‘Ryan Giggs’ tribute for record man David Jackson

David Jackson has been hailed as the “the Ryan Giggs of Nottingham Rugby” by club CEO Simon Beatham after the record-breaking wing’s playing career came to a premature halt last week.
Like Manchester  United legend Giggs, Jackson, 31, has been with the same club man and boy and became a cult Championship figure through his try-scoring exploits and infamous mullet which he sported for two years.
But he has been unable to play any part this season after suffering a blow to the head in pre-season training. Four months on, following complaints of blurred vision and headaches, a scan revealed scarring to the brain.
While there is nothing in place yet to prevent rugby players continuing to play on in such circumstances – something the current debate about concussion will surely address – Jackson sensibly decided to heed medical advice and bring the curtain down on a playing career of 102 tries in 316 appearances.
Beatham said: “What he’s done for Nottingham is the same as what Ryan Giggs has done for Manchester United. To be at the same club all the way through from being a young boy is an amazing feat in this professional age.
“Jacko has been a member of this club since he was six years old and I remember when I was coaching him, he was a 17-year-old lad running rings around the first team.
“All through our recent history, in all the key games and the key moments, the one person you could absolutely rely on was Jacko.
“He’s been a huge part of our success in recent times and, whilst I’m desperately disappointed for him that he’s had to retire, we’ll absolutely make sure that we’ll do the right thing by him as he moves onto the next stage of his life.”
Jackson is one of the few players to make the transition from the semi-professional to the professional era with the club. His appearance and try figures are both club records.
The former science teacher and current head coach of Ilkeston will meet club officials early in the New Year to discuss what options may be available to him.
Either way he says the club is in good hands despite the well documented financial problems and the delayed change of ownership, which, Beatham says, is “progressing well”.
Jackson said: “I think the club and I would like to carry on with our relationship and we’ll chat after Christmas to see how we can help each other.
“I can retire knowing that the club is in good hands and I’m confident we’ll eventually get to where we want to be.
“There are guys around here who are passionate about Nottingham Rugby and who are not going to let the club go under or anything as drastic as that.
“I’m sure we’ll work through these difficulties.”
Beatham told The Rugby Paper: “We’re hoping to announce early in the New Year who the new owners will be. Things are progressing well. Rather than a single private investor it’s more than likely going to be a ‘Friends of Nottingham Rugby’ consortium.”
JON NEWCOMBE