Randy Swan was buried yesterday in true soccer style ? with his team jerseys and a football.

Being sent to his eternal rest with shirts from his beloved Dandy Town and North Village ? his first team ? on his chest would certainly have brought a toothy grin from the resolute defender whose family said he ?ate, drank and slept? the Beautiful Game.

A football, encased in a flower arrangement atop his casket, was a striking tribute to the Hornets talented full back whose prowess on the field earned him the respect and admiration of team mates and opponents alike.

Such esteem for the late national player was fully evidenced by the massive turn-out among those in the Island?s football family from Bermuda Football Association president Larry Mussenden to referees and representatives of most if not every club including PHC, North Village, Boulevard, Devonshire Cougars and Devonshire Colts.

However, it was Swan?s brethren at St. John?s Road who stood out in massive numbers as they bade farewell to their comrade; some with tear-stained faces and watery eyes hidden behind sunglasses.

Coach Devarr Boyles and his assistant Milford (Ju Ju) Waldron eulogised the 24-year-old, hailing his contribution to the Hornets in anecdotal fashion before the entire Dandy Town contingent rose and repeated their familiar pre-game chant: ?No guts, no glory...special people do special things.?

Following a stirring two-hour service at St. Paul?s A.M.E. Church, the young man nicknamed ?Soldier? was laid to rest in St. John?s Cemetery. Swan, who suffered head injuries in an accident on his birthday on December 16, was removed from life support last week Tuesday.