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

Glentoran v.

Danske Bank Premiership Season 2020-2021 Look at Linﬁeld Windsor Park, Belfast Tuesday, 23 February, 2021 Kick-off: 7.45 p.m.

Danske Bank Premiership Champions 2019-20

Official Matchday Programme: £3 l Volume 50, No.6 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 V O I C E O ind H E wn T Today's game is being streamed live by n Linfield tv in partnership with 247.tv Full Linfield returned to the top of the Danske commentary is again being provided by Bank NIFL Premiership table, following last Jonny Martin and former Linfield midfielder week’s win against Glenavon at Mourneview Philip Mitchell. Full members, senior Park. The 2-1 win was hard fought and our members and life members have been players displayed typical Linfield character provided with an email link to access today's and resilience to bounce back from a half game, with other supporters able to time deficit, to seal the win. The decisive purchase the link for £7.50 from winning strike from Jordan Stewart was a 247.tv/niprem Feedback on our previous goal of the season contender and a goal fit to Linfield tv productions in partnership with win any game in any league in the world. 247.tv has been very positive. There are a lot of league matches scheduled n Several of our upcoming games are due to be between now and the end of the season and broadcast live by BBC. Our home game last week's win at a tough venue in against Coleraine will be broadcast live by Mourneview Park can hopefully instil BBC TV on Friday January 15, while our away confidence and momentum to carry the games at Crusaders and Cliftonville are due squad forward into today's huge derby fixture. to be streamed live by BBC online on January n 19 and 26 respectively. Government Restrictions arising from the n corona virus pandemic are having a huge Linfield have been drawn at home to Annagh impact on the local game, with all January United from the NIFL Championship in the elite sport fixtures only able to take place opening round of the Irish Cup. At present, behind closed doors. Even tougher there is no date scheduled for this opening round of the competition. restrictions forced the cancelation of all n fixtures scheduled for December 26 and 29 Joel Cooper has re-joined the club on loan and there is no doubt that the absence of from Oxford United until the end of the supporters at games is leaving a huge hole season and Matthew Shevlin has moved to in club finances across the country and one Coleraine with the best wishes of everyone at that will require government subsidy. Our the club. n supporters are greatly missed at our games With no spectators in attendance at today's and this club looks forward to the day when it behind closed doors game, programme will be possible and safe for supporters to production has been scaled back and Linfield return to their usual vantage points in stands FC would acknowledge the cooperation of our and terraces around the country. long-standing printers, Edenderry Print in n Glentoran are today’s visitors to Windsor making this issue of 'Look at Linfield' Park for this behind closed doors game available online on Linfieldfc.com which has been delayed since its traditional n The Linfield Superstore is presently closed Boxing Day date. In the previous game under the current government lockdown between the two sides, a late Jimmy restrictions and this club would acknowledge Callacher goal rescued a valuable point in a the support the Online Superstore has 3-3 draw at Windsor Park and a similar close received over the course of the difficult encounter is expected between the two trading conditions experienced in the past teams this afternoon. Glentoran are presently nine months, in seventh position in the league table, with n Belated best wishes to all our supporters for 14 points from their 11 league games played a much happier New Year than we were able to date. to enjoy in the previous year.

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

Glentoran Linfield Elliott Morris 01 Chris Johns 01 William Garrett 02 Alex Moore 40 Marcus Kane 03 David Walsh 51 Luke McCullough 04 Mark Stafford 02 Gael Bigirimana 05 Ross Larkin 03 Chris Gallagher 06 Michael Newberry 04 Jamie McDonagh 07 Mark Haughey 05 Dale Gorman 08 Jimmy Callacher 06 Paul O'Neill 09 Andrew Waterworth 07 Rory Donnelly 10 Christy Manzinga 09 Robbie McDaid 11 Jordan Stewart 10 Andy Mitchell 12 Kirk Millar 12 Cameron Stewart 14 Shayne Lavery 14 Patrick McClean 15 Navid Nasseri 15 Seanan Clucas 16 Bobby Burns 17 Matthew Clarke 16 Rory Brown 18 Kyle McClean 18 Ciaran O'Connor 19 Stephen Fallon 20 Mal Smith 20 Jamie Mulgrew 22 Joe Crowe 21 Ryan McGivern 23 Dayle Coleing 23 Conor Pepper 25 Caolan Marron 24 Niall Quinn 31 Hrvoje Plum 27 Cameron Palmer 35 Jay Donnelly 30 Joel Cooper 99 Keith Cowan 32

Look at Linfield l 04 by Linfield manager David Healy

Today we are sure to face a hugely difficult challenge but one we have been preparing thoroughly for and looking forward to with eager anticipation. Glentoran were here at Windsor Park fairly recently and they came very close to leaving with all three points. Only Jimmy Callacher's last gasp headed equaliser salvaged the 3-3 draw for us, so we are fully aware of the dangers and threats that our visitors will provide us with today. Today's game should have been the traditional Boxing Day fixture played in front of the biggest attendance in local football but instead, the various corona virus restrictions mean that the game is taking place on today's date and with no supporters in attendance. It's a hugely disappointing state of affairs for everyone connected with football but one we've alas, all had to get used to due to the unprecedented circumstances that have taken over all our lives since last March when this pandemic struck. Although today's virtually empty stadium will be a strange experience for this particular fixture, once the referee blows his whistle at 3pm there will be a huge three points at stake and that will be our sole focus and motivation. We know that lots of our loyal and greatly missed supporters will be following the action on the live Linfield tv broadcast and we hope we can give them all a huge boost and lift with a strong performance and positive result in today's vitally important game. Last week's game at Mourneview Park got us back in action after an enforced break which saw the cancellation of the Christmas fixtures. It was a game in which traditional Linfield spirit, character and resilience saw us emerge victorious on the day. A strong second half display brought us two excellent goals and the winning strike from Jordan Stewart was stunning in its execution. While our win and results elsewhere meant we returned to the top of the table, we know there are a lot of tough challenges ahead and there will be plenty of twists and turns before the honours are handed out. We will keep working hard and approaching each game one game at a time and certainly, there is no bigger fixture than today's, with so much at stake for both clubs. Joel Cooper will join the squad for today's game, following his on loan signing from Oxford until the end of the season. We all know what a talent he is and what a welcome addition to our squad he will be. He has settled back into the squad in training, as if he hadn't been away. Matthew Shevlin has moved on to Coleraine and I thank him for his efforts and contribution during his time here and I wish him well in all he does in the future. Brandon Doyle has gone on loan to Warrenpoint until the season end. Christy Manzinga misses game two of a three game suspension today and I will complete game three of a three game suspension today. It was pleasing to welcome Navid Nasseri and Stephen Fallon back to action, following injury in last week's win away to Glenavon. Shayne Lavery missed last week's game at Glenavon with a knock picked up in training and he will again be a doubt for today’s game. It was pleasing to welcome Alex Moore back to the match day squad last weekend, following his lay off due to injury. Rather belatedly, I will conclude by wishing everyone in the Linfield family the happiest and safest New Year possible in these most uncertain times.

Look at Linfield l 05 rth Andy Waterwo Age: 34 er Position: Strik who’s 7 quad number: S ilmore Rec., evious clubs: K Pr n Acc. and at who tillery, Hamilto Dis Glentoran ) 327 (41 as sub Appearances: ‘The Park’ Goals: 183

Linfield striker Andy Waterworth knows all about the ‘Big Two’ derby with Glentoran, having experienced it from both sides and he believes The Blues need to be better than they were in last week’s 2-1 win away to Glenavon. “A lot of things go out the window in a ‘Big Two’ derby. Tactics and everything else only get you so far in these games as they’re blood and thunder affairs. We will need to be better but maybe it’s the best thing ahead of a derby that you haven’t been at your best because it gives you a kick up the backside.” Asked whether set-plays could play a part in today’s derby, Andy admits that defending them has been a concern for Linfield this season. “Corners have been our Achilles heel and funny enough, I delivered a session for the Irish FA last summer about set-pieces and in 2016-17 I felt we won the League with set- pieces, whereas in 2017-18 I felt we lost it on set-pieces. Normally, we have the three big lads at the back – Haughey, Stafford and Callacher – whereas this year we are a bit smaller and we are having to work harder to try and sort that.” There had been much debate and uncertainty in the week leading up to the game as to whether the Irish League would escape the NI Executive’s tightening of restrictions following a spike in positive Coronavirus cases in recent weeks. However, it has been given the thumbs up to continue and it’s very much game on. Some Irish League players have publicly raised concerns about continuing, and Andy has given an honest view on it, as well as playing without fans and trying to lift their spirits during the current lockdown.

Look at Linfield l 06 “I have mixed views on it. From a selfish point of view, I want it to continue because I love playing football and whilst everything else is cancelled, it gives you a bit of focus and gives you an out. However, I can understand from a safeguard point of view that football is secondary and I think that players should be tested, if I’m honest. It’s okay for us but we could be going home to family members who could be vulnerable to the virus, so you’d be worried about that. Whether the testing would come from executive funding or whatever, I don’t know. “I am intrinsically motivated because I love playing football and will until I retire. My motivation is to do my best for myself and for the team, but yes, it isn’t the same without the fans and that is difficult. We were chatting on the bus home from Mourneview on Saturday and we were saying that normally you’d have had a packed stadium at Mourneview, especially close to Christmas. The fans get you through some games and are very much a part of why you do what you do. I think not having our fans has been really detrimental for Linfield because we are the biggest supported team in the land and when you need them, they are there for you. Even the wee things like running out to a bit of noise or when you score a goal there’s no noise and you’re thinking, ‘Is that a goal, or..?’ The less I think about it and dwell on it the better, because it gets me down. “There maybe is an extra wee bit of incentive because things in the country are doom and gloom at the moment. As a Chelsea fan, I know that the result can make or break your weekend. Playing for Linfield you do feel that extra bit of pressure now that fans can’t get to games now and you want them to be proud of the performance or result. It has brought to light how important fans are, not just here but in England as well. If you flick the TV on, there’s no fan noise - it just shows you football is nothing without the fans. As an aspiring coach watching games on Sky Sports, the first few weeks was fine hearing the voices but after that, you realise what a big part fans play.” The Linfield legend who is always a regular source of goals for the champions believes that postponements over the coming months will be inevitable, which will lead to teams playing catch-up. As well as this, the League is very competitive and Waterworth believes whichever team copes best with the adversity best, will come out on top this season. “The dynamic of the League has been changing for the past few years and now you’re up against teams that are full time professionals or teams that are revived. Of course, we have been champions two years in a row but there will be times where we don’t get things all our own way and that’s been the case at times this year, but what’s impressed me the most is how we’ve bounced back after the Larne defeat. “There might be a lot of ups and downs and a lot of uncertainty for all teams this season and I think whichever team can cope best with that will come out on top, because there will likely be periods where the League will be paused and games will be postponed. It’s going to be a different type of season. If you listen to the Covid guidelines and the news bulletins, you would think to yourself ‘this could be the last game’ - therefore, the ‘one game at a time’ approach is more important than ever.” Andy leads the Linfield goalscoring charts with seven goals the season after a great start to the campaign but felt last week against Glenavon was below par from him, but a wonder goal from Jordan Stewart helped seal a 2-1 win and Andy heaped praise on the maestro for his goal of the season contender. “I am usually my biggest critic but have been pleased with my personal performances this season, minus the Glenavon game last week. I was disappointed with my performance and felt very heavy legged and felt the fluidity of the team was wrong, and although we all agreed that our team performance against Glenavon was missing something, we also felt it was creditable that we still found a way to win. First half, Glenavon compacted the space where I wanted the ball to feet and my touch wasn’t on my ‘A game’ - but as a result Glenavon left a big gap and Mark Stafford pointed out that at half time. Staff and I would chat about the game regularly. “I knew Jordan Stewart’s goal was in straight away and ironically, he did exactly what I was picturing in my head. The difference is, he carried it off whereas I couldn’t have done that! That’s what Jordan is capable of, I love playing with him. He wears his heart on his sleeve and is such a personality on and off the pitch.” Hopefully, Jordan and Andy will be celebrating more goals and a positive result for Linfield in today's huge league game at Windsor Park.

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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. 0-0 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 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. Chris Gunter is the most capped player for which country? 2. Who was the last side to beat Rangers in the Scottish Cup Final? 3. When Manchester United beat Barcelona 2-1 in the 1991 European Cup Winners’ Cup Final, who scored both their goals? 4. Which member of the Linfield Ladies side made her international debut against Belarus in October? Answers 5. The late Eric Morecambe was a director of which club? on page 6. Which squad number did Cristiano Ronaldo first wear when he 21 joined Real Madrid?

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 18 12 3 3 44 20 020-202 Goals Goals 2 App. County Antrim Shield 3 2 0 1 9 4 & 5 as sub) 23 (1 UEFA Champions League 2 1 0 1 2 1 all Quinn 5 Ni 22 Europa League 1 0 0 1 0 1 r 5 Kirk Milla as sub) r 21 (1 Total: 24 15 3 6 55 26 immy Callache ) 1 J 21 (2 as sub ulgrew 9 Jamie M 4 as sub) t 21 ( Jordan Stewar – 20 ohns 11 LINFIELD PLAYING RECORD 2019-20 Chris J (8 as sub) worth 20 Andrew Water ub) – P W D L F A 20 (2 as s McClean 3 Danske Bank Premiership 31 22 3 6 71 24 Kyle 9 (6 as sub) ri 1 – Co. Antrim Shield 2 1 1 0 7 3 Navid Nasse sub) 18 (2 as k Haughey 9 League Cup 4 3 0 1 10 7 Mar 17 (3 as sub) ery – UEFA Champions League 2 0 0 2 0 6 Shayne Lav s sub) 15 (1 a nor Pepper – UEFA Europa League 6 4 1 1 12 9 Co 14 (1 as sub) Clarke 1 UTU Champions Cup 2 0 1 1 1 7 Matthew as sub) 13 (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 9 (8 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) Tonight’s Fixtures: ern – Ryan McGiv Portadown ( ) Larne ( ) 4 an Boyle – Eth 4 (1 as sub) r 1 Cliftonville ( ) Ballymena United ( ) Joel Coope sub 4 as atthew Shevlin – Carrick Rangers ( ) Coleraine ( ) M 3 alsh – David W as sub) Dungannon Swifts ( ) Glenavon ( ) 3 (2 randon Doyle – B 1 ore 1 Alex Mo as sub 1 Joshua Archer Follow, follow Linfield! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialLinfieldFC Twitter: OfficialBlues @

Look at Linfield l 11 fprolamy eorus r

pby Jamaes Kesnnedy t Glenn Ferguson Few players spend over 10 years at Linfield, and 28-year-old Glenn Ferguson wouldn’t have expected to be one of them when he signed in 1998. However, Spike was awarded a Testimonial by the club in 2008. “I almost signed for The Blues seven years earlier, but I had only spent one season at Glenavon and was afraid that things could go wrong”. Dundonald lad Glenn played for Dungoyne Boys FC from the age of 10 in a team filled with players who would go on to play in the Irish League. “We had Philip Knell, Jason Allen, Rab Campbell, all future Linfield players, and our goalkeeper was Paul Kee, who played for Northern Ireland. We won loads of trophies, including one held at Fulham’s Craven Cottage”. Glenn moved to Ards as a teenager, like many of his Dungoyne teammates, and made his senior debut against Glenavon, scoring the game’s only goal. But it wasn’t all plain sailing, and in 1990 Glenn was released by the club. “I went to Fisher Body, scored a few goals, then Glenavon manager Terry Nicholson signed me and I got 37 goals in my first season with him”. Hence the interest from Linfield!

Look at Linfield l 12 The early 1990s were a good period for Glenavon, regularly winning Cup competitions, and they were also involved in that unforgettable day in 1994 when the Gibson Cup was presented to Linfield after Glenavon drew with Portadown. Another Irish Cup success followed in 1997, but Glenn was disappointed to see some of his teammates leave, and when David Jeffrey came calling in early 1998, it was off to Windsor Park. The fee was £55,000 for the prolific striker. “I spoke to a few clubs, including Glentoran, but despite being offered more money elsewhere, The Blues were the club for me”. There then followed a golden period for Glenn and the club, with 6 League titles and 4 Irish Cup wins. Individually, 3 Ulster Player of the Year awards also. Never one to do things by half, Glenn’s 500th career goal was scored in a 3-2 comeback win over Crusaders in the CIS Cup final of 2008. European football was also a regular event for Glenn, and his most memorable tie was against Omonia Nicosia. “Cyprus in the summer is hot, and we had to train at 7 in the morning. It didn’t help that the air conditioning was turned off before the game, and we lost 5-1. I got our goal, and some of the lads said to me that they thought we had a chance!”. In fact, we almost did, winning 5-3 in the home leg. Glenn’s name was also known outside of these shores, with Raith Rovers and Casino Salzburg keen, but with a young family and a steady job, neither offer really appealed. With 5 caps, Glenn also made it on to the international scene, where he never looked out of place, and he had some great relationships with his fellow internationals. “I got on well with Keith Gillespie and Neil Lennon. I also became really good friends with David Healy”. Eventually Glenn left Linfield for Lisburn Distillery in 2009, and in 2011 he hung his boots up to become manager of Ballymena Utd, where he secured 2 Co. Antrim Shields for the Co. Antrim club. His friendship with David Healy resulted in Glenn being appointed Director of the Linfield Academy, where he is currently in charge of guiding the stars of tomorrow. “I work alongside Willie McKeown, ensuring that players like Charlie Allen and Dale Taylor make it to the right clubs across the water”. Glenn’s son Matthew is another who knows where the net is. Currently with Harland & Wolff Welders, the young Ferguson is rehabilitating after an injury and should return to action in early 2021. In the meantime, Ferguson senior has kept his coaching Pro Licence up to date. Would he go back into management? “If the right club came along, I’d consider it”. Look at Linfield l 13

Welcome return for Ladies striker Alison

In June 2018 Linfield striker Alison Smyth suffered a horrendous double leg break in a league game away to Sion Swifts. After a long road to recovery, Alison featured as a sub in Linfield's defeat away to Anderlecht in the UEFA Women's Champions League in early November. She followed this up with two assists in a 3-2 league win at Solitude and then scored the only goal in a 1-0 league win at Seaview. Alison displayed remarkable bravery to return to the Sion venue where she suffered the injury and scored the equaliser in the same goalmouth in a 2-2 draw. She is pictured after scoring in a 4-2 league win against Sion Swifts at New Midgley Park and finished the league campaign with a further goal in a 4-0 home win against Derry City.

This afternoon’s officials: Raymond Crangle Referee: Kristian Hanna and Mark O’Brien Linesmen: Ross Dunlop 4th Official:

Look at Linfield l 15 Conor Pepper

Kirk Millar

Mark Stafford

Look at Linfield l 16 David Walsh

Conor Pepper

Saturday, December 5, 2020 Windsor Park, Belfast Linﬁeld 2 – Cliftonville 0 Danske Bank Premiership

Kirk Millar

Kyle McClean

Shayne Lavery Look at Linfield l 17 WILLIAM COATES L IMITED

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Look at Linfield l 18 Irish Football Association and NIFL thank National Lottery Players for their support £450k support package from The National Lottery gives lifeline to all NI Football League clubs The Irish FA is delighted to announce that all Northern Ireland Football League (NIFL) clubs will each receive a share of £450k of financial support as part of a unique partnership with The National Lottery. The partnership with The National Lottery will benefit all men’s and women’s clubs in the NI Football League. It will provide vital support as clubs are either forced to play without fans or not able to play football at all, owing to COVID-19 restrictions. As a thank you, National Lottery players, who make a difference every time they buy a ticket, will also get a range of benefits – including free tickets once stadia have fully reopened and VIP experiences with the Northern Ireland national side. The clubs are important parts of their communities and the funding recognises their role beyond just a 3pm kick off on a Saturday afternoon. They provide a source of pride to their local areas and have been at the heart of their communities through the duration of the pandemic. The funds will play a key role in ensuring that the clubs can continue to exist and operate during the pandemic. The money will be distributed by the Irish FA to clubs ensuring their continued survival. Patrick Nelson, Chief Executive Officer for the Irish FA, said: “Thanks to National Lottery players, football clubs are able to protect and enhance the crucial work they do serving their communities right across Northern Ireland. We’re delighted to play our role in this brilliant initiative.” Andrew Johnston, Managing Director of the NI Football League, said, “This funding is a huge boost to our member clubs at a particularly desperate time. We would like to express our sincere thanks to The National Lottery for their support in safeguarding the immediate future of our clubs. Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Brandon Lewis, said, “Men’s and women’s clubs in the NI Football League play a vital role in their local communities, and have been facing tough times recently because of coronavirus restrictions. We are extremely grateful to The National Lottery for this vital funding package, which will go a long way in helping these clubs keep going until fans are safely able to return to grounds and stadia.” Nigel Railton, Chief Executive of National Lottery operator Camelot, said, “The National Lottery and its players make a massive difference to communities across the UK day in, day out – and have been doing so for the past 26 years. So we’re really delighted to be working with the Irish Football Association to support these incredibly important clubs in the Northern Ireland Football League, enabling them to continue playing such an important role in their local communities. I am a huge football fan and I think all fans will be delighted to know that their clubs are getting the support they need.

Look at Linfield l 19 by Dan Brown

Missing that Community Feeling

Pride of place at home is a Youth Season Ticket from the 2000/01 campaign signed by Noel Bailie. To a young fan, Noel was a hero. He epitomised everything there was to love about football and about Linfield. Both fearless and a cultured footballer Noel represented the club with distinction. This brief pen portrait of Bailie is what anyone who watched the club over those years would expect to hear. Noel Bailie’s name is spoken in reverential tones around Windsor, such is the respect he still commands a decade after he retired. Noel of course played for over two decades at the club, and in that time played alongside many a club legend. One such legend was Glenn Ferguson who arrived in the winter of 1998. Leading the line with power, skill and an eye for goal, Ferguson like Bailie was revered at Windsor. Unsurprisingly then an artefact from Glenn also takes pride of place at home. A Christmas card, which I received from ‘Spike’ in the winter of 1999 made that festive period particularly special. A signed season ticket and a Christmas card may seem on the surface pretty inconsequential possessions to hold dear. However, it is their associations with players and what they mean to supporters of a club that makes a simple artefact take on much greater significance.

Look at Linfield l 20 At a club like Linfield where the players are accessible – unlike at clubs where players are millionaires living a lifestyle most of us can’t relate to – the relationship with fans can be very special. The club’s open days are a chance when heroes on the pitch take the time to chat with those who come watch them week in week out. There is something very special about the relationship between players and fans at this level of football. Covering our fortunes in Copenhagen in 1993, Chris Lightbown of the Sunday Times noted the following as he observed fans and players meeting in the Danish capital: “At their hotel in central Copenhagen last week, players, directors and fans milled around the lobby as if they were friends and neighbours, which in many cases they are. “Players earnestly discussed their chances with some of the 900 or so fans who had flown out. “There had been an attempt to keep the team’s location a secret from the fans, to give the players as much rest as possible, but that was a forlorn exercise in a club, where the captain is on first-name terms with easily 10% of the crowd”. The bond that Lightbown described between players and supporters in the early 90s is still something present today. It is something to cherish and something to be proud of. Linfield may be a footballing institution, but thankfully there is a homely and community feeling at the club. That feeling of community is no doubt missed greatly in what have been pretty depressing days. For those who derive so much pleasure out of attending games and enjoying the community feeling you get at Windsor this past year has been difficult. It is frustrating not cheering on the players we have a bond with. It’s disappointing we can’t be there to celebrate winning goals and the success that the team enjoys. Thinking of my signing season ticket and my Christmas card, I am easily reminded of the connection our players have with supporters like I. It will be a special day when there are no restrictions and we are back in cheering the Mulgrews, Callachers and Waterworths again! In the meantime hopefully our players stay safe and whatever happens to the rest of the season, we trust they like our supporters will stay safe.

Quiz Answers: (1) Wales; (2) Hibernian; (3) Mark Hughes; (4) Abbie Magee; (5) Luton Town; (6) 9.

Look at Linfield l 21 Niall Quinn

Mark Stafford Shayne Lavery

Kyle McClean

Look at Linfield l 22 Matthew Clarke

Kirk Andrew Millar Waterworth Friday, December 11, 2020 Inver Park, Larne Larne 3 – Linﬁeld 1 Danske Bank Premiership

Mark Stafford Look at Linfield l 23 Death of Man. City legend

Linfield FC records with profound sadness the passing on Tuesday of Manchester City and England legend, Colin Bell. It was Colin Bell who scored the goal in City’s 1-0 European Cup Winners Cup first round, first leg win against Linfield at Maine Rd on September 16, 1970 and he featured in the Windsor Park return leg a fortnight later. Linfield’s Billy Millen who scored both goals in our 2-1 second leg win, sadly passed away in October, shortly after the 50th anniversary of the European ties between our two clubs. The deepest sympathy of everyone at Linfield FC has been conveyed at this sad time to the Bell family circle and to all our friends at his beloved Manchester City FC.

Colin Bell scores past Linfield keeper Derek Humphreys at Maine Road, Manchester.

Look at Linfield l 24 Players on the move 22 year old Matthew Shevlin has moved to Coleraine on the opening of the January transfer window. He signed for Linfield in August 2019 and made his debut as a sub in a 1-0 league win away to Cliftonville on September 7, 2019. His first goal came in a 5-1 County Antrim Shield home win against East Belfast on September 11, 2019. Brandon Doyle Matthew His final game turned out to be Shevlin as a sub in a 2-1 defeat away to Warrenpoint on November 28, 2020. In total he made 21 appearances (including 18 as sub) and scored 2 goals. 22 year old Brandon Doyle has joined Warrenpoint Town on loan until the end of the season. Brandon had a previous spell on loan with Warrenpoint where he joins up with another on loan Linfield forward Adam Carroll.

Jimmy Callacher receives the Ronnie Morrison sponsored Man of the Match award from kit manager Gary Eccles following the recent home game against Dungannon Swifts.

Look at Linfield l 25 Andrew Waterworth

Kyle McClean

Shayne Lavery

Saturday, December 19, 2020 Windsor Park, Belfast Linﬁeld 4 – Dungannon 0 Danske Bank Premiership

Look at Linfield l 26 Mark Haughey and Jimmy Callacher

Bastien Hery

Andrew Waterworth

Look at Linfield l 27 Today’s visitors – Glentoran

Frustrating season so far for Glentoran Robbie Glentoran go into this rescheduled McDaid ‘Big Two’ derby clash at Windsor Park sitting seventh in the Danske Bank Premiership table, 14 points behind Linfield but with a game in hand. The Glens will take heart from their last visit to Windsor which was just six weeks ago, when they were seconds away from victory before Jimmy Callacher popped up for Linfield at the back post to make it 3- 3. It has been a frustrating season for Glentoran so far, despite several major signings in the summer. They started the League campaign with a stutter and on top of that, they had several matches postponed due to Covid-related issues, as well as International call-ups. On top of this, they also endured the disappointment of losing the County Antrim Shield final on penalties against Larne. Despite coming close on their aforementioned recent visit to Windsor, Mick McDermott’s men are yet to record an away win in the League this season, having lost away to Cliftonville, Crusaders and Coleraine, as well as draws at Windsor and Ballymena. They will hope that changes against Linfield and no motivational team-talks are ever required for this historic derby fixture.

Look at Linfield l 28 Seanan Clucas and Dayle Coleing were both sent off in their last trip to Windsor but both are expected to be available for the derby. Gibraltar international goalkeeper Dayle Coleing had a night to forget that night and although he has played in most matches for Glentoran this season, he was dropped to the bench for last week’s 2-1 win over Portadown as Northern Ireland U21 and former Institute goalkeeper Rory Brown started in goal. An outside shot is veteran ‘keeper Elliot Morris who is now third choice but still reliable and is doing a bit of goalkeeper coaching at the Oval club. Highly rated young forward Paul O’Neill – who scored in the 3-3 draw at Windsor six weeks ago – was also on the bench last week. The Glens have also since welcomed influential Croatian midfielder Hrvoje Plum back from injury, whilst former Glenavon defender Rhys Marshall made his Glens debut last week after signing from Shamrock Rovers and he could potentially have an interesting battle against his former teammate Joel Cooper. All this makes for a selection headache for Mick McDermott, who’s been leaving experienced players like Andy Mitchell out of his squad in recent weeks, such is their squad depth. Robbie McDaid is Glentoran’s talisman in attack and it was he who thought he’d struck a late winner in their last visit to Windsor Park. No player scored more goals in the Danske Bank Premiership in the calendar year of 2020 than McDaid and it would seem just a matter of who joins him in the front three. Paul O’Neill normally features, whilst Jay Donnelly has been in form since his summer transfer from Belfast Celtic. Another wide option is Rory Donnelly who hasn’t been in much form since he became a marquee signing from Cliftonville this time last year. There’s also Jamie McDonagh who signed from Derry City but has rarely featured. Although this game was moved back from the original Boxing Day date and is being played without fans, it might not be the same match-day experience but it will still mean so much to both clubs. The Glens will see this match as a potential opportunity for the lift that could kick- start their season and perhaps set-plays could play a part in deciding the game. Both Linfield and Glentoran conceded from corners last weekend, and they both also scored from free- kicks, incidentally.

Danske Bank Premiership League Table 2020-21 P. W. D. L. F. A. Points Linfield 18 12 3 3 44 20 39 Larne 19 10 6 3 33 17 36 Crusaders 19 10 3 6 37 24 33 Coleraine 18 9 4 5 26 19 31 Cliftonville 20 8 5 7 30 24 29 Glentoran 16 6 6 4 26 15 24 Ballymena United 17 7 2 8 23 19 23 Glenavon 16 5 6 5 26 28 21 Warrenpoint Town 17 4 5 8 15 29 17 Carrick Rangers 16 3 3 10 17 36 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