The 84-year-old club legend, who has terminal cancer, issued a rallying cry to the Ravens players before their crunch relegation clash with Pontypridd this month, and they responded with a near-perfect performance to secure their Principality Premiership status.
King was acknowledged with a special recognition award at the Principality Premiership awards but was unable to attend as he underwent chemotherapy.
“Everybody knows who Derrick King is, he is Bridgend Ravens,” said Silva. He’s continuing to work behind the scenes at the club despite starting some therapy this week.
“He’s still trying to find backers for the club and secure funding for next season because the league will only get more difficult and we need to sign some players and strengthen the squad.
“Derek came in and spoke to the boys before that Ponty game and then he was in the huddle at the end, he’s very inspirational and certainly very well liked by all the players.
“He speaks very well at the end of every game, he passes on feedback and gives the boys great advice and the club is a huge part of his life.”
King described their stunning 34-31 triumph over Pontypridd as the most emotional moment during his 26 year tenure as Bridgend chairman. And Silva was delighted his team could deliver when it mattered for the King of Bridgend Ravens.
“The pressure was immense, there was so much riding on it,” he added. “Derrick came and spoke to the players and the enormity hit home.
“The release of pressure at the end was unbelievable, it felt like the weight of the town was lifted off our shoulders. To come through it and stay up was indescribable, the relief was huge.”
