Compensation of £500,000 is set to be paid to a talented former youth footballer who was partially-blinded in a bottle attack.
John McTier, then 16, was walking his girlfriend home when he was jumped by a gang three boys and three girls, aged 14-17. Finally, after five years, his fight for compensation is close to success.
After support from the Professional Footballers’ Association Scotland a record breaking sum is expected. John, who had just signed for Ayr United, was predicted by experts to have a big future ahead of him, when his career was ruined by the unprovoked attack in December 2004.
As John lay blinded in one eye in hospital thinking about the wreckage of his life, he told mum Patricia: “I wish they had finished me off. If I can’t play football I can’t do anything else.”
A £5,000 sum was initially offered from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority – CICA – which was rejected and since then, negotiations have continued.
Settlement is expected soon and it’s thought that the offer will top £500,000 to cover loss of earnings and injuries.
Chief Executive of the Professional Footballers’ Association Scotland stated: “John had the ability to have a long and successful career. Left-sided players are at a premium.
“If he continued to develop he would have moved upwards. There would have been every chance Rangers, Celtic or Championship clubs in England would be interested. Players of this type would expect between £200,000-£500,000 per annum.”
John who has eight Standard grades, three Higher and a degree in sports development, at present is on a salary of £8,000 a year, working for a car recovery firm.
Last night, he said: “I have been waiting for almost five years for the compensation to be settled. I gave football a try again but anytime I went to kick the ball it don’t seem to be in the right place. My balance had been totally affected.
“People talk about Dean Shiels of Hibs and how he can operate with one eye but the difference is he grew up with one eye and is used to the balance. I am not used to it. I would never be the same player again.
“My dreams of being a pro are ruined.”
Johns injury lawyer, Liam O’Donnell, said: “Negotiations are at an advanced stage in this very sad case and we are extremely hopeful a deal will be forthcoming which properly reflects what this young man has gone through.
“He lost his career that night. He’s had everything taken from him through no fault of his own.”
