Linfield Football Club

Coleraine v. Danske Bank Premiership Season 2020-2021 Look at Linﬁeld

Danske Bank Windsor Park, Belfast Premiership Saturday, Champions 20 February, 2021 2019-20 Kick-off: 5.30 p.m.

Official Matchday Programme: £3 l Volume 50, No.7 what’s the ord romw U B f T B A L L C L E L D F O O ? F L I N F I sor O I C E O nd T H E V wiThe home game against Warrenpoint, originally scheduled for March 30, has been n Linfield enter tonight's game in a pleasing brought forward to March 9 because of the top of the table position with 38 points close proximity of two Northern Ireland home earned from the 17 league games played to games at the end of March. date. With a serious title challenge being n Congratulations to Linfield's Jordan Stewart mounted by several clubs, most notably who won two NIFWA monthly awards in Larne, every point will prove vital in the January - the Player of the Month award and coming months and Linfield must aim to win his goal in the 2-1 win away to Glenavon games to stay ahead of the chasing pack. also earned him the Goal of the Month n A warm Windsor Park welcome to tonight's award. game to the players, management, staff and n A warm welcome to new signings Cameron officials of Coleraine FC. Oran Kearney's team Palmer who has joined Linfield from Rangers come into tonight's game in fourth position in and Michael Newberry who was previously in the league table and fully capable of improving the Icelandic first division with Olafsvik and on that placement. Games between the two prior to that spell, with Newcastle United. Both clubs are always closely fought, competitive are Northern Ireland under 21 internationals games and tonight's game is expected to be who have signed for Linfield until the end of no different. In the game earlier this season next season. Joel Cooper has re-joined Linfield won 2-0 at Ballycastle Road thanks to Linfield on loan from Oxford United until the goals from Andrew Waterworth and Jordan end of the season. Stewart. n Several players left Linfield during the n Tonight's game is being played behind course of the January transfer window - closed doors, in accordance with the current Matthew Shevlin to Coleraine, Ethan Boyle NIFL match protocols, arising from the to Finn Harps, Bastien Hery to Bohemians restrictions in place due to the ongoing and Daniel Kearns to Cliftonville. In corona virus pandemic. addition, Brandon Doyle has gone on loan to n Tonight's game is being streamed live by BBC Warrenpoint and Eamon Scannell has joined online and our upcoming league game away Portadown on loan - both until the end of the to Glentoran on March 2 is also being season. streamed live by BBC online. Next weekend’s n Mark Stafford would make his 150th home league game against Larne is being appearance for Linfield, if selected for broadcast live by BBC TV. tonight's game. n Tuesday’s home league game against n Tonight's match programme is available Glentoran is being streamed live by Linfield online via Linfieldfc.com with only a small tv in partnership with 247.tv. Full number of copies printed by Edenderry Print. commentary will be provided by Jonny Tuesday's Glentoran programme will be the Martin and Philip Mitchell and the service one printed for the original date of January 9 will be provided free of charge to Linfield for this game. It will also be available members, senior members and life online, with only a small number of copies members. printed by Edenderry Print. The absence of n The following games have been rearranged - supporters at games and the non-availability the recently postponed game at home to of the Superstore because of current NI Dungannon has been rescheduled for March Executive restrictions, have caused severe 16, while last week's postponed game away to difficulties for traditional match programme Ballymena has been rearranged for March 23. production.

Look at Linfield l 03 today’s team line-ups

Linfield Coleraine Gareth Deane 01 Chris Johns 01 Lyndon Kane 02 Alex Moore 40 Adam Mullan 03 David Walsh 51 Aaron Canning 04 Mark Stafford 02 Steven Douglas 05 Ross Larkin 03 Aaron Jarvis 06 Michael Newberry 04 Ben Doherty 07 Mark Haughey 05 Jimmy Callacher 06 Stephen Lowry 08 Andrew Waterworth 07 James McLaughlin 09 Christy Manzinga 09 Eoin Bradley 10 Jordan Stewart 10 Josh Carson 11 Kirk Millar 12 Ronan Wilson 12 Shayne Lavery 14 Gareth McConaghie 13 Navid Nasseri 15 Evan Tweed 14 Matthew Clarke 16 Stephen O'Donnell 15 Kyle McClean 18 Ian Parkhill 16 Stephen Fallon 20 Jamie Glackin 17 Jamie Mulgrew 22 Aaron Traynor 18 Ryan McGivern 23 Curtis Allen 19 Conor Pepper 25 Martin Gallagher 20 Niall Quinn 31 Stewart Nixon 21 Cameron Palmer 35 Howard Beverland 22 Joel Cooper 99 Matthew Shevlin 26

Look at Linfield l 04 by Linfield manager David Healy

This evening we will face a huge challenge from a highly talented Coleraine squad that will come here full of confidence, following their 1-0 derby win away to Ballymena in midweek. Coleraine pushed us really hard in last season's league campaign and I fully expect them to maintain their title challenge to the very end of this season. We are delighted to be in a pleasing position at the top of the table but we know how difficult and challenging it is going to be to maintain that position until the end of the season. We will continue to work hard and take each game on a one game at a time basis, aiming to collect as many points as we possibly can. Ross Larkin will continue to be an injury doubt, as a result of the knock he picked up in our recent win away to Crusaders and Stephen Fallon will continue to receive attention ahead of tonight's game. I want to welcome our new signings Cameron Palmer and Michael Newberry. I know both lads well from their involvement with the Northern Ireland underage squads and they will provide added quality to the squad. They will also increase the competition levels across the squad and they've settled in well in their first few weeks in training. Both players have joined us until the end of next season and they are keen to make a positive impression in our team. I'm also delighted that Jamie Mulgrew has signed a contract extension that will keep our inspirational captain with us for another season. Similarly, it's also good news that Kirk Millar has extended his stay with us, by agreeing a further one year contract extension that will commit him to the club until the end of the 2023/24 season. Several players left us during the course of the January transfer window and I want to thank the following for their contribution during their time with us - Bastien Hery who's moved to Bohemians, Ethan Boyle who's joined Finn Harps, Daniel Kearns who's signed for Cliftonville and Matthew Shevlin who's now with today's opponents Coleraine. I want to extend to them all, every best wish with their new clubs. Brandon Doyle has joined Warrenpoint on loan and Eamon Scannell has moved to Portadown on loan, both until the season end and I want to wish them well during their loan spells. Congratulations to Jordan Stewart who's been rewarded for his recent excellent performances with the award of January Player of the Month from the Football Writers. His goal at Glenavon also earned him the Goal of the Month award and hopefully he and our other flair players can continue to impress until the season end. I also want to pay tribute to Mark Stafford, a hugely popular and committed player who could make his 150th appearance for this club in tonight's game. We are all missing our supporters enormously but we know you will be following the action on tonight's live BBC stream. It would have been great to have our fans at the away end at Seaview when Jimmy Callacher scored the dramatic late winner a couple of weeks ago and hopefully, it won't be too long until circumstances will allow the return of supporters to all grounds.

Look at Linfield l 05 erry Michael Newb Age: 23 al-defender Position: Centr who’s 4 r: Squad numbe Newcastle revious clubs: P ur Olafsvik at who ited and Viking Un (Iceland) 0 Appearances: ‘The Park’ Goals: 0

Last month Linfield announced the signing of 23 year-old Michael Newberry. Once compared in style to England international John Stones, the Geordie can play across the back line but has mainly played as a central defender in his career to date and he kicked off the interview by sharing his feelings of delight at joining The Blues. “It feels great to be a part of this historic Club and I know it will be an amazing experience when the fans return inside Windsor Park again. Linfield as a Club have ambition that matches mine and to be working again with the manager and his assistant manager Ross Oliver was also a big factor, as I know them through the Northern Ireland youth setup previously. The move was raised to me by my agent and as soon as I heard Linfield were interested, my mind was made up and I rejected other offers from elsewhere. “If I had to describe myself, I would say I am an aggressive footballer who likes to play good football. I like to play out from the back with the ball when I can.” The Blues made a move for Newberry upon the expiry of his contract at Icelandic club, Vikingur Olafsvik, before he signed an 18-month contract with the Danske Bank Premiership champions. A former winner of the

Look at Linfield l 06 ‘Wor Jackie Award’ - named after the great forward Jackie Milburn who incidentally was one of the greatest players to ever wear the Linfield and Newcastle United shirts and is awarded to the most impressive youth talent at Newcastle United each year - Michael was clearly very highly rated at the Magpies where he made 14 appearances for their U23s. However, excessive training led to an injury which ultimately ended his nine years at the Club, before he moved to Iceland for senior competitive action. He joined Vikingur Olafsvik in 2018 when they were a second division team in Iceland. In his two-and-a-bit years with the Club he made 72 appearances as a full-time professional. Last season he was named as the Club’s ‘Player of the Year’ and attracted interested from some of the biggest clubs in Iceland. We asked him about his experiences in Iceland and given the weather in Northern Ireland has been miserable since his arrival, we also asked about comparisons in how he finds it. “Playing in Iceland was a fantastic experience and no doubt made me a better player. Going there I felt it was important for me to play competitive men's football full time. I was in the gym every single day to get stronger and fitter and learnt a lot playing over 65 games in my three seasons there. Iceland has some excellent clubs and facilities which have developed a lot of players who have went on to further their careers in bigger leagues like in Italy and Russia. “The weather in Iceland at times was horrific but it wasn’t as bad as people tend to imagine. The summertime over there is beautiful and I got sunburn after a few games, so I think Iceland’s weather is similar to here in Northern Ireland.” Michael is a Northern Ireland Youth International, having represented the under-19s and has made under-21 squads. Incidentally, his agent is former Northern Ireland International midfielder David McCreery. Michael explains his own connections to the country below. “I have links to Northern Ireland through my dad’s dad. He was a Linfield supporter born and raised here, then met my grandma but unfortunately, he died when I was very young, so unfortunately, I didn’t get to meet a lot of my dad’s side of the family from Northern Ireland. I still have family in Dungannon who I plan to see when the lockdown restrictions are lifted.” It’s fair to say there are better times to move to another country than during a period of lockdown, however Michael says he has settled well and is solely focused on getting up to fitness, given that he hasn’t played since the Icelandic league ended in October. “Despite the restrictions, I have settled in well. The people at the Club have been fantastic with Cammy Palmer and I since we arrived in January. Even if we are limited to what we can do socially, I don’t think I would be doing much different to what I am currently doing. “Obviously, I haven’t played for a few months, but my fitness is getting better by the day and I am working with the staff to do extra running and get as fit as possible without getting injured. I can’t wait to get back on the pitch and hope to hit the ground running when the chance comes. “I have ambitions to be a starter in the team but that’s down to me to put the work in. My main goal is for us to win as many games as possible with the team so that we can hopefully win trophies.” A very warm welcome to Windsor Park to Michael and we wish him every success for his time ahead at Linfield Football Club.

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k k s t i m i i t r r x s d r r Goals scored are shown inside individual v a a a e m a o n h l h i A M C M M J A D R boxes C Date Opponent H/A Comp. Result August 8 Tre Fiori (N) CL 2-0 n n n n n n n n n n1 n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n 11 Drita (awarded 3-0 win) (N) CL 3-0 n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n 18 Legia Warsaw (A) CL 0-1 n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n September 17 Floriana (H) EL 0-1 n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n October 5 PSNI (H) CAS 6-0 n n n n n n n n n1 n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n 13 Carrick Rangers (A) CAS 2-0 n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n 17 Carrick Rangers (H) Prem. 5-1 n n n n n n n1 n3 n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n 24 Ballymena United (A) Prem. 3-2 n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n 30 Crusaders (H) Prem. 2-1 n n n n n n n n1 n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n November 3 Larne (A) CAS 1-4 n n n n n1 n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n 7 Portadown (A) Prem. 2-1 n n n n n n n n1 n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n 14 Coleraine (A) Prem. 2-0 n n n n n n n n1 n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n 21 Glenavon (H) Prem. 2-0 n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n 24 Glentoran (H) Prem. 3-3 n n n n n n n1 n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n 28 Warrenpoint (A) Prem. 1-2 n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n December 5 Cliftonville (H) Prem. 2-0 n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n 11 Larne (A) Prem. 1-3 n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n 19 Dungannon (H) Prem. 4-0 n n n n n n n2 n1 n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n January 2 Glenavon (A) Prem. 2-1 n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n 23 Warrenpoint (H) Prem. 6-0 n n n n n n n n4 n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n 26 Cliftonville (A) Prem. 3-4 n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n February 2 Portadown (H) Prem. 3-0 n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n 6 Crusaders (A) Prem. 2-1 n n n n n n n1 n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n 9 Carrick Rangers (A) Prem. 1-1 n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n 20 Coleraine (H) Prem. 23 Glentoran (H) Prem. 26 Larne (H) Prem. March 2 Glentoran (A) Prem. NIFL STATEMENT 6 Cliftonville (H) Prem. The NI Football League are pleased to 9 Warrenpoint (H) Prem. confirm that the Covid-19 testing 16 Dungannon (H) Prem. programme for Premiership clubs 20 Crusaders (A) Prem. and officials has now been extended. 23 Ballymena (A) Prem. 27 Portadown (A) Prem. Last month the NI Football League, in April 3 Dungannon (A) Prem. partnership with the Irish Football 6 Coleraine (H) Prem. Association, successfully introduced 10 Larne (A) Prem. weekly Covid-19 testing for an initial 17 Carrick Rangers (H) Prem. four week period. 20 Ballymena (H) Prem. Following a scheduled review of the 24 Glenavon (A) Prem. testing, the programme will continue TBA Annagh United (H) IC

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Look at Linfield l 09 Test your knowledge! 1. Moises Caicedo signed for which English club in January 2021? 2. Which team knocked Bailey Peacock-Farrell’s Burnley side out of the FA Cup in Round 5? 3. Which West Ham United player scored twice on his debut against Aston Villa? 4. Against which team did Sheffield United record their first Premier Answers League win of the season? on page 5. Who is the current head coach of the England Women’s National 21 team? 6. Which player scored Linfield’s first goal of 2021?

Wishing Linfield FC every success for Season 2020/2021! PETER DORNAN & COMPANY SOLICITORS Personal Injury Compensation, Road Traffic Accidents, Accidents at Work, 24HR Criminal Practice, Conveyancing, Wills and a full range of other legal services Belfast Office: 72 High Street, Belfast BT7 2BE • Tel: 028 9023 4559 Bangor Office: 14 Hamilton Road, Bangor, Co Down BT20 4LE • Tel: 028 9127 3054

Look at Linfield l 10 all the facts & figures from 2020-2021 season

LINFIELD PLAYING RECORD 2020-21 arances nfield Appe P W D L F A Li 1 Danske Bank Premiership 17 12 2 3 44 20 020-202 Goals oals 2 App. County Antrim Shield 3 2 0 1 9 4 & G 5 s sub) 22 (1 a UEFA Champions League 2 1 0 1 2 1 ll Quinn 5 Nia 21 Europa League 1 0 0 1 0 1 5 Kirk Millar as sub) 20 (1 Total: 23 15 2 6 55 26 mmy Callacher 1 Ji 20 (1 as sub) lgrew 9 Jamie Mu as sub) 20 (4 Jordan Stewart b) 11 20 (8 as su Waterworth – LINFIELD PLAYING RECORD 2019-20 Andrew 19

Chris Johns ub) – P W D L F A 19 (2 as s McClean 3 Danske Bank Premiership 31 22 3 6 71 24 Kyle 8 (5 as sub) ri 1 – Co. Antrim Shield 2 1 1 0 7 3 Navid Nasse sub) 17 (2 as k Haughey 9 League Cup 4 3 0 1 10 7 Mar 16 (3 as sub) ery – UEFA Champions League 2 0 0 2 0 6 Shayne Lav s sub) 14 (1 a nor Pepper – UEFA Europa League 6 4 1 1 12 9 Co 13 (1 as sub) Clarke 1 UTU Champions Cup 2 0 1 1 1 7 Matthew as sub) 12 (4 tephen Fallon ) 1 Irish Cup 1 0 0 1 1 2 S 11 (7 as sub ery 1 Total: 48 30 6 12 102 58 Bastien H as sub) ga 8 (7 Christy Manzin b) – 8 (1 as su tafford 1 Mark S 7

Ross Larkin ub) – 6 (3 as s el Kearns 1 Dani 6 (4 as sub) Friday Fixture: ern – Ryan McGiv Ballymena United ( ) Crusaders ( ) 4 an Boyle – Eth 4 (1 as sub) r 1 Joel Coope sub Today’s Fixtures: 4 as atthew Shevlin – M 3 Carrick Rangers ( ) Glenavon ( ) alsh – David W as sub) 3 (2 Cliftonville ( ) Larne ( ) randon Doyle – B 1 ore 1 Portadown ( ) Dungannon Swifts ( ) Alex Mo as sub 1 Joshua Archer Warrenpoint Town ( ) Glentoran ( ) Follow, follow Linfield! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialLinfieldFC Twitter: OfficialBlues @

Look at Linfield l 11 fprolamy eorus r

pby Jamaes Kesnnedy t Michael Carvill Q: What could make the diminutive Michael Carvill feel 6 feet tall? A: Hearing the Linfield fans chant his name. “You have no idea how much it meant to me to hear ‘Michael Carvill – Linfield’s Number 10’ belting out from the stands”. Michael first turned out for Kilmore Rec. Youth in the Downpatrick Youth League, and his striking partner was another future Linfield star, Andrew Waterworth. “I played alongside Andy at U-10 and U-12 level, even though he’s a couple of years older than me. And I’ve been following him around now for over 20 years!”. Michael then moved to Belfast side St Andrew’s under legendary coach Joe Kincaid, and for three years from U-13 level, a side including future internationals like Trevor Carson and Craig Cathcart went unbeaten. “Chris Casement and Robert Garrett also played in that team, and our regular routine was to play for St Andrew’s on Saturday then head off across the water to train with our English clubs”. Despite interest from Liverpool and Leeds Utd, 16 year old Michael signed for Charlton Athletic. “I was offered a contract by Charlton, and I chose them because I thought I would get to

Look at Linfield l 12 play more games”. And he got off to a great start, with Iain Dowie as Manager, and eventually first team appearances against Hibernians and Valencia followed. “Playing in the Mestalla stadium against a side including David Silva and David Villa was mind blowing!”. But, much as he loved playing for The Addicks, Michael couldn’t settle in London and he was eventually released. So, where next? “Wrexham. Seamus Heath arranged a trial for me, and ex-Liverpool star Joey Jones was the coach. We got on really well, I signed for them, and Ribs came to the club on loan, so I was in good company”. Playing regularly for a struggling Wrexham was welcome but tough, and when the club were relegated to non-League football, Michael was off on his travels again. “I went up to Scotland for a trial with Hamilton Academicals, hooking up again with Andy Waterworth. It was a strong Accies side at that time, with James McArthur and James McCarthy in midfield, but both of us weren’t sure if we would stay in Scotland and decided to go back home. With minimum persuasion from David Jeffrey, Michael signed for Linfield, and after an unsuccessful first season, a run of three successive League and Cup doubles followed, with medals and trips to Europe as a reward. “I scored in both games against B36 Torshavn. That was a great feeling. But the best thing about Linfield was the dressing room, where I was rubbing shoulders with legends like Noel Bailie and Winkie Murphy. And I can’t begin to describe the admiration I have for David Jeffrey”. However, when David left Windsor Park in 2014, Michael lasted just one more season before moving across Belfast to Crusaders. “At that stage, the Linfield/Crusaders rivalry was really taking off. I picked up another couple of League medals and scored in Europe again. Cliftonville and Glentoran had also contacted me, but I went to Seaview mainly because my great friend Billy Joe Burns was there”. Eventually Michael, who works for the IFA, found it difficult to commit to the full time regime at Crusaders and moved to Dungannon Swifts, where he has teamed up with another friend, Kris Lindsay. “At Dungannon I have got to see more of what happens off the pitch, and I am taking my coaching badges with a view to life after playing. And I can now devote more of my time to my young family”. And with a son named Leo, after Lionel Messi, the next generation of Carvill might just have as good a career as his Dad.

International The following Linfield players have been called up for the Northern call-up for Ireland squad which will face England in a friendly international at Linfield St George’s Park on February 23 – Kelsie Burrows, Ashley Hutton, Abbie Magee, Rebecca McKenna and Casey Howe. Also in the squad Ladies are former Linfield stars Chloe McCarron and Louise McDaniel.

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Player of the Month award for Jordan

LINFIELD star Jordan Stewart is the NIFWA Danske Bank Premiership ‘Player of the Month’ for January. Stewart scored in each of Linfield’s three games during January, including a memorable winner in a 2-1 victory over Glenavon at Mourneview Park. Reflecting on a successful January, Stewart said, “I’ve been in good form in recent weeks, but the most important thing is that we’re back on top of the league. “Larne were top over Christmas, so in January we were determined to catch them. We’ve managed to do that, even though we slipped up against Cliftonville. Overall, it’s been a good few weeks for us.” The former Glentoran and Swindon Town forward believes he is close to the form of his life. He said, “I worked hard during lockdown to ensure that I was at my best when football returned. I’ve carried that into the new season and I would say this has probably been my best run of form since joining Linfield. “Some people say I’m inconsistent, but I think I’ve shown recently that I can produce the goods on a regular basis.” Cliftonville’s Rory Hale was runner-up in the Danske Bank sponsored award while Coleraine goalkeeper Gareth Deane took third spot. This afternoon’s officials: Andrew Davey Referee: Stephen Donaldson and Stephen Bell Linesmen: Mark Dillon 4th Official:

Look at Linfield l 15 Jamie Mulgrew

Kirk Millar

Look at Linfield l 16 Christy Manzinga

Tuesday, February 9, 2021 Loughshore Hotel Arena, Carrickfergus Carrick Rangers 1 – Linﬁeld 1 Danske Bank Premiership Jamie Mulgrew

Jimmy Callacher

Look at Linfield l 17 WILLIAM COATES L IMITED

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Look at Linfield l 18 150th appearance for Mark Mark Stafford will make his 150th appearance for Linfield in the next game in which he plays for the club. Mark joined Linfield at the end of the 2014/15 season from Ballinamallard. He made his Linfield debut in a 5-0 home win in the League Cup against Glebe Rangers on September 1, 2015 and he scored his first goal in a 2-0 home County Antrim Shield semi-final win against Carrick Rangers on December 15, 2015. He was awarded the Billy Meikle Memorial trophy at the end of both the 2016/17 and 2017/18 seasons. Mark's full statistical record with Linfield is as follows: Season Appearances Goals 2015/16 22 5 2016/17 38 (3 as sub) 7 2017/18 41 8 2018/19 16 (4 as sub) 4 2019/20 25 (1 as sub) 5 2020/21 7 (1 as sub) – Total: 149 (9 as sub) 29

Linfield Trustee Paul Weir presents the 1st Newtownabbey LSC Player of the Year trophy for last season to Joel Cooper.

Look at Linfield l 19 by Dan Brown

Backing the Blues

At any club there is always a special affection for the flair players. The players that get spectators off their seats and wow a stadium. At Linfield we have had our fair share of such entertainers. This season we are especially blessed in this regard. Look across our midfield and there are players who are born entertainers. In Jordan Stewart, Navid Naseri, Joel Cooper and Kirk Millar we have footballers who themselves alone are worth the entrance fee. Jump back to Roy Coyle’s final title winning campaign at the club and just the very names Khammal, Coly and O’Boyle evoke entertainment. The goals, the dribbling runs – all that they could weave with a football – were things to behold. For many fans that 1988/89 campaign was their most enjoyable following the Blues. Coyle’s team of the 1980s augmented with Senegalese and Moroccan magic was something to behold. Add in the iconic Hummel kit of the season and the campaign was something truly special. The combination of style and flair had the punters streaming through the turnstiles that year – both home and away. In late-winter a trip to Lurgan brought a Glenavon gate-receipt record. As chairman of the Lurgan Blues – Wilfie Geddis – explained: “In money terms it is the highest figure ever recorded at our ground. It was a tremendous sight, despite the pouring rain, to see the stadium ringed right round with spectators, something which has not happened for many a long day .” On top of the figures through the turnstiles, the social club (to which spectators were admitted in relays) was nearly exhausted of its stock , whilst the hamburgers and programmes sold out. Commenting on number of supporters in attendance at games that campaign, this publication

Look at Linfield l 20 maintained: “Traditionally, the performance of Linfield teams in the chase for trophy success is matched by unstinting support from the legion of supporters who follow the team loyally week in, week out. This season the fans have been turning up in ever- increasing numbers ”. That year fans could of course enjoy the thrills and spills of a League title win close up and not having to rely on television or computer streams of games. Supporters were there to celebrate with ‘Buckets’ McGaughey as he scored his 250th goal in only 356 outings for the club. The excitement and accomplishments, which fans cherish celebrating with their heroes were shared together. Who knows how this season will pan out. If the past number of months are anything to go by there will be plenty of thrills and spills in the remainder of the campaign. What seems unlikely, however, is the presence of supporters at the games to encourage and hopefully to celebrate with the team. This season has witnessed some very exciting finales in our games. The win over Crusaders earlier this month providing the sort of finish that every football supporter relishes. Thinking victory had eluded us in the dying moments of the game, there was still time for Joel Cooper to terrorise the Crusaders defence before standing a cross up for Jimmy Callacher to head past Jonny Tuffey. As one supporter on twitter mused afterwards: can you imagine how the away support would have erupted as Callacher’s header hit the back of the net? No doubt fans left their sofas to salute the goal, but there can be no substitute for the raw emotion, which a crowd unleashes to celebrate a last-minute winner. As the season concludes fans will not set records in terms of gate receipts and grounds across the country will not enjoy the financial benefit of a large away support. Let us hope it is not going to be long before we can get back and enjoy games together again. It has been much too long already.

Quiz Answers: (1) Brighton & Hove Albion; (2) AFC Bournemouth; (3) Jesse Lingard; (4) Newcastle United; (5) Hege Riise; (6) Niall Quinn.

Look at Linfield l 21 Jordan Stewart

Niall Quinn

Look at Linfield l 22 Andrew Waterworth

Conor Pepper

Saturday, January 23, 2021 Windsor Park, Belfast Linﬁeld 6 – Warrenpoint 0 Danske Bank Premiership

Navid Nasseri

Andrew Waterworth

Look at Linfield l 23 New Signings @ ‘The Park’

New signing Cameron Palmer (left) puts pen to paper for Linfield. The young midfielder has previously played for Rangers, Partick Thistle, Orange County (USA) and Clyde.

Joining Cameron at Windsor Park is central- defender Michael Newberry (right). Michael has previously played for Newcastle United and Vikingur Olafsvik (Iceland). We wish both lads the very best of luck in their Linfield careers.

Look at Linfield l 24 General manager Pat Fenlon presents the Ronnie Morrison sponsored Player of the Match award to Andrew Waterworth following the recent Warrenpoint game.

Player Presentations at Windsor Park

Honorary secretary Andy Conn presents the Ronnie Morrison sponsored Player of the Match award to Shayne Lavery following the recent Portadown game.

Look at Linfield l 25 Joel Cooper

Jimmy Callacher celebrates his late winner.

Look at Linfield l 26 Shayne Lavery chases down former Linfield keeper Jonny Tuffey.

Ross Larkin

Mark Haughey

Saturday, February 6, 2021 Seaview Stadium, Belfast Crusaders 1 – Linﬁeld 2 Danske Bank Premiership

Look at Linfield l 27 Today’s visitors – Coleraine

Coleraine hope to extend their unbeaten run at ‘The Park’ Coleraine come into this weekend's Danske Bank Premiership encounter in fine form after going through their last nine games unbeaten. The Bannsiders had won six of those games on the bounce before back-to-back draws against Cliftonville and Portadown at The Showgrounds. However, Oran Kearney's men returned to winning ways on Tuesday night as Lyndon Kane's first league goal since 2015 sealed a 1-0 success against derby rivals Ballymena United. After an inconsistent start to the season, the League Cup holders are now up to fourth spot in the table and are level on points with Crusaders in third having played a game Lyndon less. Kane It was a relatively quiet January transfer window for the Bannsiders with their only signing being Matthew Shevlin from Linfield. The attacker made his debut against Dungannon Swifts in early January but an injury has curtailed any action since. He will be one of six former Linfield players making a return to Windsor Park this evening. The fixture marks a busy spell for the Stripes who will also visit Carrick Rangers next Tuesday before seeing the month out with a home clash against Warrenpoint Town.

Look at Linfield l 28 It is hoped that Oran Kearney will have several players back at his disposal as the injury list has mounted up in recent weeks, with ex-Linfield stopper Gareth Deane recalled to the squad last Tuesday night following a knock. The Stripes know they will have to produce a far better performance than they did against the Blues back in November as Andrew Waterworth and Jordan Stewart Oran gave Linfield a deserved 2-0 win Kearney on the North Coast.

Obituary: Linfield FC reports with deep sadness the passing on Monday of Michael Gilmore. Michael was the beloved baby son of the Heads of our Linfield Ladies Academy Peter and Mollie Gilmore. The deepest sympathy of everyone at the club is extended to Peter and Mollie at this most difficult time. The grieving parents have been grateful for and comforted by the many expressions of support and kindness they have received. Supporters are asked to remember Peter and Mollie in their thoughts and prayers at this very sad time. Audaces Fortuna Juvat. Danske Bank Premiership League Table 2020-21 P. W. D. L. F. A. Points Linfield 17 12 2 3 44 20 38 Larne 18 10 6 2 33 16 36 Crusaders 18 9 3 6 35 23 30 Coleraine 17 9 3 5 26 19 30 Cliftonville 19 7 5 7 29 24 26 Glentoran 16 6 6 4 26 15 24 Ballymena United 16 7 2 7 22 17 23 Glenavon 15 4 6 5 22 25 18 Warrenpoint Town 17 4 5 8 15 29 17 Carrick Rangers 15 3 3 9 14 32 12 Portadown 17 2 6 9 18 38 12 Dungannon Swifts 17 3 3 11 10 36 12

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Look at Linfield l 30 Lin field Football (Founde Club Linfield Football Club Limited d March 1886) Linfie 2020-2021 ld Football Clu b b, formed in M y millworkers in arch, 1886, Peter Lunn M.B.E. the Sandy Ro esident: Belfast, is th w area of Pr Roy McGivern e largest, mos airman: Ireland t successful clu Ch Stephen Dickson . The Belfast Bl b in ce-Chairman: un ues have a pla Vi Pat Fenlon surpassed in I ying record neral Manager: rish football an Ge Richard Johnson stadium is th d Windsor Park on. Treasurer: e home of the H Andrew Conn internati Northern Irela Hon. Secretary: onal team. nd rectors Board of Di rd Johnson, H Jack Grundie, Richa ONOURS:- Trustees: , Dr. Cameron Irish Peter Lunn M.B.E. League Champ t • ionship – 54 t y, Paul Weir, Stuar 1890/91, 1891/ imes Ramse 92, 1892/93, 189 han Wilson, 1901/02, 4/95, 1897/98, Gilmore, Jonat 1903/04, 1906/0 1910/ 7, 1907/08, 1908 id Sales 11, 1913/14, 1921/ /09, Dav , 22, 1922/23, 192 , Stephen Dickson 1933/34, 1934/3 9/30, 1931/32, rs: Andy Conn 5, 1948/49, 1949 Elected Membe en Shaw, 1954/55, 19 /50, 1953/54, avid Strain, Steph 55/56, 1958/59 D rn, 1965/ , 1960/61, 1961/6 oods, Roy McGive 66, 1 968/69, 197 2, Irvine W 19 0/71, 1974/75, 1 , Jonathan 78/79, 1979/80 977/78, Ronnie Morrison , 1981/82, 1982/ rey. 1984/85, 198 83, 1983/84, t, Drew McCoub 5/86, 1986/87, Lamon 1993/94 1988/89, 1992/9 , 1999/00, 2000 3, 20 /01, 2003/04, 2 ield Staff 06/07, 2007/08 005/06, Linf Healy MBE , 2009/10, 2010/ anager: David 2016/17, 2018/ 11, 2011/12, Team M liver 19, 2019/20. Manager: Ross O Irish F.A. Cha Assistant ann llenge Cup – 4 h: Ricky McC • 1890/9 3 times Fitness Coac 1, 1891/92, 1892/ t: Terry Hayes 189 93, 1894/95, 189 Sports Therapis 8/99, 1901/02, 1 7/98, Patrick Noble 903/04, 1911/12, edical Officer: 1915/16, 1918/1 1912/13, 1914/15 M ry Eccles 9, 1921/22, 1922/ , anager: Ga 1930/31, 1 23, 1929/30, Kit M Williamson 933/34, 1935/36 g Coach: Johnny 1945 , 1938/39, 1941/ Goalkeepin /46, 1947/48, 19 42, 1944/45, ist: Paul Butler 49/50, 1952/53 Physiotherap n 1961/62, 1962/6 , 1959/60, r: Glenn Ferguso 3, 1969/70, 1 977 Academy Directo Billy Kennedy, 1981/82, 19 /78, 1979/80, oel Bailie M.B.E., 93/94, 1994/95 . Vice-Presidents: N 2006 , 2001/02, 2005 Hon err /07, 2007/08, 2 /06, Jim K ones, 009/10, 2010/11 err, M.B.E., Michael J 2016/17. , 2011/12, dents: Andy K ary Vice-Presi eill, Glenn Meikle, G Robert N n ky Stewart, Norma League C Dickson, Jac up (City Cup): G 30 times winne Morrow old Cup: 31 tim rs. e es winners. Kenny McKeagu Ulster Cup on. Trainer: : 15 times winn H ndy Kerr M.B.E. C ers. . Team Attend: A o. Antrim Shie Hon ld: 43 times win mme All-Irela ners. ficial Progra nd Cup: 4 time Of Conn s winners. Andrew Budweiser Cu Editor: otball Club p: Once. Linfield Fo Coca-Co Publisher: , Argyle Bus. la Cup: 3 times EPM., Unit 10B S winners. Printer: 3 2AU. etanta Sports Centre, Belfast BT1 Cup: Once. Tel: (028) 9074 0192 Alan Kirkpatrick Design & lay-out: Colin McMaster Photographer:

European Record: Played Won Drew Lost For Against 122 24 32 66 116 220 • Linfield have competed in the European Cup over 31 seasons, in the European Cup Winners’ Cup over three, the European Fairs Cup over two, the UEFA Cup in six and seven in the Europa League. In 1966/67 Linfield reached the quarter-finals of the European Cup, losing by the odd goal to CSKA Sofia of Bulgaria.

Look at Linfield l 31