’s School. He was a true leader. Not the captain but his leadership went right across, especially in trying times with young players.
“He was highly respected. He was calm, tactful and skilful in how he related with his counterparts. And when things were tense he would come up with things to keep the peace.” He said Pringle (58), a father of six, was a true family man. “He was a father figure. He made sure after he graduated that his parents were cared for. He made a worthy contribution to his parents,” he noted.
Unlike his more celebrated teammates such as Mark ‘Hagler’ Wilson, Linval ‘Palla’ Wilson, Caple Donaldson, Michael Graham and Donald Hewitt, Pringle didn’t represent the national team but Downswell said his importance to the club was invaluable.
“When we won the first title (1990), he relished it because he loved to nullify great players.
“He was such an organiser on the pitch and the success we gained was centred around him. He was a player you could plan around.”
Despite being the hard man in midfield, Downswell said he never missed a game through suspension.
“He was tough but in a controlled manner. He was reliable and consistent.
“Off the pitch he was jovial and a loving person. He will be sadly missed. I want to express my condolences to the family and may his soul rest in place.
“He was a true Reno warrior, who gave top service to the club especially during the era of our success where he was a main contributing factor.”
The funeral service for Pringle will take place next Saturday in Connecticut, US.
There will also be a memorial service for the former player in his hometown of Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland, on March 28.