YBIG_Issue20

Ireland vs Italy- 10th October 2009 - WC Qualifier Group 8

YBIG 20 contents Pages 4-5: EditorialHuge week aheadPages 6-7: Italian JobPreview of the big matchPages 8-9: Q and AWith Owen GarvanPage 10: Percy RantPercy’s off againPages 12-13: Two men of dif-ferent generationsA look at two former Ireland internationalsPages 14-15: Cult HeroAlan McLoughlinPages 16-17: Cyprus in PicsPicture diary of another great tripPages 18-21: Tribute to KeaneA look at our record goal scorerPages 22-23: FanzoneTribute to two fansPages 24-29: League Of IrelandA look at the domestic action n The lovely Susan Griffiths models our 12th man jersey. If you want to buy one, go to www.ybig.ie CONTRIBUTORS: Donal Cullen, Brian Farrell, Ross Fitzgerald, Derek Harte, Gary Malone, Paz, Rachel Beresford, Paul Cullen, Eoghan Carroll, Robert Bashford, Louise Mimnagh, Terry Murnane, Sylvester Melady SPECIAL THANKS TO: Paul Cooke and all at the Star, Carl McNamara, Fred Murray, Isolde, Andy Conroy, Derek Harte, Gary Malone, Declan Glynn & Phelim Warren Please email us your feedback or join our forum and have your say!www.ybig.ie contact@ybig.ie

T here is something so soothing, so relax- ing about the unmistakable sound of the voice of the brilliant Finbar Furey. even more so when you are sat at the back of a bus, resting the knackered legs that have just put in a solid two-day shift, be it walking, jumping, dancing or just standing, with three World Cup points in the bag. And in the background, Finbar sings the tune and despite his powerful presence and the gen- eral feel-good factor after putting the Cyprus hoodoo to bed, the thoughts of three priceless World Cup points is the catalyst for what will be a sound night’s sleep. Despite the display which lacked fire, despite our failure to convince against Cyprus, this was three huge points. And after all, that’s all we want to take from any stadium in any match on the road. As Finbar belts out the Green Fields of France, the couple of thousand Irish fans head back for the bright lights of Aya Napa, Larnaca or Nicosia itself. I’m taking the three points and hitting the sack. Mission accomplished, body aching. The following day would bring the usual post mortems with many of the same opinions — we were brutal but it’s the result that matters. And that’s it in a nutshell. Ireland don’t do con- vincing wins. Giovanni Trapattoni certainly doesn’t do convincing wins. Anyone who expect- ed anything other than a hard-fought victory in Nicosia was way off the mark. Trapattoni has performed miracles with the players he has at his disposal. We are on the brink of a World Cup play-off which is a massive turnaround since the gloomy days of Steve Staunton. Some criticise the style of football. Yes, it’s bru- tal to watch. But I knew I wasn’t going to Cyprus for an entertaining match. If it’s entertainment you are after, sit yourself down on a barstool and watch Sky Sports. Give me a bore 0-0 tonight and another draw on Wednesday and that is all that matters. There will be plenty of entertainment in South Africa next year, I can certainly wait until then. But our task of getting there has become some- what harder thanks to Mr Blatter and the FIFA blazer brigade. FIFA have decided to seed the play-offs which means we will have to play one of the top seeds (if we can get at least two points from our next two games) despite the fact that FIFA had previ- ously made no reference to this before the play- off teams were known. After all our hard work getting to a play-off and if/when we get there we could come undone because of Sepp Blatter and his power trip. So it could be back to the Green Fields of France and surely raymond Domenech’s side is the one we want to avoid in any play-off game. Germany, russia, Croatia or Greece are other likely opponents. Please god don’t send us back to the loyalist loving, hooligan wannabee pave- ment dancers in Moscow! But before any play-off game, there is two huge Croke Park games ahead for Ireland. When the classy Italians beat Bulgaria 2-0 in Turin, some dismissed tonight’s match as a meaningless encounter! Should we lose against the Italians tonight, it is highly likely that we will need to beat Montenegro on Wednesday to secure a play-off spot! Meaningless? Far from it. Bulgaria are away to Cyprus tonight and home to Montenegro on Wednesday. They have already stuffed Montenegro 4-1 in Sofia so take their home game as a given. They should have too much for Cyprus and I for one don’t want to go into next Wednesday’s Montenegro match needing three points. A point tonight will mean less pressure on Wednesday’s game and then we can concentrate on the play-offs in November. So it’s game on in Croker tonight, hopefully the fans can raise the atmosphere and roar the lads on to glory.W ITh the economy the way it is, YBIG is feeling the pinch just like everyone else. Advertising revenue is way down across the board and as this is a free fanzine, the fact is we would not have an issue today only for the Star newspaper. The Star has again backed us in our hour of need. We know that they give a lot back to foot- ball in this country, at all levels from junior to international and we are very grateful to them as they have ensured Irish soccer fans can again enjoy YouBoysInGreen. And in this, our 20th issue, we caught up with Ireland Under-21 captain Owen Garvan. We also talked to St Pat’s CeO richard Sadlier about his visions for the future of the League Of Ireland. We have all the usual treats in store in this issue and of course we will be back, hopefully, for a double header in November. Log on to our web- site - www.ybig.ie - and keep up to date with all the goings on. enjoy. separated at birth Dolph LundgrenPaul McShaneVicar of DibleyAndy Reid CYprUs phOtOs Pages 16&17 4 Editorial Editorial 5 n Ger Keville lCyprus proved a fruitful trip

I RELAND versus Italy, of course, conjures up so many poignant memories in Irish soccer; Houghton’s hopeful punt over Pagliuca, Packie’s parry and Schillaci’s wide-eyed oppor- tunism – and of course you can now add Robbie Keane’s late equaliser in Bari to the list. Tonight’s game may not provide quite the same drama but it does offer this Ireland side the oppor- tunity to write their names into the annals of Irish history by taking the scalp of the World Champions. And while a win here may not affect the final Group 8 standings all that much, it could go a long way to restoring belief within the squad. Let’s be honest — we’ve got to where we are, on the cusp of a play-off place, without ever really convincing. But this campaign has been all about trying to restore confidence in a side that looked bereft of any following the trauma of Steve Staunton’s reign. And while the performances to date haven’t exactly instilled any real sense of belief, a win here against Italy could prove a turning point. After the heartbreak of play- off defeats in the two previous campaigns, nobody ever fully believed in the class of 2002 until they finally felled a big gun, namely, Holland. Suddenly the sky was the limit. Remember that was a qualify- ing campaign where we also struggled against the likes of Cyprus (despite the flattering scorelines) but that win over the Dutch (and — granted — a favourable play-off draw) made us all believe there was better to come. Now is not a bad time to take stock of what’s been achieved and — despite some insipid performances and some large chunks of good fortune along the way — time to believe that we are good enough to take our place at next year’s finals. Perhaps now that they have gotten this far the players will start to feel they have what it takes to compete with the best again. Certainly when you look at Robbie Keane you can see a man who has rediscovered his self belief in an Ireland shirt. Five goals back that up. But maybe, just maybe for the first time since tak- ing over the captaincy he’s beginning to look around the team and see a side capable of recap- turing the glory days. A good showing against Italy can only reinforce that. So here we are undefeated, eight games in fac- ing the World Champions at the home of Irish sport. One of the great Italian managers up against his home country and the man who led Italy to World Cup glory in 2006. Let’s make it the occasion it should be. Okay so Croke Park hasn’t quite been the suc- cess we all hoped it would be in terms of generat- ing a big game atmosphere. But this is possibly the biggest soc- cer match it has hosted since Irish soccer’s temporary reloca- tion to Dublin 3. The only other game that came close was the visit of Germany but by the time they arrived here two years ago it was more or less a dead rub- ber. Although tonight’s game may not be the table-topping decider we wished for, it’s still a great occasion. One of the last opportunities before the return to Lansdowne Road for 75,000 plus fans to pack GAA HQ and turn up the volume. Granted a positive result will not realistically give us a crack at topping the group after Italy’s defeat of Bulgaria, but few are bemoaning that fact — would we really be happier if Bulgaria had won and the pressure was now still on to deliver? Certainly not when you consider how meekly we’ve concluded our qualifi- cation campaigns in recent years. Instead we sit comfort- ably in second spot, albeit with something to play for tonight as we still require a couple of points from our final two games to guarantee a place in the play-offs. So while the match itself may not have too much bearing in terms of the overall group placings it does provide Trapattoni’s Ireland with one last big competitive test ahead of a possible World Cup play-off. And, crucially, a chance to build confi- dence and momentum against an Italian side who finally seem to have rediscovered some form of their own. Italy gave arguably their best performance since World’s The World champions are in town. Topping the group may be beyond us, but this is a huge game for Trapattoni’s men. And just like McCarthy’s men of 2002, the prize is a big scalp and ultimately a play-off and World Cup qualification. ROSS FITZGERALD reports. the World Cup in last month’s 2-0 win over Bulgaria. And, although the Italians don’t have a huge amount to play for tonight, it seems they may still have plenty left in the tank. As such they provide Trap and co. with a great opportunity to test themselves against a side which could end up being in the shake-up at next year’s final after all. Certainly some of their 2006 stars excelled against Bulgaria, with the likes of Grosso and Pirlo combining wonderfully for the former’s bril- liant opener, that game’s undoubted highlight.N ot only would victory be a nice way to finish the group it could provide a huge confident boost ahead of the upcoming challenges of a possible play-off, the finals themselves and beyond. Trapattoni will hardly change tact now and go out all gung-ho for the win. But let’s hope that at the very least his side set down a marker with a decent performance and banish some of the memories from what has been a somewhat disap- pointing - albeit successful - campaign so far. Don’t expect fireworks, but it’s about time we did expect a little bit more from Trap’s Ireland. Perhaps the players are finally beginning to believe so too... here against Italy could prove a gun, namely, Holland. Suddenly scorelines) but that win over the favourable play-off draw) made us all believe there was better to ing a big game atmosphere. But this is possibly the biggest soc cer match it has hosted since Irish soccer’s temporary reloca tion to Dublin 3. The only other game that came close was the visit of Germany but by the time they arrived here two years ago it was more or less a dead rub ber. Although tonight’s game may not be the table-topping decider we wished for, it’s still a great occasion. One of the last opportunities before the return to Lansdowne Road for 75,000 plus fans to pack GAA HQ and turn up the volume. Granted a positive result will not realistically give us a crack at topping the group after Italy’s defeat of Bulgaria, but few are bemoaning that fact — would we really be happier if Bulgaria had won and the pressure was now still on to deliver? Certainly not when you consider how meekly we’ve concluded our qualifi cation campaigns in recent years. Instead we sit comfortKeane and Given in Bari 6 Preview Preview 7 LIKES... - 3 points in Cyprus - Liam Lawrence’s free kick against South Africa - Martin Shannon match in Tallaght, 21 October - Claire Tully - Inflatable crocodiles in Nicosia stadium - Chocolate Cornflakes - Llamas - Stephen Ireland songs - Lily Allen - Rumours of an Inbetweeners movie - Topless women dancing on top of bars in night clubs - Craig Bellamy for pushing that muppet that ran on the pitch - Kevin Kilbane’s personal message for YBIG - Local Cypriot beer (Andy) Keo - Selection boxes on sale already - The bus journey from Nicosia city centre to the stadium - Fran; Assistant Manager - Katie Taylor being European Champion again - Miniature Dime Bars - Sing songs outside Luke Kelly’s - Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh - Mad Drogheda jailbirds in Cyprus...dISLIKES - The performance in Cyprus - The attendances in Thomond Park - It’s baltic again - England already through - Kaka Kaladze and his Italian passport - Lads walking around starkers in the Carwash in Ayia Napa - Losing runners in swimming pools in night clubs - People who moan about Robbie Keane - Warm cans of Bud on the bus to the match in Cyprus - Lads wearing rugby jerseys and dubes to foot- ball matches - The new “third” jersey - Italy beating Bulgaria - The way City treated big Richie - FIFA changing the play-off seedings rule - People that don’t care about the League of Ireland - Adebayor - Nigerian email scams filling up me gmail - Kerry Katona - No recall for Andy Reid - Bernard Dunne losing his World title - NAMA Ray Houghton’s famous tumble after scoring against Italy in 94 World’sat ourFEET

8 Interview Interview 9 AheAd of the crucial double header for the Under 21s in the euro qualifiers against Georgia at Tallaght Stadium, and Switzerland at the RSC, YouBoysInGreen caught up with Owen GARvAn for a quick chat to discuss eve- rything from being made captain of his country for the first time to his pre- ferred choice of ice pop. YBIG: The game against Estonia; a point gained or two points lost? Owen: Probably two points dropped to tell the truth, we had a couple of chances that we didn’t take unfortu- nately but they defended well and were hard to break down so credit to them for that. YBIG: How did it feel to be made captain for the last game? Were you surprised? Owen: A little bit surprised but it was a great feeling to have done it. Just to play for your country is an hon- our regardless of the captaincy though. YBIG: Six points from the upcoming home games should push us up towards the top of the table. What do you feel the chances are of qualifying from this group? Owen: Definitely; I still think anybody can top the group because nobody has run away with it so far so that’s why these two home games are so important for us now. YBIG: What’s your first Irish footballing memory? Owen: From what I remember I think it was celebrat- ing in the streets with my mates when we beat Italy in the World Cup after Ray Hougton’s goal. YBIG: Best game you have been to at Lansdowne? Owen: Beating Holland 1-0. The place absolutely erupted when McAteer scored. It was incredible. YBIG: Growing up, who was your favourite player? Owen: I’m a big Liverpool fan so I have to say Robbie Fowler and Jamie Redknapp, at their peak they were two of my favourite players as a kid. YBIG: At Schoolboy level you played in a very suc- cessful Home Farm side which included the likes of Darren O’Dea, Chris McCann and Shane Supple among others. Did you ever imagine so many of your team mates would make it across the channel? Owen: I thought a couple more players would have broken through as well because of the side we had at that level. Still to have that amount from one team speaks volumes of the club and of the team we had back then. YBIG: Apart from your brother Ian (pictured; yes that is his real hair), you come from a family of gifted foot- ballers including your dad (Gerry Garvan) who played League of Ireland and your uncle (Mick Martin) and grandad (Con Martin) who both played for Ireland; do you think their experience playing at the highest level inspired you growing up? Owen: With so many of my family having so much success in the game through the years, it definitely made me want to emulate what they have achieved and go on to play at such a high standard. YBIG: Best match you have been involved in at any level? Owen: I had loads of exciting schoolboy games with Home Farm but my Ipswich Town debut stands out the most. It wasn’t the most exciting game but it was the first time I experienced playing for the first team and it was in front of a packed Portman Road. A few of my family were over as well and I didn’t expect to play so it made it even more special for me. Not to mention we won and I played pretty well, which I’m very proud of! YBIG: Runny eggs or hard boiled? Owen: Runny eggs YBIG: Corrie or Eastenders? Owen: Neither! YBIG: Italia 90 or USA 94? Owen: USA 94 YBIG: Biscuit or cake? Owen: Biscuit YBIG: The Inbetweeners or Father Ted? Owen: Father Ted YBIG: La Liga or the Premiership? Owen: Premiership YBIG: Tayto crisp or Walkers? Owen: Walkers YBIG: Megan Fox or Cheryl Cole? Owen: Megan Fox YBIG: Tea or coffee? Owen: Tea YBIG: Blur or Oasis? Owen: Oasis YBIG: The World Cup or the Champions League? Owen: World Cup YBIG: Loop the Loop or Wibbly Wobbly Wonder? Owen: Loop the Loop YBIG: The Wire or Entourage? Owen: Entourage YBIG: Maradona or Pele? Owen: Maradona YBIG: Blades or studs? Owen: Studs YBIG: Ankle socks or full sock? Owen: Ankle socks YBIG: T-shirts or sleeveless ones more commonly known as the wife beater? Owen: Sleeveless YBIG: Best player in the world right now? Owen: Messi; he’s miles ahead of anyone else. - with owen garvan by DEREK HARTE Owen’s brother Ian doesn’t play ball Owen Garvan - skipper of the Ireland Under-21 team

10 RantPercy H owyiz. I’m writing this from a boozer in Langer Land, the home of some of Ireland’s greatest sporting deserters. I’m also not too far from Kerry, the home of that turnip head John O’Donoghue, the ex minister for sport who has clocked up more air miles than the whole of the green army have in our current quali- fying campaign. I came in here to watch the footie, but this bloke in his red Munster jersey sitting beside me announces with more animation than Shrek, that there’ll be no football on here today cause the rugby is on. According to this mule, Cork is the home of rugby. Personally, I couldn’t give a bollix if it is or not, cause I can’t stand the bleedin game. I’ve moved to a quiet cor- ner of the boozer. Eddie Munster’s remark got me think- ing... Has the people’s Republic of Cork got a chip on their shoulder when it comes to soc- cer? They haven’t seen an international down here since the 1985 match against Spain in Flower Lodge. Maybe someone in the FAI should suggest that a senior competi- tive international be played in Cork during the next qualifying campaign. The Thomond Park matches were a disaster because they were only friendlies. There are a number of reasons why a big game in Cork would work. Firstly, I prefer away matches for craic and atmosphere, so a trip to Cork has the potential to feel like an away match for a good number of us. Secondly, it would give fans from that part of the world a chance to kip in their own beds for a change and save on the few bob that they moan about having to spend getting to Dublin. Thirdly, and most importantly, It would put a smile back on Cork’s face, rugby jerseys would only be worn by scarecrows down here and chances are that Stephen Ireland could be down visiting one of his four grannies that night and could turn up and kit Percy’s in Rebel County, enjoying the rugger (yes it’s true) and here he tries pathetically to explain the ‘wig’ incident. out for the Boys in Green. The fixture against Italy will bring back fond mem- ories of Bari to a lot of the gang here tonight. I got a lot of stick for being slightly ‘Nauseous’ on the bus from the Stadium that night... Let me explain the sickness incident. It was on the way back from the match, on an overcrowded bus, I was facing the arse of the bus, the smell of bo was rank, Dave from YBIG sitting beside me was trying to stuff a bottle of Peroni in me gob and asking me if I fancied a smoke. I tried to get me head out the little hatch in the window only to be met by some Italian trying to sell me doner kebabs through said hatch. Some goon was trying to get into me seat while I was obviously gasping for air. Dave let a roar to everyone on the bus looking for a bottle of water for me only to be pleas- antly surprised with another bottle of Peroni by some other joker, he forgot about me for a few min- utes while he searched for a bottle opener only to return and see I had gone a mouldy green colour which led him to ask if anyone had a plastic bag (second thickest question asked on that bus).. to which the reply was ‘tell him to use his wig,’ which I did, and some other goon unknowingly picked up that wig and was seen wearing it in the square sev- eral hours later (poetic justice?). But I tell you what I wasn’t half as sick as Shrek is at the bar right now. Munster have just been slaugh- tered by Leinster. Bottle of Heino please barkeep.... Enjoy the match. the smell of bo was YBIG sitting beside stuff a bottle of and asking me if I fancied a smoke. only to be met by some Italian trying to sell me doner was trying to get into obviously gasping for Irish fans go mental in Bari EAMON EAMON EAMON EAMON EAMON EAMON EAMON EAMON EAMON EAMON EAMON EAMON EAMON EAMON EAMON EAMON EAMON EAMON EAMON EAMON EAMON EAMON EAMON EAMON EAMON EAMON EAMON EAMON EAMON EAMON EAMON EAMON EAMON EAMON EAMON EAMON EAMON EAMON EAMON EAMON EAMON EAMON EAMON EAMON EAMON DUNPHYDUNPHYDUNPHYDUNPHYDUNPHYDUNPHYDUNPHYDUNPHYDUNPHYDUNPHYDUNPHYDUNPHYDUNPHYDUNPHYDUNPHYDUNPHYDUNPHYDUNPHYDUNPHYDUNPHYDUNPHYDUNPHYDUNPHYDUNPHYDUNPHYDUNPHYDUNPHYDUNPHYDUNPHYDUNPHYDUNPHYDUNPHYDUNPHYDUNPHYDUNPHYDUNPHYDUNPHYDUNPHYDUNPHYDUNPHYDUNPHYDUNPHYDUNPHYDUNPHYDUNPHYDUNPHYDUNPHYDUNPHYDUNPHYDUNPHYDUNPHYDUNPHYDUNPHYDUNPHYDUNPHYDUNPHYDUNPHYDUNPHYDUNPHYDUNPHYDUNPHYDUNPHYDUNPHYDUNPHYDUNPHYDUNPHY For all your top International coverage

12 FeatureFeature 13 T HEY were both exceptionally gifted Irishmen who played for clubs in Manchester. They had joined the clubs directly from teams in Ireland and both excelled when they got to England. Both were family men and both men had taken the opportunities offered to them to become invaluable members of their sides and later Ireland. But by the time they reached 22 neither of them would play for Ireland again. The contrast between the two men reflects different times, attitudes and, a term that is hardly heard now-a-days, DUTY. Both would enjoy the benefits of playing for a famous club and both would attain celebrity status in the land of their birth. The main difference between the two would be when their international careers would come to an end. One would be rightly vilified while the other would be glorified. The story of these two men could be the story of the times they lived in and the attitude both showed towards football. The first of them played at a time when playing the game was the be-all and end-all. When tro- phies mattered more then wages and when the wage they were get- ting was just above the average. It was not the innocent time we would like to think it was but a time when men were men and there was no place for prima donnas, playboys and certainly no place for the weak. The times of the school of hard knocks was an apt description of not only the football but life in general and for someone to make it to the top, as this Irishman certainly was, he had to be exceptional… and he was. The other player played in a time when Money was king in the world of football. Gone were the days when showing your medals earned the respect of your peers and the lesser beings that inhabit the earth (namely you and me!). The big house, the trophy wife, the fast car, were all the trappings you needed to show that you had made it. And sometimes not even a wife, for the girlfriend could become a star, a WAG. Photo ops (for both the players and the girl- friend) replaced the boyhood posters of the stars of old. Footballers achieved movie star status and it seemed an inconvenience that they were not available for the photo ops because they were doing what they were sup- posed to do and that was play football at least once or twice a week. And the football was prettier, less violent, and covered in a way the first player would hardly dream of. Take the day of the match. The first player would usually get a life to the match because he did not drive. He could probably just afford a car but there was little need for one as most lived near the ground anyway. He would arrive early, train and joke around with his team mates and occasionally chat with the few members of the opposition he actually knew. The he would play the match, have a quick drink with mates afterwards and then go home to the wife. The media at the time were both respectful of the players privacy and anyway nobody at the time would be interested in the wall- to-wall, day-to-day coverage that fol- lowed in the other players time. Then he would arrive at the ground in his own expensive car, The media would be there tracking every move. There would be interviews and a lot more before getting down to the serious business of actually playing. After the match there would be parties and nightclubs and then a media circus that sniffed around for the rest of the week for stories. Both men were Republic of Ireland players and both turned out for their country as and when called. There is not much difference between the two men when it came to playing for Ireland. For both men it was an honour and a privilege and a chance to shine on a different stage. However, the times during which both players played for Ireland reflected differing levels of commitment. For the governing bodies in England who controlled the club game, interna- tionals were an inconvenience which in the time of the first player would have meant that if the club did not want the player to turn up for Ireland they could exert pressure on the player to ‘cry off’ (as they used to say) injured. A lot of Irishmen risked their club future, and indeed their livelihood to turn up for Ireland when called upon. And in them times it was usually a Sunday game after a Saturday League game. By the time of the other player the gov- erning bodies still dis- liked internationals but now there were rules to release players. So the main difference between the two in turning out for Ireland was that the first player had to overcome some obstacles in order to get on the boat while the other player had really none to worry about. So why is it by the time both men reached 22 their international careers were over. Both were at the top of their game and both were sure starters for Ireland in a time when players of their caliber were hard to find? The answer lies in the names of the two players. T HE first player played only four times for Ireland. In those four games he did not shine as much as he had for Manchester United but when his international career came to an end thousands mourned the fact. His was a great loss to Ireland. The other player played seven times for Ireland and turned in some decent perform- ances and when his international career came to an end he was the subject of much debate and in the end scorn. His loss to Ireland can only be judged in the coming months and years. The first player was Liam Whelan who played for Manchester United from 1955 – 1958, mak- ing just under 100 appearances for Manchester United and scoring over 50 goals. He died in the Munich Air Disaster of 1958. The other player was Stephen Ireland who basically called quits on Ireland in August. Two players of similar age but of a different age, a different attitude and a different, again a word that meant something in Whelan’s time, a different sense of honour. ‘He could just afford a car but there was little need for one as most lived near the ground’ Tale One player was loved the other was loathed. How did this story of two Irishmen come to pass? DONAL CULLEN explains...TaleOF TWOIRISHMEN ‘The other player would arrive at the training ground in his own expensive car’

14 Cult HeroCult Hero 15Alan McLoughlinWe salute you He played his part in Rochdale reaching the play-offs in 2001-02, and scored a twice-taken penalty for them on his last ever league appearance. With his career winding down, he joined Forest Green as a player-coach, for the 2002-03 sea- son. At the end of that season, McLoughlin retired from playing football to concentrate on coaching with the club. He is currently a co- commentator on Portsmouth-based radio sta- tion, The Quay. McLoughlin was a seriously under-rated (and unsung) midfielder, and, when called into the Republic of Ireland squad, found himself in exalted company, competing with the likes of Paul McGrath, Ray Houghton, Andy Townsend, Roy Keane et al. In today’s squads McLoughlin would arguably be an ever present. H e still managed to amass the highly- respectable total of 42 caps for Ireland, scoring twice. (I can still see, in my mind’s eye, his rocket-like strike in Windsor Park that sent the Republic to the shores of Amerikay in ’94). Alan McLoughlin, one of Jack’s heroes, YBIG Salutes You. C ountless talented young men have arrived at Old Trafford, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, full of hope, skill and great expectations, and, after a year or two, dreams unfulfilled, are shown the door. The Republic of Ireland’s Alan McLoughlin experienced such a soul-destroying disappoint- ment (which has broken many a lesser spirit). McLoughlin, however, is made of sterner stuff, and while it may have knocked him back a bit, it was never likely to stop him from realising his ambition to be a top-class professional footballer . Manchester-born McLoughlin began his career as a trainee at United, before joining Swindon Town in August, 1986. His propensity for playing real football (on the deck) didn’t dovetail with manager Lou Macari’s long-ball phi- losophy, and, after just seven months and nine appearances, he moved to Torquay on loan. His Swindon career looked to be over when he returned to Torquay at the start of the following season for another loan spell, but, fortuitously, a spate of suspensions and injuries gave McLoughlin another chance to nail down a Swindon first-team place, and he soon established himself. However, it was under Macari’s successor, Osvaldo Ardiles, that McLoughlin really blossomed. He was an ever -present in Ardiles’ first season, scoring sixteen goals. He capped off a fine sea- son by scoring the winning goal in the play-off final at Wembley against Sunderland. McLoughlin’s consistently fine performances would win him international recognition, and he was named in the Republic of Ireland squad for the 1990 World Cup finals in Italy. He made two appearances in the tournament, coming on as a substitute (for John Aldridge, on both occasions) in the 1-1 draw with England, and the awful, sleep-inducing stalemate (0-0) with Egypt. Before the start of the 1990/91 season, Swindon were demoted by the Football League, for making irregular payments to players. With the club in dire financial trouble, players had to be sold, and McLoughlin left for Southampton in December 1990, for a club record £1 million. However, he failed to find the same level of form that he had at Swindon, and he was loaned first to Aston Villa, and then to Portsmouth. The latter were impressed enough by McLoughlin to make a bid, and in February, 1992, he moved to Fratton Park for £400,000, after making only 29 appearances for the Saints. At Portsmouth, he was appointed club captain. While at the club, McLoughlin made his sec- ond trip to the World Cup finals with the Republic of Ireland (USA 94). McLoughlin’s equaliser in a 1993 World Cup qualifier against Northern Ireland at Windsor Park (Jimmy Quinn had opened the scoring for the home side) was sufficient to send the Republic winging westward to the USA. McLoughlin holds a unique statistic, in that he was the first Portsmouth player in 35 years to be included in any World Cup squad since the 1958 tour- nament in Sweden, nine years before McLoughlin himself was born: the goal- keeper Norman Uprichard (at 81 years old, happily, still with us), and the late, great Derek Dougan were Portsmouth team- mates playing for Northern Ireland in the 1958 World Cup finals. In December, 1999, Alan McLoughlin was sold to Wigan Athletic for £260,000. However, injuries prevented him from making any kind of impact, and he moved on a free transfer to Rochdale in December 2001, having made only 12 starts (plus 10 as a sub) for Wigan, scoring once. enough by McLoughlin to make a bid, and in February, 1992, he moved to Fratton Park for £400,000, after making only 29 appearances for the Saints. appointed club captain. While at the club, McLoughlin made his sec- ond trip to the World Cup finals with the Republic of Ireland (USA 94). a 1993 World Cup qualifier against Northern Ireland at Windsor Park (Jimmy Quinn had opened the scoring for the home side) was sufficient to send the Republic winging westward to the USA. unique statistic, in that he was the first Portsmouth player in 35 years to be included in any World Cup squad since the 1958 tour- nament in Sweden, nine years before McLoughlin himself was born: the goal- keeper Norman Uprichard (at 81 years old, happily, still with us), and the late, McLoughlin after THAT match in Windsor

16 Cyprus in PhotosCyprus in Photos 17

18 Feature Feature 19 Goals win games, it’s a simple as that and Robbie Keane has scored lots of goals for Ireland — 40 to be precise. This campaign has seen him score vital goals in Bari, Nicosia and Dublin, goals which might propel us to the World Cup. DONAL CULLEN hails our skipper.long livelong livethe keane B y the time the 1990 World Cup was in full swing, Fettercairn in Tallaght, like the rest of the country was decked out in the green, white and orange of Ireland. And kids watched as Kevin Sheedy knocked in a goal against England, celebrated as Big Niall scored against Holland to get us to the knock out stages, held their breath as Dave O’Leary stepped up to take THAT peno and cried as Toto Skil…schl….yer man with the bald head scored for Italy to send us home to a glo- rious reception. And then these youngsters went out to kick some ball around hoping one day that they too would be able to play for Ireland in the World Cup and do some- thing special. Among them would have been a precious 10-year-old who when he was in trouble was referred to by his ma (as we all were by our own mothers) by our full name and in this case it was Robert David Keane. On the football field he was simply known as Robbie. The World Cup of 1990 over- shadowed everything that sum- mer and the interest in soccer peaked as thousands took up the sport across the country. Robbie, like most kids at the time, still played a bit of soccer and a bit of ga. He was good at both and played for the Naomh Eanna GAA club as well as Crumlin United. Brian Kerr, later manager of Ireland, once summed up Robbie’s boyish enthusiasm when in reply to his question about who they were playing the next week, Robbie simply said: “Don’t know! But I’ll score against them!” And he did, against countless opponents in schoolboy and youth football in and around Dublin. But there is a big step up between youth foot- ball and senior full-time football and you need to have something special about you to make the transition. And Robbie was one of thousands of youngsters with the same dream. Representative football was a way to attract the interest of the big clubs and Robbie first came to the attention of the Irish under- age coaches when he scored twice for the Lenister youth against their Westfallen oppo- nents from Germany. Selection for the Irish U16s and youth sides soon followed. Then interest from clubs followed. The League of Ireland clubs were there but when Robbie was offered trainee terms from Wolves he signed for them 18 days after his 17th birthday. At Wolves he made an immedi- ate impact and it was the start of a wonderful career which took in big moves to Coventry City, Inter Milan, Leeds, Spurs and Liverpool even if the last move was something of a disaster for the player. And despite a fortune in trans- fers fees he insisted on being released for Ireland games and it was here that he was to gain leg- endary status. Keane was a phenomenon in his first season at Wolves and his form persuaded Ireland manager Mick McCarthy to include him in the squad for the friendly against the Czech Republic in 1998. Ireland had been knocked out of the 1998 World Cup in a play-off with Belgium and he was in the process of re-building the team, again. There were six players who made their debuts in that match in Olomuc, three of them as sub and one of those was Robbie. He played for the second half alongside David Connolly and later up by himself. Ireland lost 2-1 but Keane almost got on the score sheet in the 45 minutes he played. Ireland’s next match was against Argentina in April and Keane played the full game against an exceptional side which won 2-0. Robbie had been capped three times before he jet- ted off with the Irish youth side for the 1998 youth Championship in Cyprus. K eane had three youth caps by this time and four goals. He played in all four games, scoring another three goals as Ireland walked off with the trophy but that was only the beginning for a player who had only turned 18 before the tournament kicked off. Robbie was now established as a regular starter for Mick McCarthy’s senior side and in this present time when we have a player who won’t play for us it must be said that Robbie didn’t miss many Ireland games in the eleven years since his debut. In fact the first one he did miss was an important qualifier in yugoslavia when Mick McCarthy felt Niall Quinn was a better option as the lone striker and Robbie sat on the bench for the entire match. It was not the only time he was to warm the subs bench for despite an impressive tally of goals, Keane was going through a lean spell for Ireland. After scoring six goals in his first fourteen games he was to go through an entire World Cup qualifying campaign and thirteen games with just one goal, but a vital one at that in the 2-2 draw with Holland in Amsterdam. That was to change when Ireland got to Japan and Korea for the World Cup finals. Ireland began their third Word Cup finals with a draw against Cameroon and then faced Germany in their second game. Germany led 1-0 deep into injury time when Robbie Keane got on the end of a Niall Quinn flick to score what was perhaps the most memorable goal of his Ireland career to date. Looking back on it, nine years later, and it still brings a lump to the throat. He scored again in the 3-0 win over Saudi Arabia to qualify Ireland again for the knock-out stages. There Ireland faced Spain and again it was Robbie with a last minute goal, albeit from the pen- alty spot, which forced extra time and ultimately defeat in a penalty shoot-out. The little 10 year old boy who had watched the heroics of the players in Jack Charlton’s Irish side in Italy was now performing heroics for Ireland. Following the World Cup Robbie continued on his scoring l Robbie scores against Malta in 1998, Germany in 2002 and Holland in 2004 l Robbie saves us in Cyprus lContinued on next page

20 FeatureFeature 21 exploits and began scoring even better goals. The one against Holland in 2004 was a fantastic goal and possibly the one in Wales three years later was on a par with that. But Robbie has also continued to perform heroics and recent examples includes the goals in Bari against Italy and the winner in Cyprus last month. And yet there are still detractors. Some Irish fans used to their forwards putting themselves about a bit and even tracking back don’t see that from Robbie Keane. True he disappears for long periods in games but Robbie is unlike any striker Ireland had before. Whereas Frank Stapleton was a workhorse and the likes of Niall Quinn a target man, Robbie is a pure goal getter. He makes the runs and does the flicks that are the norm of strikers but when the moment comes he is always ready to take the chance. Take for example that goal against Germany. By the 90th minute all the players were tired including the German defenders and when the freshest man on the field Niall Quinn flicked on Steve Finnan’s long ball Keane was still full of running but faced with three German defenders and a Goalkeeper who had performed heroics of his own during the game. It was a simple head on but directed by Quinn straight where Robbie had asked it to be. The one German defender who reacted quickest was proba- bly in the mindset that the game is over and all he needed to do was hack it clear. But Robbie showing all the energy and enthusi- asm that he always shows when playing for Ireland had one quality which was overlooked. Determination. Determination to get to the ball. Determination to score. Determination to succeed. He got to the ball first, left the German defender sprawling and then twisted his body in a way to get in a powerful shot which at last beat the German Goalkeeper. The words he spoke to Brian Kerr all those years ago “Don’t know! But I’ll score against them!” were more then mere words. They stated his determina- tion and still do. Robbie is still the same player he was when he started out with Fettercairn and Crumlin United and still has that boyish enthusiasm and that determina- tion to succeed. And for those who think that playing for Ireland is something that come second to making money or even martial arts it should be noted that in the 100 or so games that Ireland have played since Robbie made his debut he has only missed 22 and for most of them he was sitting on the bench waiting for the call, determined to play. Seven years after the heroics against Germany he is still performing heroics for Ireland. To score 40 goals in international football is a phenomenal achievement and he is not finished yet. And for someone with such determination there are still targets to set his sights on. Here is a list of the top scorers for each country who have scored more goals then Robbie. ● From previous page Robbie Keane’s Appearances for Ireland 1. 1998 v Czech Re F A L 1 – 2 Sub (HT) 2. 1998 v Argentina F H L 0 – 2 3. 1998 v Mexico F H D 0 – 0 4. 1998 v Croatia EC H W 2 – 0 5. 1998 v Malta EC H W 5 – 0 2 Goals 6. 1999 v Paraguay F H W 2 – 0 7. 1999 v Sweden F H W 2 – 0 Sub (78) 8. 1999 v Northern Ire F H L 0 – 1 9. 1999 v Macedonia EC H W 1 – 0 10. 1999 v Yugoslavia EC H W 2 – 1 1 Goal 11. 1999 v Malta EC A W 3 – 2 1 Goal 12. 1999 v Macedonia EC A D 1 – 1 13. 1999 v Turkey EC H D 1 – 1 1 Goal 14. 2000 v Czech Rep F H W 3 – 2 1 Goal 15. 2000 v Greece F H L 0 – 1 16. 2000 v Scotland F H L 1 – 2 17. 2000 v Mexico F N D 2 – 2 18. 2000 v South Africa F N W 2 – 1 19. 2000 v Holland WC A D 2 – 2 1 Goal 20. 2000 v Portugal WC A D 1 – 1 21. 2000 v Estonia WC H W 2 – 0 22. 2000 v Finland F H W 3 – 0 23. 2001 v Cyprus WC A W 4 – 0 24. 2001 v Andorra WC A W 3 – 0 25. 2001 v Portugal WC H D 1 – 1 26. 2001 v Croatia F H D 2 – 2 27. 2001 v Holland WC H W 1 – 0 28. 2001 v Iran WC H W 2 – 0 1 Goal 29. 2001 v Iran WC A L 0 – 1 30. 2002 v Russia F H W 2 – 0 1 Goal 31. 2002 v Denmark F H W 3 – 0 1 Goal 32. 2002 v USA F H W 2 – 1 33. 2002 v Nigeria F H L 1 – 2 34. 2002 v Cameroon WC N D 1 – 1 35. 2002 v Germany WC N D 1 – 1 1 Goal 36. 2002 v Saudi Arabia WC N W 3 – 0 1 Goal 37. 2002 v Spain WC N D 1 – 1 1 Pen 38. 2002 v Finland F A W 3 – 0 1 Goal 39. 2002 v Russia EC A L 2 – 4 40. 2002 v Switzerland EC H L 1 – 2 41. 2003 v Albania EC A D 0 – 0 42. 2003 v Norway F H W 1 – 0 43. 2003 v Albania EC H W 2 – 1 1 Goal 44. 2003 v Georgia EC H W 2 – 0 I Goal 45. 2003 v Australia F H W 2 – 1 46. 2003 v Switzerland EC A L 0 – 2 47. 2003 v Canada F H W 3 – 0 2 Goals 48. 2004 v Brazil F H D 0 – 0 49. 2004 v Czech Rep F H W 2 – 1 1 Goal 50. 2004 v Romania F H W 1 – 0 51. 2004 v Nigeria F N L 0 – 3 52. 2004 v Holland F A W 1 – 0 1 Goal 53. 2004 v Cyprus WC H W 3 – 0 1 Pen 54. 2004 v Switzerland WC A D 1 – 1 55. 2004 v France WC A D 0 – 0 56. 2004 v Faroes WC H W 2 – 0 2 Goals (1 pen) 57. 2004 v Croatia F H W 1 – 0 1 Goal 58. 2005 v Portugal F H W 1 – 0 59. 2005 v Israel WC A D 1 – 1 60. 2005 v China F H W 1 – 0 61. 2005 v Israel WC H D 2 – 2 1 Goal 62. 2005 v France WC H L 0 – 1 63. 2005 v Cyprus WC A W 1 – 0 64. 2005 v Switzerland WC H D 0 – 0 65. 2006 v Sweden F H W 3 – 0 1 Goal 66. 2006 v Chile F H L 0 – 1 67. 2006 v Germany EC A L 0 – 1 68. 2006 v Cyprus EC A L 2 – 5 69. 2006 v Czech Rep EC H D 1 – 1 70. 2006 v San Marino EC H W 5 – 0 3 Goals (1 pen) 71. 2007 v San Marino EC A W 2 – 1 72. 2007 v Wales EC H W 1 – 0 73. 2007 v Denmark F A W 4 – 0 2 Goals 74. 2007 v Slovakia EC A D 2 – 2 75. 2007 v Czech Rep EC A L 0 – 1 76. 2007 v Germany EC H D 0 – 0 77. 2007 v Cyprus EC H D 1 – 1 78. 2007 v Wales EC A D 2 – 2 1 Goal 79. 2008 v Brazil F H L 0 – 1 80. 2008 v Serbia F H D 1 – 1 81. 2008 v Columbia F N W 1 – 0 1 Goal 82. 2008 v Norway F A D 1 – 1 1 Goal 83. 2008 v Georgia WC A W 2 – 1 84. 2008 v Montenegro WC A D 0 – 0 85. 2008 v Cyprus WC H W 1 – 0 1 Goal 86. 2009 v Georgia WC H W 2 – 1 2 Goals (1 pen) 87. 2009 v Bulgaria WC H D 1 – 1 88. 2009 v Italy WC A D 1 – 1 1 Goal 89. 2009 v Nigeria F N D 1 – 1 1 Goal 90. 2009 v Bulgaria WC A D 1 – 1 91. 2009 v Australia F H L 0 – 3 92. 2009 V Cyprus WC A W 2 – 1 1 Goal ROBBIE’S STATS Ali Daei (Iran) 109 goalsFerenc Puskas (Hungary) 84 goalsKunishige Kamamoto (Japan) 82 goalsPele (Brazil) 77 goalsBashar Abdullah (Kuwait) 74 goalsHossom Hassan (Egypt) 69 goalsGerd Muller (Germany) 68 goalsMajed Abdullah (Saudi Arabia) 67 goalsStern John (Trinidad and Tobago) 64 goals Kiatisuk Senamuang (Thailand) 64 goalsSaeed Hussain (Iraq) 63 goalsGabriel Batistuta (Argentina) 56 goalsCha Bum Kun (South Korea) 55 goalsAdrian Altalyani (UAE) 53 goalsPoul Nielsen (Denmark) 52 goalsHakan Suker (Turkey) 51 goalsBobby Charlton (England) 49 goalsThierry Henry (France) 49 goalsSven Rydell (Sweden) 49 goalsJan Koller (Czech Republic) 48 goalsWlodzimeirz Lubanski (Poland) 48 goalsHristo Bonev (Bulgaria) 47 goalsPauleta (Portugal) 47 goalsDavor Suker (Croatia) 45 goalsPaulo Wanchope (Costa Rica) 45 goalsToni Polster (Austria) 44 goals ALL TIME TOP SCORERS ● Pele

22 FanZoneFanZone 23 T he very tragic death of Dave Gorman aged just 49 has lost the Green Army of one of its greatest and most dedicated supporters, and a man who all that knew him would describe as a gentleman and a legend. Dave was born in the west midlands of england and grew up in the town of Leamington Spa, just outside of Coventry. Dave’s Father came from County Laois, and his Mother came from County Meath, and along with Dave’s brother John they lived in the Grosvenor road area of the town. Like so many second generation Irish people born in Britain, Dave’s Irish nationality and culture was something which he cherished with great pride, and in the 1980s Dave started to make the trips home and away. Joining up with the huge number of other mem- bers of the Irish community in Britain who follow the Boys in Green all over europe. his first home game was in 1986 against Wales and his fist away trip was to Luxembourg in 1987. Dave was a member of the London Branch of the Republic of Ireland Soccer Supporters Club, and didn’t miss a game. Dave always said his favourite ever away trip for the craic was the US Cup in 1992. It didn’t matter where the game was, the dull end of season kick about in Poland in 2004, the 4-0 drubbing of Denmark in a friendly in Aarhus, the shocking 0-0 draw with Liechtenstein, the pressure cooker play off night in Iran to get to the World Cup in 2002, or the awkward journey to Albania in 1993 Dave was always there. Ireland fans lose a dear frIend SYLVESTER MELADY, TERRY MURNANE and LOUISE MIMNAGH share their memo-ries on DAVE GORMAN, who tragically passed away soon after Ireland played Nigeria. Dave was an ardent follower of the Boy in Green, never missing a game. Not forgetting in 1999 a near diplomatic inci- dent, when Dave on a day trip from Dublin to the ill fated 1-1 draw with Macedonia, found himself grounded on an Italian runway, due to Serbian air traffic control refusing the plane full of fans to fly over Serbian airspace. even this was not enough to keep Dave from following Ireland as he managed to dash from Skopje airport just in time for kick off. his dry sense of humor was legendary. When Comedian Dave Gorman set about trying to meet every other Dave Gorman in the world he was not prepared for our Dave. When he was contacted by the comedian, Dave politely told him to “feck off” and even after numerous attempts at trying to meet him Dave never budged and remained to everyone who knew him as the “elusive Dave Gorman from Leamington Spa” who refused to cooperate, much to everyone’s amusement. Dave had a fall in his house, two days after we played Nigeria at Craven Cottage, a game which Dave of course was at. he was due to travel to Bulgaria four days after he had the fall, and had been planning a trip to South Africa, looking at the various groups, loca- tions, venues and travel. Dave never came out of the coma and passed away four weeks later. his last away game on duty for the green army was in Bari in April 09. Dave was brought home and laid to rest along- side his parents in his mother’s hometown of Navan. hopefully on the pitch, the Boys in Green can finish the task that Dave shared with them and planned to see them do — to get us to the World Cup in South Africa. Because that would be a fitting tribute to a man who devoted his life to following Ireland through thick and thin, through the good times and the bad. he rode out the many highs and lows for so many years, knowing full well the good times we’re always just around the corner In Dave Gorman’s passing the Green Army has lost one of its most loyal soldiers. RIP DAVe!l Dave in Bari - with his friends T he first time I met Tommy was the day of the game in Podgorica, Montenegro. he seemed like a quiet enough lad; in saying that it was early enough and everyone was still getting over the night before while trying to acclimatise their pasty skin to the 38 degrees heat. I was amazed to hear of the travelling he had gone through to make the game. That night, as the teams came out onto the pitch, the atmosphere was electric all over the stadium and I couldn’t help but notice some mad topless fella a few rows in front of us swinging his jersey over his head while leaning over the top tier….it was the quiet Yank lad I met a few hours earlier! Like most people reading this who sacrifice so much money, time off work and slack from the mis- sus when supporting the boys in green abroad, we take for granted the cheap(ish!) transport options and abundance of different routes available to us….. even if it does involve such journeys as a twelve-hour trip to Cardiff just to see Wales equalise in the last minute. This luxury isn’t so fea- sible for Tommy — he has to travel across the Atlantic every time — and that’s just to see a home game. Tommy got the green bug in one of our most favourite city’s — Stuttgart. This wasn’t euro 88 wit- nessing Razor putting the ball in the english net, this was 2006 witnessing a pathetic performance; hardly a game that would set the heart racing. Tommy’s closest pal Jim, an Irish fanatic all his life, had suggested to Tommy that he needed to experi- ence an away game before he could realise what it really meant to support Ireland. As Tommy walked towards the main square in Stuttgart, catching a glimpse of a sea of green ahead of him, it was then he was hooked. This was his first sight of the Green Army. It didn’t matter where anyone was from or what accent they had, just that everyone was there together with the same purpose in mind was enough to convince Tommy that this was something special and he want- ed to be part of it. Since Stuttgart Tommy has tried to make every sin- gle game — home and away. he has fond memories of places like San Marino and Montenegro — coun- tries that most of his friends back home would never even have heard of. People he knows in LA understandably think he is crazy. They can’t comprehend why anyone, espe- cially a Yank, would sacrifice so much to watch a ‘soccer’ game. he admits he’s lucky enough to work for a compa- ny that provide him with holidays that allow him the luxury of spending a few days either side of the games while he’s away. This isn’t always the case though. For the home game against Germany at Croker he went directly to the airport from work in LA on the Friday evening and somehow managed to be back home and in work by Monday morning. A round trip of over 16,000km in one weekend just to see us play a match where we were already all but out by that stage…..it puts the moaning about having to travel to Thomond into perspective. he may sound like the great Joe Lapira, but Tommy is now in that unfortunate position which many of us find ourselves in where we just can’t stop supporting the team regardless of the circumstances. It’s incredible to think of the sacrifices the likes of Tommy makes to follow the lads — even more incredible to consider his first campaign was during Stan’s tenure. If you survived that and still want more, you’re in for the long haul Tommy. focusfan For most home games you finish up work early and make your way to the game. This is no different for Tommy, it’s just that his home is in LA! DEREK HARTE charts one man’s remarkable travels following the Green Army half way round the world. - Tommy ‘The Yank’ Freeman Tommy Freeman (left) in Cyprus and (right) wearing the YBIG hat in Bari

24 League Of IrelandLeague Of Ireland 25 YBIG: Can you give us an insight into the process of finding a manager from your perspec- tive as CEO at St Pats? Are you confident you have found the right man? SADLIER: Well it was a case of finding out who would be inter- ested and available first, before doing anything. We were only looking for a manager to come in and do the job for the remainder of this sea- son, which obviously wouldn’t suit everybody. The search had to be restricted to out-of-work managers, given the length of the deal on offer. Also, candidates needed to have an extensive knowledge of our players before they arrived. There was never going to be enough time for a manager to come in and spend an initial period familiarising himself with the players and the league. Pete (Mahon) met all those criteria and has an enthusiasm for the job which came across from the moment I met him. The initial results have been positive obviously, but he has made a positive impact around the place in ways which would not be as evident to the supporters. He is very strict with the play- ers on matters of discipline, and has a very honest, sometimes blunt manner about him, which is exactly what is needed at the moment. The principle task fac- ing Pete was to ensure we avoid- ed relegation, which I believe he will achieve, though until we are sure we are taking nothing for granted. Who knows, if the sea- son ends in the way we all want with results and performances improving, we may be sitting down with Pete to discuss next season also. YBIG: The Irish coefficient (system to enter UEFA competi- tions) has increased over the past few years, how important do you see a continuation of this to the development of our nation- al league? SADLIER: We received a bye into the second qualifying round as a result of this, so it definitely was of benefit to us this season. Teams who do well in Europe get more press coverage than they would ever do by doing well domestically. It boosts the profile of the club, and the LOI also. In turn, we get increased exposure to potential sponsors and you would hope it would have a knock-on effect in attendance figures also. So yes, it goes without saying really that improving the coeffi- cient by teams continually doing well each year is very beneficial to us all. It is the yardstick that we’re all judged on, so results in Europe are crucial to the percep- tion and credibility of the LOI. YBIG:” A nice easy question, do you think the financial prob- lems at Cork City drag the FAI licensing system into question? Why or why not? SADLIER: Yes and no. I think the ultimate responsibility of a club’s finances is solely down to the people running that club. The easy target for criticism for all things that are imperfect in the LOI is the FAI because they are in charge. However, when you become aware of some of the decisions that clubs them- selves make, then it’s hard to wonder how the FAI or anybody else can be held accountable. To be honest, I find it hard to understand how the situation at Cork was allowed to get as far as it did without sanctions being imposed at an earlier point. Cork are now apparently not meeting their contractual obliga- tions with their players. This can- not be allowed to go unpunished. In any scenario, the basic right of any employee is to get their wages in full. In football, clubs sign players based on the wages they can offer. Clubs which cannot match such bids lose out in signing them as a result. So there is a sporting advantage to those who offer the most. When that offer is not hon- oured, it effectively penalises those clubs who do their busi- ness correctly, particularly when the transfer window is shut and the players have to remain where they are. That cannot be allowed to continue. YBIG: Is sharing a nice comfy sofa with Roddy Collins the best part of being on MNS? Do you find it nerve-wracking or enjoyable? SADLIER: The man is a one- off. We usually have a chat beforehand as to what points we think are relevant and what we would like to discuss. As soon as we are on air, Roddy abandons all that and comes out with what- ever happens to come into his head at any particular moment. It’s great to watch I’m sure. The show itself is relaxed and infor- mal enough, and generally quite enjoyable to be on. There can be a few topics which I sometimes find hard to speak openly and honestly about because of my position at Pat’s, and have to choose my words carefully, but generally it’s just good craic. YBIG: You have spoken about being tempted to drown your own sorrows after your injury, would you agree that there is a drinking culture in professional football in Ireland and the UK that is not prevalent on mainland Europe? Is there a way to com- bat this at club level or is it more a societal problem? YBIG: I wasn’t just tempted, it’s what I did. Rather than face up to the situation, my decision at the time was to get as pissed as I could as often as I could. During my time playing, there would always be a group of lads heading out after each game, but it rarely happened if we were training the following day. Without knowing for sure, it’s probably right to say there isn’t as much of it happening in Europe. I assume there isn’t as much of an emphasis on alcohol in all social occasions as there is over here. It can certainly be combated at club level. I remember Dennis Wise introduced random breath tests at Millwall when he took over, so it’s definitely something that can be dealt with. You’re right to say it’s a soci- etal issue, rather then merely a footballing one, but clubs should easily be able to control the behaviour of the players in their own squad. YBIG: What would be your advice to a young player struck down by injury in similar circum- stances to yourself? SADLIER: A player who has to retire early? Don’t be afraid to ask for help. I only know this with the benefit of hindsight, and I wish I had been told it at the time. It took me about three or four months of tormenting myself about it before I was big enough to admit I wasn’t dealing with it well and ask for help. I approached a sports psychol- ogist about it and just asked if she could do anything. Best decision I’ve ever made. The best thing to do I suppose is to get to a scenario where you accept whats happened to you as quickly as you can. Only then can you get on with things. YBIG: Did you enjoy your run out at your testimonial (summer 09)? What do you do to keep fit at the moment? How is your hip? SADLIER: I enjoyed it, but I’ve never before felt as slow, weak and unfit as I did that day. The problem I had was that while I knew I had a lot of work to do to get in shape, my hip injury doesn’t allow me to do much running or ball-work without worsening it. I was terrified I wouldn’t get to run out at all, so I only did the bare minimum leading up to it. Even on the day, I did as little as I could in the warm-up before- hand. Swimming and cycling is all I can really do without pain, but with this job at Pat’s, I rarely get the time to do either these days. YBIG: Name one player on the current Irish team who you would like to sign for Pat’s and why. Name one Pat’s player who you think is good enough to play for Ireland now or will be in the future. SADLIER: Richard Dunne would be my first choice, but we’re probably strongest at cen- tre-half. Because of that, I’d go for Robbie. Not sure how he’d feel playing in some of the grounds we have here though, but his goals would be a big help. The one Pat’s player I think has the most ability is Mark Quigley. Mark is his own worst enemy though. But if he stays fit and motivated for consistent spells, he stands out a mile. richard SADLIER talks totalks toybIg Richard Sadlier has known the highs and lows of a foot-ball career cut short through injury, YBIG’s forum users pose some questions to the current CEO of St Pats St Pat’s Mark Quigley

26 League Of Ireland League Of Ireland 27 M onday, the 27th of July. an ordinary day for the vast majority of Ireland, with a nice bit of sun for a change. The weekend was finished, so back to work for many, but with a bank holiday weekend to look for- ward to. For a small band of football supporters in Cork, however, it was the day football had died — or at least so we thought, anyway! at roughly ten minutes past two in dublin’s Four Courts, Justice Mary Laffoy had deemed Cork City Football Club insolvent and issued a winding up order from the revenue office. She had deferred the case several times previously, but with the court holidays fast approaching, she was forced to issue the order. I was present in Court nine, on a day that will forev- er stain my memory. I had stayed overnight in dublin, having returned from the 1-1 draw between Cork and derry in the Brandywell a day previous. I was tired but I was still confident of safety, though, as were the club and many other fans. The judgement that arrived was simply heartbreak- ing. But for an overwhelming sense of anger and con- tempt for Tom Coughlan, I would have completely bro- ken down in tears. Coughlan was at fault for what we all believed to be the end of yet another soccer club in Ireland’s second city? The failure for the Cork public to show their sup- port? our players and staff who received such high salaries the previous two seasons? no. The players, although whose wages have been a contributing factor to our high level of debt, cannot be blamed. What alternative had they? no employee the world over would seek a lower paying contract, so why should footballers be any different? The main reason to the near demise of this soccer team lies with sub standard financial management. For me, the buck stops with the owner. Tom Coughlan arrived with a business plan of “sus- tainability” — a quote he has mentioned many times since taking over last november. He felt it was imper- ative to keep staff wages at a minimum and reduce overall costs within the club. Why then, did he allow newly appointed manager, Paul doolin, to partake in what was a busier transfer market for Cork City than 2008 had been? By the opening match against Sligo Rovers, there was a squad of 20 full time professionals including the newly signed trio of dan Connor, Fahrudin Kuduzovich and Stephen o’donnell. anyone interested in League of Ireland football would know that these would be the higher earners within the country. yet they were allowed to be signed for a cash strapped club, who had barely avoided extinction just a few months earlier. How exactly does one comprehend a decision like this? Following the very lucky survival of the club, many hail Coughlan as the saviour (or so it seems that way to the general public, anyway). a saviour for doing what, exactly? Firstly, he had the benefit of a very sympathetic judge. She could have called for the winding up order as early as May, but gave the club plenty of time to raise the cash needed. Secondly, a huge amount of credit must go to Mickey Harris — brother of club sec- retary, Jerry. The taxi driver, who is a huge supporter, took it upon himself to write a letter to dermot desmond — a Corkman, who owns nearly 40% of Glasgow Celtic. desmond then contacted Cork City and the two sides played a money spinning (well, that was the idea, anyway!) friendly. Thirdly, the players and staff, who have, as men- tioned previously, agreed a one-week deferral in wages to allow the money go towards paying the tax bill. and finally, the very support base of the Turners Cross club played a huge part in its survival. The fans and the trust, FoRaS, all played a huge part in keep- ing the side from folding on its 25th birthday. now, let’s have a look at Tom Coughlan — who, might I add, seemed very indiffer- ent following the issuing of the winding up order. a statement on the club website read that: “Cork City FC has made payments to the Revenue totalling €102,000 and is continuing to work to clarify the exact amount outstanding.” T HIS turned out to be untrue, as the Revenue were still left seeking the full amount they had originally requested. The owner also told FoRaS, when asked that their funds could be released to the club pending a members’ vote, that “it would be a waste of time”. Two days after the general meeting in which this vote could have taken place, Coughlan contacted the trust and requested what was offered. FoRaS had to decline, however, as a general meeting would not have been allowed to have been called in time for the return to the high court on July 31st, as society rules state that longer notice must be given. The former property developer did admit that he “made a balls of it”. However, as we all know, it’s very easy to admit mistakes that have already been found out! In the time since Cork City FC were miraculously saved, what exactly has Coughlan done to reduce costs? Just four players have departed the club to help sooth the wage bill. Four from a squad of 24 (albeit, several working on part time or amateur terms) isn’t enough. When you take into consideration the off-the field staff, who dan Murray explained was the highest for any Irish club, it raises the pool of employees to about 50. So, roughly 10% of workers are now off the monthly salaries, which are still estimated to be in the region of €100,000. and the players and staff are still going unpaid. although Coughlan has repeated many times that we need higher gates, and only recently has the first major fundraising event been organised. nothing but the absolute bare minimum is being done for the players and staff who have sacrificed so much to keep football alive in Cork. So, I say to the general public who believe that Tom Coughlan saved the day and that Cork City are safe — this is far from the case. Cork soccer is still trapped deep in the woods and far from safety. Huge initiatives must be undertaken and led by the current chairman, lest we be forced to witness similar events to those on the 27th of July (which could be arriving sooner rather than later, with Gareth Farrelly’s case). Coughlan should do the only honourable thing left and walk away. Mind you I wouldn’t hold my breath on that one. Less than a fortnight after Tom Coughlan telling us “the worst is over”... The Cork City captain dan Murray had to go on local radio in Cork to appeal for someone to pay Kearneys Coaches who were refusing to take the team to dublin for a game against St Pat’s until a long standing bill was settled. Paz is a member of FORAS the Cork City Supporters Trust www.forastrust.ie and a regular contributor to Cork City’s Independent fanzine “I Was Out There Once !” www.iwoto.com, here he gives his frank views on the (mis) management of Cork City by Chairman Tom Coughlan.tom’snosAINt as the Revenue were still left seeking the full has the first major fundraising event been organised. but the absolute bare minimum is being done for the players and staff who have sacrificed so much to keep football alive in Cork. So, I say to the general public who believe that Tom Coughlan saved the day and that Cork City are safe — this is far ‘Roughly 10% of workers are off the monthly bill, which is estimated at e100,000’ Cork City fans with a ‘Coughlan Out’ banner this season in Turner’s Cross

28 League Of IrelandLeague Of Ireland 29 W ell as I sit here, it’s a Thursday evening and I have spent the past few hours doing what I find I’ve been doing for the past few months — hitting refresh on the Shelsweb forum (Shelbourne FC Supporters Forum) to see if any new posts have been made. Is there any team news ahead of the weekend game? But things were not always like this. My connection with Shelbourne FC began in 1997 when, as a young lad, I watched Shels play against the senior team of my football club, Trinity S&l. As Shels strolled to a 4-0 vic- tory, the Shelbourne secretary John Phelan handed me and my friends free season tickets for the upcom- ing season — which we were delighted to accept. So off we went, with my father to mind us, and began sup- porting the Reds. After a few months of attending the home games we persuaded my dad to bring us to a few away fixtures — Dublin derbies, Ballybofey, Waterford and Oriel Park to name a few. For three years I went to as many games as possible — and then, just like that, I stopped. No more listening to how Pat’s were doing on the radio on a Sunday as they were our league rivals, no more Tolka Park, nothing. I was 16 and found better things to do on a Friday night then sit in a freezing cold Tolka Park. I started going over to Old Trafford regularly and completely turned my back on the league. I might watch a lOI team play in an important european match, but only if I could watch it from the comfort of my own couch. The turning point came about a year ago. Reading through the pages and pages of comments from lOI supporters on the YBIG forum, and their passion for their local team really made me have a long, hard look at myself. Here I am, regularly attending Manchester United matches and spending a lot of money in the process, lining the pockets of Malcolm Glazer and Co, as the club I supported as a child is on it’s knees in Division 1. €15 is all it costs to go to a match. No airports, no boats and trains, just a 15-minute drive from my front door. “We’ll start going to the Shels games again Da, the league is in shite and needs more support.” I got my brother and two mates on board as well. And off we went to the first game of the season against Wexford Youths. A poor enough game saw us win 2-1. When the goals went in I clapped, embarrased that the only player I recognised was Richie Baker. By the end of the match I learned that our keeper was called Deano, and we had a good attacking line up of ‘Bisto’ and ‘Hynesy’. Fast forward to July 10th 2009. Mark O’Brien scores in the UCD Bowl and there I am, in my new white Shelbourne jersey, celebrating like Ireland had won the World Cup. The following week I am late to the after’s of a wedding I am invited to as I could not possibly miss us beat Sporting Fingal in Tolka Park. The dirt on my suit from the Tolka seats makes me a bit of a laughing stock at the wedding but I dont care because Richie Baker’s winner has ensured that what- ever happens tonight, I went to bed with a big smile. The following week as Athlone score a poxy last minute equaliser, I find myself shouting obsenities at the referee and I can’t speak a word to my brother on our one and a half hour drive back to Dublin — I’m sim- ply too angry. And so here I am, still hitting refresh for any news on Quigo’s fitness, with a strange warm feeling inside that I never had the years I followed Manchester United. I am a Dublin man supporting my local team. I have a connection to this club. My money actually makes a difference here. I see the same faces, week in week out, praying for a return to the glory days of Premier Division football. This club cares about it’s fans, the fans here actually make a difference. And although this is my first season back, I simply know that I will regu- larly attend Shels matches for the rest of my life. For anybody that is reading this, who are considering giving they’re local lOI team another go like I did, or considering going to your first lOI game, please do not hesitate. You will not regret it. A FTeR years of struggling financially and even now when the future of Irish domestic football hangs in the balance, it is almost incomprehensible that the FAI and IFA haven’t come together to implement the solution which, for most people, is relatively simple. Irish football has been deteriorating since the mid 90s, and these days more than ever, both leagues, North and South of the border, are in serious, seri- ous trouble. And simply suggesting that these clubs get their houses in order is a cop out because as everyone knows, with such appalling gate revenues in Ireland it is impossible to generate enough money to run a successful football club long-term in today’s climate. And living in denial about the bright future of your own club, who at the moment may not be in trouble, is pointless because at the end of the day every club in Ireland will even- tually fall prey to this epidemic and soon domestic soccer will implode. The solution is obvious — the league has to be made more attractive to the public. And what better way to do this than to merge two meagerly support- ed leagues into one well supported one. The main problem that exists throughout both leagues in Ireland is support. Getting fans through the gates and, in direct affect, getting sponsors, has always been both leagues’ biggest downfall. Some people reckon that this will never change and that attendances, sponsorship and media cov- erage will always remain a problem. But no one can deny that having a fully profes- sional All Ireland league with ten well supported clubs would be more commercially viable and thus, more attractive to sponsors which, by extension, will lead to a better standard of football and more media air-time. And although the loss of european places is arguably a big disadvantage, let’s face it; it is wish- ful thinking believing that we are only a step away from having a club in the group stages of the Champions league. With the league the way it stands at the moment and the potential return of every club to part-time football, it is hard to believe that this will ever happen. Amalgamating both leagues will bring more money and more sponsors into the local game, resulting in clubs being able to make their players professional, therefore increasing skill level. In direct effect, we will be more equipped to compete with our european counter-parts. Players won’t be forced to move abroad in search of european football, in turn, improving the stand- ard of domestic football here. And who knows, both National teams could even benefit from having a bigger, better pool of players to choose from. In constant opposition to an AIl cynics argue that travelling up North to play on a regular basis will further decrease the already declining attendances but, with no offence intended towards smaller clubs such as Cobh or Finn Harps, it is easier to promote interest in Pat’s v Glentoran than it is Pat’s v Cobh. Bringing two big clubs together every week will boost attendances and enhance the league all round. Another issue, too, which is always brought up in attack of an All Ireland league is the trouble which would arise when teams such as Dundalk and linfield meet but really this is, again, a cop out by knockers of the idea. No matter what match it is, a small minority of hooligans will always be out to cause trouble, this is nothing new and can be handled. This CANNOT be used in attack of an All Ireland league forming. And while I am not naïve to the obstacles that need to be overcome, the advantages of an AIl far out- weigh any disadvantages. Plans have been halted for long enough with the FAI and IFA both stating that now is not the time to be disrupting Irish football but if something is not done quickly soon there won’t be any football to disrupt. Irish football will bear the brunt of the hier- archy’s ignorance. Supporting Shels gives me a warm feeling I never got at Old Trafford ’ ‘ Born-again Shels supporter GARY MALONE has refound the delights of supporting the club on his door step. ISLANDoneLEAGuEone RACHEL BERESFORD wonders how much longer can the powers that be bury their heads in the sand, when the solution to the both Irish league’s problem is staring them in the face? league has to be choose from. In constant opposition to an AI cynics argue that travelling up North to play on a regular basis will further decrease the already declining attendances but, with no offence intended towards smaller clubs such as Cobh or Finn Harps, it is easier to promote interest in Pat’s v Glentoran than it is Pat’s v Cobh. Bringing two big clubs together ‘Players wont be forced to move abroad in search of European football, improving the standard of the league’ Derry City and Linfield in action in the Setanta Cup