The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Wolecki Black blessed to be alive and at Lossie
New Lossiemouth manager Eddie Wolecki Black says he feels blessed to still be able to work in football after fearing he may never walk or talk again.
The former Lochee United, Montrose, Glasgow City, Caledonian Braves, Airdrieonians, Motherwell Women, Celtic Women and Tayport boss has been appointed as the Coasters’ gaffer on a three-year contract.
Wolecki Black has had a distinguished coaching career, which includes leading Glasgow City to eight successive league titles and a Champions League quarter-final.
However, in March 2016 when he was Airdrie manager, the 59-year-old Dundonian suffered a stroke during a game against Cowdenbeath which left him fighting for his life.
Having survived Wolecki Black feels fortunate to still be able to work in football.
He said: “I had a massive brain haemorrhage and in the hospital unbeknown to them I could hear my wife Emma, who was six months pregnant at the time, and the consultant talking.
“She was worried she’d be left without a father for our kid and she asked ‘how’s he going to be?’
“The consultant said ‘I can’t lie it’s not looking good, eight out of 10 don’t survive this. If he gets through the next 48 hours, which I don’t think he will, he’ll never walk or talk again’.
“That was eight years ago and I got out of the hospital after three months to see the birth of our child.
“I’m a churchgoer and I feel blessed to still be here and to still be able to work in football.
“There’s no doubt there were some dark times, but I feel blessed to still be alive and I still feel I’ve got something to achieve.
“I’ve continued in football since then and have done well at Motherwell and Celtic.
“I still feel I’m capable of doing a good job.
“Hopefully someone in a similar position could maybe see me as a bit of inspiration that you’re not held back by it.
“Some people see me and can’t see past a walking stick, but you’ve got to see past it.
“I remember the words of that consultant – and they’ve always stuck with me – that I wouldn’t walk or talk again and I’ve proved them wrong.”
Wolecki Black succeeds Frank McGettrick at Lossie, who stepped down last month after leading the Coasters to 15th place in the Breedon Highland League. Commenting on why he decided to give Wolecki Black the job, Lossiemouth chairman Alan McIntosh said: “Eddie actually phoned me and I was surprised when I got the call.
“I studied his CV and gave him an interview and we’re delighted he accepted the job.
“Eddie ticks every box for us so hopefully it works out.”