FRIDAY APRIL 8 2011 Celebrating 125 years of Linfield Football Club 3 Linfield Football Club CONTENTS 4 The origins of a football phenomenon

7 Unique glory of European nights

9 Lest we forget the legends

12 Boyhood Blue lives the dream

15 Building bridges

18 — Mr Linfield Credits & Contacts for Commercial Supplements ADVERTISING PRODUCTION AND FEATURE WRITERS Salesforce NI Anne Nelson EDITORIAL Alex McGreevy beltelsupplements@salesforce- [email protected]. CNS Chris Holt ni.co.uk uk [email protected] Michael Bashford (028) 4483 9787 (028) 9026 4180 (028) 9033 7389

8 Linfield Football Club FRIDAY APRIL 8 2011 Celebrating 125 years of Linfield Football Club 9 Lest we forget the legends

or every Linfield fan over the age of be back the next week. 60, the team of 1961/62 was prob- “Even if I had have scored three, I still ably the greatest ever. The names would have made way for the Duke for the Reid, Parke, Gilliland, Irvine, Hat- next match. At the time I was a bit peeved ton, Graham, Wilson, Gough, about that but I suppose looking back, the FAndrews, Stewart, Ferguson, Dickson, Barr, Duke was such a special player, one of the all Scott and Braithwaite are etched into the fab- time greats.” ric of folklore for their seven- Ken Gilliland says it was the highlight of trophy haul. his career. It was never done before and unlikely to “The season started off in the usual Lin- ever happen again (given that a number of field manner and we were winning plenty of the competitions are now defunct). games,” he said. But for a team to make a clean sweep of “We kept knocking teams down but were domestic competitions when strength in never really thinking of where it might lead depth squads were a thing of the future is to. As the season progressed and we picked amazing in itself. up the early trophies, it suddenly became Over the years many of the players have clear that something quite special might reminisced about what they regard as the happen. club’s finest season. “The league play-off game against Porta- Bobby Braithwaite played in 50 of the 59 down at Solitude was a great experience. At games that season. He recalls how the play- the end of the game the crowd surged onto ers didn't think about a possible clean sweep the pitch and they gave us a tremendous ova- until the last few games of the season. The invincibles: The all-conquering seven trophy winning side tion. “The strange thing is that it never really “I still have wonderful memories of the vic- Singing the blues: Peter Thompson celebrates another win occurred to any of us that we could lift all “Of course the final game at Solitude must “ was one of the greats tory parade down the Shankill Road and up seven trophies until very late in the sea- rank as the most memorable of my Linfield from that time,” he said. to Windsor Park. I don’t think I have ever son,” he remembers. career. The atmosphere was unbelievable. “Then there was Bobby Braithwaite, an- seen anything like it.” “Isaac McDowell (manager) kept us fo- Jimmy Reid scored two and I was fortu- other great player. Billy Ferguson, Tommy A reminder of the seven trophies which Pistol whipped cused on each game and I recall that it was nate enough to score the other on that great Stewart, that was some team at that time. Linfield won: The Gibson Cup (Irish League only after Portadown drew with the Glens to day.” “The only way I got on was when Dickson Championship); Irish Cup, Co Antrim Shield, set up a play-off match for the title that we Phil Scott says he mainly remembers “the was injured. I was like his understudy. I got Gold Cup, City Cup, , and North- Thompson is Blues’ deadly weapon realised what we could possibly achieve. couple of goals that I scored”. on if the Duke was out but he would always South Cup.

eter Thompson has helped competitively for a long time,” re- secure, and raised aloft, many flected Thompson. a trophy in his relatively short “Playing against Shelbourne was a yet supremely fruitful career massive ask for us – they were full at Linfield — yet one in partic- time and were seen as the best team Pular stands out. in Ireland at the time after having In April 2005, just two weeks after some great results in Europe. suffering gut-wrenching defeat at the “As well as that we had just come hands of rivals Glentoran, thanks to off the back of losing to Glentoran and an injury time goal from former week after that they won the league Windsor Park favourite Chris Morgan, and we felt that we had blown that, a loss that would see them ultimate- “But we went down to and ly miss out on the league title, the we got the goals and then battled to Blues headed south for the very first the end and I'll never forget the cel- Setanta Cup final. ebrations after it. It was a brilliant Facing them were Shelbourne – performance and an amazing day all the big-spending kingpins of Irish round, certainly the highlight of my football; a team that had come with- career.” in a whisker of qualifying for the Most of the players at that time group stages of the Champions point to the 'clean sweep' season as League, managed by another ex-Lin- their highlight but Thompson felt it field hero, . important to take a step back. David Jeffrey's men weren't given “For me that Setanta Cup win was a hope. the springboard for what we would go However, in a terrific display of on to achieve the following season,” character not least in bouncing he added. “The catalyst was actu- back from that heartbreaking ally the defeat to Glentoran, we defeat at the Oval, the Blues knew at that point that we didn't saw off the Dubliners in their want to ever have to suffer that own back yard with Glenn sort of disappointment Ferguson opening the again and used it to our scoring and Thompson advantage. providing the clincher. “I think in football you For the striker, it was have to know what it is a moment that tops all like to feel disappoint- others in a career that ment. It gives you a has seen him win the hunger and desire to lot, several times over, ensure that you don't domestically. experience that feel- “It was the first year of ing often. The 'clean the competition and there sweep' season was was an excitement surround- amazing to be part of ing it because it was the first but for me, it all time that teams from here had started when we played teams beat Shelbourne.” 10 Celebrating 125 years of Linfield Football Club FRIDAY APRIL 8 2011 FRIDAY APRIL 8 2011 Celebrating 125 years of Linfield Football Club 11

It’s all over: Robert Garrett reacts as Linfield lose to Up and running: Michael Dundalk in the Setanta Cup Carvill scores the Blues’ en route to crashing out of first league goal of the the all-Ireland competition season against Distillery

hey say success breeds success vals Glentoran to remind the Blues and nowhere has that weary they have no divine right to silverware maxim been given more lus- in the final of the County Antrim Shield. tre than in the corridors of Around the international stadium, Windsor Park. changes are afoot with the Govern- TLinfield’s domination of the domes- ment announcing millions in funding tic football scene is as old as the league to upgrade Irish League stadiums. itself, and under the glittering 14-year Indeed the future sure looks bright stewardship of David Jeffrey, the Blues and with the reigning Carling Premier- have cemented their reputation as ship champions top of the league once Northern Ireland’s pre-eminent club. again and through to the semi-finals of This season, there was a sense of in- the Irish Cup, Blues fans are confident evitability as Linfield marched to the another season of success beckons. first final of the season, only for old ri- Some things just never change.

Actions not words: Striker Mark McAllister celebrates his goal as Linfield tightened their grip on top spot with a win at Portadown

It’s a rout: Peter Thompson celebrates as Linfield hit 11 against Kilmore Rec en route to the County Antrim Shield Cup final

Up for the cup: Peter Thompson scores from the spot as Linfield make the Irish Cup last four after winning on the road at Dungannon European dreams: Noel Bailie and Alan Blayney hug after securing a 0-0 draw against Rosenborg

Heavens above: David Jeffrey looks for some divine inspiration

10 11

14 Celebrating 125 years of Linfield Football Club FRIDAY APRIL 8 2011 Linfield Football Club 15 A message from Umbro...

CANNOT think of a time in the last eight Noel Bailie I made my debut with in the years as Umbro Account manager to Lin- first team and is a an unbelievable credit to field Football club when I haven’t felt any- the game. In the current stable of Umbro thing other than an incredibly warm players Mark McAllister and Philip Lowry welcome when i drive through the blue are recent acquisitions to Windsor but were Igates into Windsor Park. players who we sponsored before they Having served there as a player (1988- arrived at Linfield and they are two great 1990) under and as under 18 guys. coach (2001-2003) under David Jeffrey, I Michael Gault was another who played in had no illusion about what was required the Linfield youth team that I managed and when Umbro became sponsors to Linfield in is one of the nicest guys you can meet in the 2003. An institution which has produced game and for my money is the next Linfield so many wonderfully gifted players over captain. many ]years and a club whose fans have Jamie Mulgrew like Michael has blos- been its lifeblood and who from board room somed into a really fine player and has to boot room have been the epitome of pro- become a dear and trusted friend as as we fessionalism. phenomenal and continued through the ney with Linfield in those early days was have looked after the under 10 Linfield acad- As I depart these shores for a new adven- summer of 2007 as they defeated David's insistence that the way the players emy side together. Former players such as ture in the USA , it is with great delight that Dungannon in the Irish cup Final and nar- had been dressed for training, arrival on Davy Larmour and Darren Murphy and Paul Leeman and myself brokered a new rowly missed out on what might have been a match day, in the warm up and on the field Mark Picking all were significant in the play- four year sponsorship with Ireland’s leading more historic treble losing on penalties in of play had played its part in the club win- er - brand relationship. club and I can assure all Bluemen of the the Setanta Cup Final to Drogheda. ning their first League title in 2004 for three On the coaching staff , Alfie Wylie has respect with which the club is held not only We had by now signed a new five year years. been a mentor and family friend to say noth- with my successor but all at Umbro HQ in deal with the club and the relationships The “look good, feel good, play good” ing of a fellow football nut-case, whilst I Manchester. deepened. adage was working. David has always been always love the company of Brian The new contract takes us through to 2016 Stephen Dickson had now taken over the accessible , always hugely supportive and McLoughlin and Denis Shields when i am and each year is always exciting working mantle as commercial manager , opening up and continually delivering the goods during privileged enough to sit with them in the Friendship: Youth players swap pennants in inaugural Dessie Gorman trophy with Linfield as there is the assurance of the Shankill superstore, energising the the last seven years and let me tell you that bootroom. end of season glory. In the past seven sea- Windsor Park superstore and taking com- no matter how much support you have with In the boardroom, I was humbled when a sons, Linfield have racked up an incredible mercial revenues at the club from 2005 to a your product at board room level and matter of weeks before my departure the four doubles and a clean sweep as well as an whole new level. David Crawford and Paul amongst the fans, you need the first team club presented me with lifelong member- Building bridges All Ireland title and in total have collected Weir had successfully brokered the new deal managers support as well. ship. up an amazing 15 trophies along the way. with Umbro and David's passing was a great On a Sunday at New Forge under the The board room is filled with many great My thanks to everyone at Linfield who shock only two months later. watchful eye of David Chisholm it is a blast characters and aside form those I have have made the task of ensuring the club When May 2008 finally arrived and the of colour as you watch the fields lit up with already mentioned I have enjoyed close across the divide were kitted out to the highest professional Blues had reached their third Irish Cup an academy bristling with talent. David has working relationships with Cameron standards was nothing other than a delight Final and were set to pull off their third dou- been phenomenal in his role at Linfield's Ramsey, Jack Grundy, Billy Kennedy, ugust 1979 saw some The coaches from both ... here is brief glimpse of the last eight sea- ble, we persuaded the club to wear their new academy and I have enjoyed his friendship Richard Johnson and Andy Conn in particu- of the worst ever vio- and Dundalk were given the oppor- sons through the eyes of Philip Mitchell ... away kit against Coleraine in the final (a as well as working closely with him to lar whilst always receiving a welcoming lence at an Irish foot- tunity to engage in higher level de- I don’t believe the deal would have been brilliant vibrant vermillion red trimmed ensure the academy reflects the appearance handshake from every member of the man- ball ground. The venue velopment work within those areas originally done had it not been for the inter- with white and royal blue), due to the colour of the first team. agement committee no matter where we was Oriel Park, and the that would create a greater under- vention of Jack Grundy and Jim clash and when Pistol Pete gunned them His knowledge and enthusiasm is infec- meet. Atwo teams, Linfield and Dundalk, standing of peace and reconcilia- Glendinning when the club looked to set to down in his last domestic game before head- tious and I know that the professionalism he Ken Greer has been nothing short of 100 faced each other in the European tion, social inclusion and mutual continue with their then current sponsor. ing to England in brilliant sunshine we instills in the young players is crucial in any percent supportive of all we have attempted Cup. understanding. In those early days, Jim Glendinning, knew the kit launch a week later was going who become Linfield first team players. The to achieve in our partnership with Linfield The Troubles were at their height While the project ended in 2008 Derek Brooks and of course Ireland’s to be huge and as expected we were sold out insistence by him of how the academy and he has a great support network around and as soon as the draw was made, the tradition and friendship between favourite boot boy Gary Eccles became in no time at all. should dress is tantamount to his own pro- him, with Pauline Anderson and Des organisers and officials from both both clubs has continued, most re- instrumental in implementing the contract Peter Thompson has a special bond with fessionalism. McQuitty. At retail Pauline, Frankie Taylor, clubs feared there would be clashes cently with the launch of the Dessie we had set in place and Jim set about not only the brand but with myself. I very When we launched the famous orange stephen McKernan, Billy and Kate work during the first leg in Dundalk. They Gorman Cup. redesigning the club shop to give a more easily persuaded him to sign for Linfield away shirt in 2010, David and the players with diligence and co-operation and Linfield were proved to be correct. When the two clubs were pitted professional and spacious look and feel. when I was youth team manager in 2001, had not disappointed us, pulling off their are blessed to have such people working for On the day of the game buses were against each other in the Setanta In our first year the new kits and training gave him his first pair of Umbro Specialis fourth double in five seasons and so whilst them. stoned and rival fans attacked each Cup earlier this season, they decid- and leisurewear (which had been pretty non and I watched in awe as he soared through we knew the kit was going to be pretty good And amongst the fans, I have been blessed other inside the ground and out. De- ed to revisit and cement their rela- existent under the previous sponsors) youth football and reserve team football anyway, the teams success heightened the to receive their warm handshake on any day spite appeals from officials of both tionship, launching an annual youth received a massive thumbs up from the first before finally reaching the first team in 2004 anticipation. at Windsor — and guys like Michael Jones clubs during the match, the violence tournament to mark the move. team dressing room and the fans. where he forged a partnership with a certain What happened in the week after the kit and Mark Winters have become wonderful continued with fans and gardai both The cup, named after Dessie ‘the The hugely popular white away kit of . launched in Ma was nothing short of stag- supporters of the special Umbro — Linfield injured. Dundalk Hawk' Gorman, a legend at 2004 when we took over the mantle of club Now to have these two gentlemen wearing gering as shirts literally flew off the shelves relationship. It was a sad chapter in the histo- both clubs during the 1990s, will sponsors, was followed by the Windsor Park Umbro footwear as they went about their and the club had their biggest ever take at I must mention also David the grounds- ry of Irish football but the ugly scenes see a Dundalk and Linfield youth centenary home and away kits the following business in the Irish League was quite the till in a single week. Hats off especially to man who always goes out of his way to ironically helped forge a close bond team compete each year for the tro- year, a summer after having famously won something and when they racked up 90 Steven Dickson who consulted with Umbro ensure we get pitch access and dressing between the clubs that continues phy which will encourage close sport- the Setanta cup. goals between them in 2006/07 we were on style and colour and pressed home the room access when required for photoshoots till this day. ing ties between both clubs. One of my funniest memories was David looking at the Irish Leagues greatest ever advantage when he purchased all the and events. The Dunfield Project, launched Speaking during the recent an- Jeffrey going live on UTV on April Fools Day partnership in action. Glenn and Peter remaining stock at Umbro three days after It has been great fun (even the difficult in 1999, aimed to bring together Lin- nouncement of the tournament at 2005 to tell the watching world that the new remain dear friends and the part they played the launch! parts like having to do so many photoshoots field and Dundalk to participate in Windsor Park, which was attended kits for 2005/06 would be sleeveless. in Umbro's success with Linfield is not to be Steven, along with Paul Weir and Jim Kerr with Lucy Evangelista...... the red away kit a coordinated programme of football by ‘the Hawk' himself, Paul Johnston, As pictures beamed out across television understated. in this current year, brokered the new four bikini photoshoot on the beach probably and personal development for young promotions officer at Dundalk, screens of Peter Thompson and Michael At first team level, there is always the year deal and it was all taken care of over a being the most difficult! people. thanked everyone at Linfield for the Gault trying on the new sleevless shirts pre- need for the highest standards, because it nice lunch in the Merchant Hotel without In closing on behalf of Umbro, may I wish The key areas to be addressed great welcome and warm hospitali- sented out of a suitcase by Kitman Gary sets the tone for the rest of the club and it is any fuss.Jim has become a chairman that I everyone connected with Linfield football were cross border cooperation and to ty shown to their officials and sup- Eccles the phones around bluemen and here where Gary Eccles excels. have great respect for whilst Paul has club every success and every blessing for the establish best practice partnership at porters. board room members began to buzz until His attention to detail is second to none become a close friend and confidant away future and I hope the next four years with grassroots level. “There is a lot of history between they realised they had been HAD! and he ensures that we provide the first from Windsor . Umbro are as much fun as the last eight The project provided disadvan- the clubs but we have moved on a By the time we launched the new home team players and staff with everything that In my time as Umbro Area Manager, I have been and most significantly can I con- taged young people with the oppor- long way since the events of 1979. kit in December 2006, the Blues were on is required within the professional arena . have been fortunate to meet and work with gratulate you on this incredible milestone of tunity to receive quality training in “The Dunfield Project showed all their way to completing the second of an David Jeffrey for his part is a lifelong friend many great people around the club. your 125th Anniversary. life, football and educational skills, of us the way forward and this new incredible hat trick of doubles having pulled having captained the side I played in and Winky Murphy, Stevie Douglas and Jim while creating a legacy of working initiative will further cement the off an incredible clean sweep of all four and managed the club for over 14 years. Ervin have been there a long time and I Philip Mitchell and playing together in the focus bond between the clubs,” he said. domestic trophies ... the shirt sales were Our biggest encouragement on our jour- count them as great friends. Area Manager Umbro International areas. Long may it continue! 16 Linfield Football Club Linfield Football Club 17 The players who crossed the rubicon

Mark McAllister wears the Linfield badge with pride and distinction ‘Trophies are all that count’

ou don't have to come Swifts from a very young age but from the Sandy Row, the when the chance arose to join Linfield Chris Morgan is one of a host of players to play for both the Big Two Donegall Road, the I jumped at it. Shankill or, dare we say “At the end of your career you want T'S one of those great sporting Utter the name Justin McBride to it, east Belfast, to be wel- to be able to look back at the success conundrums — why do Irish a Glentoran fan. Ycomed into the Windsor Park fold. you had as a player and have medals League clubs Linfield and Glen- Utter the name Chris Morgan to a Over the past two decades, players sitting in front of you as proof of toran dislike one another so Linfield fan. from various areas and different com- what you have done. much? See the reaction. It can be quite fun munities have worn that badge on “At the end of the day it is the IPut simply, it's an age-old sporting if you happen to follow neither club. their chest with pride and distinction, medals that count. rivalry. It's about winning. It's about McBride, who is the current man- showing how far Linfield and indeed “I know there have been plenty of bragging rights. It's about who dom- ager of Ards FC, was Glentoran Northern Ireland as a whole has come brilliant players through the years inates Northern Ireland's football- through and through. That was until along. who stayed at their hometown club loving capital and beyond. It's about he walked out on to Windsor Park’s While many in the team, like Jim when they could have moved on and silverware. It's about history, pride, turf with his new Linfield team- Ervin, Peter Thompson and William never got the chance to win anything. honour and being able to walk with mates at the start of the 2001/02 Murphy, have grown up engulfed in “I have been lucky already in that one's head held high in the work- season. He did so after winning three the history and traditions of the club, I have won a league and a cup and place. It's the classic working man's Irish League titles with the Glens. for others it is the quest for success hopefully there will be many more.” debate. Having won as many league titles that drives them towards wanting to He added: “When you arrive here It is a bitterness also fuelled every as Linfield player, Chris Morgan be a part of the Linfield family. you know straight away the demands season because of the success of the joined Glentoran after being released Mark McAllister is one such play- that are set. I remember when I first two clubs otherwise known as the Big by his south-Belfast employers. In er. He readily admits that his new- arrived after I signed the contract, Two. spite of his glory with the Blues, it found allegiances put him in a straight away David Jeffrey told me They are Belfast's biggest clubs. was in the east of the city that his ca- minority, round his way, what he expected of me and it has They are Northern Ireland's biggest reer was defined — notably on April but when he moved to been like that ever since. clubs. Their sporting disdain is leg- 23 2005, when his goal against Lin- Windsor Park from Dun- “It is a hugely welcoming club and endary and regarded throughout the field brought the title to The Oval gannon Swifts in Janu- immediately you are made to feel world as one of the most intense on after an epic game. ary 2009, it was trophies part of it. the field of play. For its own rea- Others who have crossed the di- and medals that took him “I had a slow start to my career at sons, it is right up there with Liver- vide the great Tommy Dickson, there. Linfield but things have pool-Everton, Arsenal-Spurs, Raymond Campbell, Jonny Jame- “I am born and picked up a bit and now Rangers-Celtic or Lazio-Roma. son, Paul Millar, Jamie Mulgrew, bred on the Gar- I hope that I can do Players give their all to wear the Garry Haylock and Joe Bambrick. vaghy Road in my bit for the club for jersey green or the jersey blue. There is even a picture circulat- Portadown so many years to come. Those who have worn both go ing, that features current Linfield there aren't too “And to be part down in history as traitors, merce- manager, David Jeffrey, with the many Linfield of the team in a naries, heroes or villains. Glentoran crest resting on his supporters big year like this Trading places is not something heart. around here,” at such a huge that happens very often and there are On his return from Manchester he laughed. and famous some that have barely batted an eye- United, Jeffrey turned out for the “I obviously club is a mas- lid. Glens in a friendly in the early 80s, never grew up sive privi- But when a player of great talent with a view to signing for them. supporting Linfield lege for makes the switch, it becomes some- Ask him about the experience if and I was at Dungannon me.” thing that sticks in the craw forever. you get the chance. 18 Celebrating 125 years of Linfield Football Club FRIDAY APRIL 8 2011

From skipper to manager, he needs little introduction — David Jeffrey is quite simply... Mr Linfield

triding down the touchline on matchday, we beat Portadown in 2002. That was special be- proudly clutching the badge on his chest cause I never won it as a player. and passionately fist pumping his play- “Winning the Setanta Cup was also a massive. ers through another game — David Jef- We went down to Dublin and Shelbourne were frey is the epitome of Linfield. huge favourites to win. They had a very good SThe vast majority of his life has been dedicat- squad, were full time and the final was at their ed to the red, white and blue of the club he loves own ground. — Windsor Park seeps from his every pore. “To win that under those circumstances was And so it is perhaps apt that, in this, Lin- just a phenomenal achievement. field’s 125th year, Jeffrey will complete a unique “Winning three doubles in a row is obviously double. another terrific accomplishment. Back in 1986, when the club celebrated their “However, the biggest of all would be the centenary, Jeffrey was the team captain, dis- ‘clean sweep' year — what a team! playing the same passion on the pitch, then, as “Older Linfield supporters would be able he does now while pushing the team on from the to rhyme off the ‘seven trophy team' of 1961- sidelines. 62 and I think in the future that Linfield Now, a quarter of a century on, he is the boss team of 2005-06 will be remembered as another amazing milestone in the glittering in the same way. history of Linfield is reached. “It was just an incredible team “I was so proud back in 1986 to be the captain and although we had a relative- in such an important period for the club, as it cel- ly big squad, there wasn't ebrated it's 100th anniversary. That was an im- actually that many mense experience,” he says. “Now, in 2011, to be changes made through- the manager as we celebrate our 125th year is just out the season. an amazing feeling and I have to say a real priv- “We were very lucky ilege. with injuries and the “This is a special club, everything about it is same team played al- special and for me to have spent such a huge part most every week. of my life as part of it, makes me feel so proud.” That was a group Jeffrey has resided over one of the most suc- of very talented cessful periods in the club's history — winning players — strong, four league and cup doubles in five years, a Se- powerful players tanta Cup with a famous win over Shelbourne on with Glenn Fergu- the Dubliners' own patch when no-one gave son in his heyday and them a hope and of course there was that famous the emerging Peter ‘clean sweep' season in 2005-06 when they won Thompson and at the back William Mur- every domestic trophy on offer. phy and Noel Bailie were absolutely It is that campaign that stands out as his high- immense.” light of a managerial career that began in 1997. As a player, Jeffrey served under Roy “There have been many, many highs — a few low Coyle — winning an unprecedented six points, of course, but a lot more highlights,” reflect- league titles in a row in the 1980s. ed Jeffrey. “My first league title as manager in 1999- “This club is about winning, it always 2000 stands out — that was huge for me. has been and it always will be,” Jeffrey “There was also my first Irish Cup win, when said proudly.