Happy New Year to one and all.
I'm currently in Japan following the latter stages of the Emperor's Cup. Thanks to all those that read the blog in 2009.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Losing the high ground
Ah, you can always depend on the FAI.
Just when it looked like they were beginning to establish moral authority with the treatment of Derry and Cork, they managed to blow it. The world was firmly behind them in relation to the handball. Most rational observers thought there was no chance of a replay but JD was pushing the idea of bringing video evidence onto the FIFA agenda etc.
RTE Report on 33rd spot
The FAI have gone from the strong, confident figure to the needy wallflower sobbing in the corner when no one asks us to dance at the party. Classic.
Just when it looked like they were beginning to establish moral authority with the treatment of Derry and Cork, they managed to blow it. The world was firmly behind them in relation to the handball. Most rational observers thought there was no chance of a replay but JD was pushing the idea of bringing video evidence onto the FIFA agenda etc.
RTE Report on 33rd spot
The FAI have gone from the strong, confident figure to the needy wallflower sobbing in the corner when no one asks us to dance at the party. Classic.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
The Paris Experience
The Paris experience
The dust has settled, the ridiculous calls for a replay are dying away and we are left with the stark reality that we won't be in the South Africa next summer. So what can we take from the experience? In my opinion it is probably in the top three Irish away performances I have ever seen. The manner in which we played through the French, creating a number of great chances was a real positive and answered the pathetic criticism which has dogged the team throughout the campaign.
Given the size of the country I don't expect Ireland to “achieve” on the world stage very often. All I want is a team that is competitive and a team we can be proud of. A lot of fans who travel regularly have spoken of being revitalized by this campaign. After the negativity and the nightmare under Stan, we have roared back into life this time around. Bari, Sofia and last Wednesday were proof positive of the “new Ireland”.
I was in Paris from Tuesday night onwards, taking a half day and hitting the plane/train combo to make it there. Rendezvoused with the troops and headed for a bite to eat. This was a somewhat prolonged affair and we weren't back in the hotel till after three.
Matchday and the weather was perfect. All of us had done the main sites before so we opted for a cruise along the Seine, bite of lunch, and a visit to the Military Museum in the afternoon. Then it was back to get the “match gear” on and head for the stadium. Anyone that knows me would know I am not a good person to be around before a game as I just want to be in the stadium as early as possible.
The game itself was both fantastic and awful at the same time. Fantastic to see us play so well, awful for the end to come as it did. Keane's goal reminded me of Pizza's goal in the 95 Cup Final, even the whole slow motion nature of the way it went in. The goal produced absolute bedlam around us, but a middle age lad took a real tumble and had to be escorted away by the medics, which curtailed the celebrations.
Half time was a bit surreal as we were playing so well and everyone was sure the French were going to pummel us in the second half/ I said to me da that I was really worried when Duffer and Keano missed and so it turned out. If we had scored the second I am 100% certain we would have gone through as the French would have need two to beat us and that was never going to happen.
When the French scored it was a just like getting a dig in the stomach. That sickening feeling when you can feel something slipping away. In the stadium no one had an idea of the controversy. I was only when I started getting all the texts from home that I realised that something was amiss/
I was hurting on Wednesday and Thursday, no doubt. To come so close and have a decision like that go against you, it really takes it out of you. After the game, plenty of French fans came up to apologise. We went for something to eat around 1am on Thursday morning and the table of lads beside us were totally apologetic. It wasn't a faux sincerity, as one of them said “Shame on us”. To come so close and miss out is heartbreak and it could be twenty years until we come that close again.
There was a very anti-climatic feel after the game as the Irish were stunned at the manner of the defeat and the French were stunned by the manner of victory. There was no mad celebrations from the home fans, both sets of supporters just shuffling off into the night.
The atmosphere before and during the game was absolutely magic. We may have had far less travelling than we did in 2004 but it somehow felt a lot louder. The introduction of the Singing Section in Croker and the impetus ybig.ie has provided has undoubtedly helped that, evidenced through the campaign. The wall of noise from our section all night, and even at the denouement was a sight to see(and hear). You still have the quotient of eejits travelling and everyone has a story to tell about them and their antics. On the whole though, the traveling support tends to be great.
The Eurostar back home at 6.43am on Thursday was carnage. A mix of French people heading for London for a day's work and a load of lads who drank through the night and headed for the train. I was between the category, as I had been out till after 4am but was suited and booted as I was heading for the office on Thursday afternoon.
I was absolutely shattered come Thursday evening and increasingly embarrassed by the reaction of the nation at large. There was never going to be a replay, it was a shite decision, but hey that's the way it happens. Any real supporter of a team could reel you off fifteen decisions of similar magnitude that has happened to their side in the last decade.
Roll on 9/2/10 and the draw for the Euros. C'mon YBIG.
The dust has settled, the ridiculous calls for a replay are dying away and we are left with the stark reality that we won't be in the South Africa next summer. So what can we take from the experience? In my opinion it is probably in the top three Irish away performances I have ever seen. The manner in which we played through the French, creating a number of great chances was a real positive and answered the pathetic criticism which has dogged the team throughout the campaign.
Given the size of the country I don't expect Ireland to “achieve” on the world stage very often. All I want is a team that is competitive and a team we can be proud of. A lot of fans who travel regularly have spoken of being revitalized by this campaign. After the negativity and the nightmare under Stan, we have roared back into life this time around. Bari, Sofia and last Wednesday were proof positive of the “new Ireland”.
I was in Paris from Tuesday night onwards, taking a half day and hitting the plane/train combo to make it there. Rendezvoused with the troops and headed for a bite to eat. This was a somewhat prolonged affair and we weren't back in the hotel till after three.
Matchday and the weather was perfect. All of us had done the main sites before so we opted for a cruise along the Seine, bite of lunch, and a visit to the Military Museum in the afternoon. Then it was back to get the “match gear” on and head for the stadium. Anyone that knows me would know I am not a good person to be around before a game as I just want to be in the stadium as early as possible.
The game itself was both fantastic and awful at the same time. Fantastic to see us play so well, awful for the end to come as it did. Keane's goal reminded me of Pizza's goal in the 95 Cup Final, even the whole slow motion nature of the way it went in. The goal produced absolute bedlam around us, but a middle age lad took a real tumble and had to be escorted away by the medics, which curtailed the celebrations.
Half time was a bit surreal as we were playing so well and everyone was sure the French were going to pummel us in the second half/ I said to me da that I was really worried when Duffer and Keano missed and so it turned out. If we had scored the second I am 100% certain we would have gone through as the French would have need two to beat us and that was never going to happen.
When the French scored it was a just like getting a dig in the stomach. That sickening feeling when you can feel something slipping away. In the stadium no one had an idea of the controversy. I was only when I started getting all the texts from home that I realised that something was amiss/
I was hurting on Wednesday and Thursday, no doubt. To come so close and have a decision like that go against you, it really takes it out of you. After the game, plenty of French fans came up to apologise. We went for something to eat around 1am on Thursday morning and the table of lads beside us were totally apologetic. It wasn't a faux sincerity, as one of them said “Shame on us”. To come so close and miss out is heartbreak and it could be twenty years until we come that close again.
There was a very anti-climatic feel after the game as the Irish were stunned at the manner of the defeat and the French were stunned by the manner of victory. There was no mad celebrations from the home fans, both sets of supporters just shuffling off into the night.
The atmosphere before and during the game was absolutely magic. We may have had far less travelling than we did in 2004 but it somehow felt a lot louder. The introduction of the Singing Section in Croker and the impetus ybig.ie has provided has undoubtedly helped that, evidenced through the campaign. The wall of noise from our section all night, and even at the denouement was a sight to see(and hear). You still have the quotient of eejits travelling and everyone has a story to tell about them and their antics. On the whole though, the traveling support tends to be great.
The Eurostar back home at 6.43am on Thursday was carnage. A mix of French people heading for London for a day's work and a load of lads who drank through the night and headed for the train. I was between the category, as I had been out till after 4am but was suited and booted as I was heading for the office on Thursday afternoon.
I was absolutely shattered come Thursday evening and increasingly embarrassed by the reaction of the nation at large. There was never going to be a replay, it was a shite decision, but hey that's the way it happens. Any real supporter of a team could reel you off fifteen decisions of similar magnitude that has happened to their side in the last decade.
Roll on 9/2/10 and the draw for the Euros. C'mon YBIG.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
The cleansing process
Thursday saw the start of the "cleansing process" (Copyright Rico, Monday night on MNS).
The FAI sent a high powered delegation north to explore what the future held for Derry City. The last remaining director stood aside, and talk of a road map back into senior football began to emerge.
Some of the stories of the type of stuff that went on at the club is utterly shameful and indeed would make you very angry.
Personally I thought Stephen Kenny's comments on the issue on Friday were stunning. As the manager of the club he had absolutely no knowledge of the wages that the club were paying? No player ever mentioned to him that he had to sign a blank form? He didn't wonder about how we were within the 65% rule if we were paying the higher wages?
People now seem to think it is just a matter of procedure for us to be in the senior football next year. This is far from certain. This is not a case of just ticking a few boxes and getting back in the League.
The Calver issue at Coleraine has made it a lot more difficult to just wind up a company and start again. We are far from out of the woods yet. It will require a mammoth effort to have a club next season.
The FAI sent a high powered delegation north to explore what the future held for Derry City. The last remaining director stood aside, and talk of a road map back into senior football began to emerge.
Some of the stories of the type of stuff that went on at the club is utterly shameful and indeed would make you very angry.
Personally I thought Stephen Kenny's comments on the issue on Friday were stunning. As the manager of the club he had absolutely no knowledge of the wages that the club were paying? No player ever mentioned to him that he had to sign a blank form? He didn't wonder about how we were within the 65% rule if we were paying the higher wages?
People now seem to think it is just a matter of procedure for us to be in the senior football next year. This is far from certain. This is not a case of just ticking a few boxes and getting back in the League.
The Calver issue at Coleraine has made it a lot more difficult to just wind up a company and start again. We are far from out of the woods yet. It will require a mammoth effort to have a club next season.
A new week
Sunday morning, and the news of Derry being thrown out the League was starting to gain real momentum. Press from the UK, Europe and further afield were starting to learn of the news of the club's demise.
The message board nearly went into meltdown and Greengo took the sensible step to close the site overnight. At Mass that morning people were talking about the club for the first time in years. Next up was the news of a press conference at the Brandywell at 2pm on the Sunday, where the fight back would begin.
I didn't bother attending, and from talking to those that did, I missed nothing. The idea of a press conference is that it is exactly that, a press conference. Once again, fans and any other interested onlookers were allowed in and the journalists I spoke to said it precluded an chance of actually asking decent questions.
I had a Supporters Trust meeting on the Sunday evening and I tried to explain to those in attendance that the contracts was a side issue. The financial state of the club meant that a Trust was need either way and therefore the need for a Trust was as pressing as ever.
Monday was a seminal day in the whole saga. The devastating performance of John Delaney on MNS showed that the FAI weren't backing down. At the same time the board were holding an open meeting. Such was the size of turnout that the group had to move to the City Hotel. Speaking to those who were at the meeting they thought that the board had done a good job and had coralled plenty of feeling against the FAI. This was before they had seen MNS though.
JD, with the threat of bans etc, had played classic divide and conquer with the players. Given the players hadn't been paid in weeks there was nothing for them to gain by staying quiet and they were always going to go running to Abbotstown to throw themselves on the mercy of the FAI.
On Tuesday the rumour mill buzzed that the players were on the way south. Events moved at breakneck speed as the players were exonerated and the majority of the board resigned that night. The statement by the PFAI/FAI regarding the players was quite a sight to behold. The players admitted signing the contracts but they didn't know what they were signing and they didn't think to question what these blank forms might relate to.
I personally don't believe this for a second and it was a complete exercise in self survival for the players. The FAI were happy as they had their evidence, the players were happy as they were off the hook. Everyone club has a union rep, did they not think to call Stephen McGuinness and check the blank form?
On Wednesday we had the one remaining director claiming no knowledge of the contracts issue. He spoke of taking the club forward and using his business skills to run the club as a business. Make of that what you will.
The message board nearly went into meltdown and Greengo took the sensible step to close the site overnight. At Mass that morning people were talking about the club for the first time in years. Next up was the news of a press conference at the Brandywell at 2pm on the Sunday, where the fight back would begin.
I didn't bother attending, and from talking to those that did, I missed nothing. The idea of a press conference is that it is exactly that, a press conference. Once again, fans and any other interested onlookers were allowed in and the journalists I spoke to said it precluded an chance of actually asking decent questions.
I had a Supporters Trust meeting on the Sunday evening and I tried to explain to those in attendance that the contracts was a side issue. The financial state of the club meant that a Trust was need either way and therefore the need for a Trust was as pressing as ever.
Monday was a seminal day in the whole saga. The devastating performance of John Delaney on MNS showed that the FAI weren't backing down. At the same time the board were holding an open meeting. Such was the size of turnout that the group had to move to the City Hotel. Speaking to those who were at the meeting they thought that the board had done a good job and had coralled plenty of feeling against the FAI. This was before they had seen MNS though.
JD, with the threat of bans etc, had played classic divide and conquer with the players. Given the players hadn't been paid in weeks there was nothing for them to gain by staying quiet and they were always going to go running to Abbotstown to throw themselves on the mercy of the FAI.
On Tuesday the rumour mill buzzed that the players were on the way south. Events moved at breakneck speed as the players were exonerated and the majority of the board resigned that night. The statement by the PFAI/FAI regarding the players was quite a sight to behold. The players admitted signing the contracts but they didn't know what they were signing and they didn't think to question what these blank forms might relate to.
I personally don't believe this for a second and it was a complete exercise in self survival for the players. The FAI were happy as they had their evidence, the players were happy as they were off the hook. Everyone club has a union rep, did they not think to call Stephen McGuinness and check the blank form?
On Wednesday we had the one remaining director claiming no knowledge of the contracts issue. He spoke of taking the club forward and using his business skills to run the club as a business. Make of that what you will.
A week is a long time....
Sometime they say that football is better than any drama and the events of the last of last ten days have certainly proved that beyond doubt. To be honest I don't even know where to start on it, and I will probably have to break down the blog into several sections.
We'll start with the before, as in before last Saturday.
Let's be honest, the situation was far from rosy before last week. I had been saying to people for a few weeks that I was ashamed to be a Derry fan especially in the light of the Dungannon and Linfield issue. The club was in financial meltdown and most fans were sleepwalking their way into it.
The rumour of the wages issue at Derry has been floating around the League for quite a while. I was alerted to the seriousness of it in September time. Several newspaper articles hinted at the issue and indeed I posted a question relating to it on a Q&A thread posted by Pat McDaid several weeks ago.
I got a few texts on Thursday indicating that the issue was going to come to a head and the news of the hearing was announced. Friday night in Dundalk there was an acceptance that we were going to be relegated, but there was no talk of demotion.
The decision on Saturday dragged on and dragged on and whilst plenty of people thought a delay meant good news for Derry, I was far from certain. I'll be honest, even I was shocked when the news came out. For the rest of the night my inbox and mobile went into melt down.
What did these mean? Where did we go from here? Why had the FAI punished us so badly? There were the general tone of the questions I was getting. I didn't have the answer and the pictures from the 9 o'clock news with an emotional Pat McDaid claiming "shame on the FAI" meant this story was going to run and run.
We'll start with the before, as in before last Saturday.
Let's be honest, the situation was far from rosy before last week. I had been saying to people for a few weeks that I was ashamed to be a Derry fan especially in the light of the Dungannon and Linfield issue. The club was in financial meltdown and most fans were sleepwalking their way into it.
The rumour of the wages issue at Derry has been floating around the League for quite a while. I was alerted to the seriousness of it in September time. Several newspaper articles hinted at the issue and indeed I posted a question relating to it on a Q&A thread posted by Pat McDaid several weeks ago.
I got a few texts on Thursday indicating that the issue was going to come to a head and the news of the hearing was announced. Friday night in Dundalk there was an acceptance that we were going to be relegated, but there was no talk of demotion.
The decision on Saturday dragged on and dragged on and whilst plenty of people thought a delay meant good news for Derry, I was far from certain. I'll be honest, even I was shocked when the news came out. For the rest of the night my inbox and mobile went into melt down.
What did these mean? Where did we go from here? Why had the FAI punished us so badly? There were the general tone of the questions I was getting. I didn't have the answer and the pictures from the 9 o'clock news with an emotional Pat McDaid claiming "shame on the FAI" meant this story was going to run and run.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
It's all about this
Kudos to anyone who can spot McDaid senior and junior!
For those that want a hint, check out 1.47 or so.
Going Green on November 14
I'll be blogging about events of a breakneck week, but today it is all about going green on November 14.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Stranger and stranger
Events at Brandywell get madder by the hour
1. Derry have their contract terminated on Saturday circa 5pm
2. Derry hold press conference at Brandywell on Sunday at 2pm. Club utterly refutes allegation, talk is of witch hunt and lack of investigation. Derry invite FAI to investigate books
3. Today Monday, FAI go on co-ordinate press smoozing. Tony O'Donoghue gets shown proof on MNS, other print journalist get juicy quotes from the CEO. If the evidence was there, why weren't Derry shown it.
4. Players are asked to come forward by noon on Thursday. Classic game theory/divide and conquer attitude here. If they have the evidence, why do they need the players?
I'm not saying something isn't amiss on the contract front, but why are the FAI suddenly on a charm offensive?
1. Derry have their contract terminated on Saturday circa 5pm
2. Derry hold press conference at Brandywell on Sunday at 2pm. Club utterly refutes allegation, talk is of witch hunt and lack of investigation. Derry invite FAI to investigate books
3. Today Monday, FAI go on co-ordinate press smoozing. Tony O'Donoghue gets shown proof on MNS, other print journalist get juicy quotes from the CEO. If the evidence was there, why weren't Derry shown it.
4. Players are asked to come forward by noon on Thursday. Classic game theory/divide and conquer attitude here. If they have the evidence, why do they need the players?
I'm not saying something isn't amiss on the contract front, but why are the FAI suddenly on a charm offensive?
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Cool as f*ck
Madness to have Paul McLoone reading the t-shirt that me and Chalks made up one day in the Empire. Good times.
Contract terminated from the League of Ireland
Statement from the FAI
DCFC response
Interesting times, and will the financial state it will only get more interesting in the coming weeks. Ye never get bored in this League.
DCFC response
Interesting times, and will the financial state it will only get more interesting in the coming weeks. Ye never get bored in this League.
From the ashes
Supporters Trust Meeting tomorrow @ 5pm
This won't save the club, but if you are interested in getting involved, get yourself along tomorrow.
This won't save the club, but if you are interested in getting involved, get yourself along tomorrow.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Scaremongering was I?
Irish Times Article
The house of cards is falling. The end is nigh.
It is not about being right, though I do give two fingers to all those that had a go at me in various mediums about being a scaremongerer, working against the club and other criticisms. It was never about personalities from my side, it was about the club.
Thanks lads, you've left us in great shape.
The house of cards is falling. The end is nigh.
It is not about being right, though I do give two fingers to all those that had a go at me in various mediums about being a scaremongerer, working against the club and other criticisms. It was never about personalities from my side, it was about the club.
Thanks lads, you've left us in great shape.
Monday, November 2, 2009
My two cent
The roof has gradually been falling in at Brandywell in recent week, as one financial horror story after another has emerged as to the true state of the club's finances. A number of people over the weekend asked me "What do you think will happen?" and to be honest I don't know what will happen. On the road back down last night I did consider what I would prefer to happen.
I've my own estimation of the level of debt that the club is in and if I'm near the mark, I can't see how the club can get out of it. We managed to haemorrhage cash despite winning in Europe and selling three players cross channel, as well as McHugh to Linfield. No one in the squad stands out in terms of the quality of McGinn or McCourt, so there is likely to be little interest from across the water in the current squad.
The first Celtic friendly destroyed a lot of credibility and like the doubting Thomases, even if a full strength Celtic side showed up, a lot of people won't bother going this time round. This is we ever get a full strength Celtic side to come. You can't blame people having been stung once.
How else are we going to raise significant finance? The Dream Draw was a lot harder to sell the last time round and being honest, there are a lot more deserving causes in the City than the football club.
The recession, the mismanagement of the club and general apathy will make it a Herculean task to try and raise money for the club. Fair play to those that do, but we don't even know how much we need to raise.
Even if we were to get investment to see us through the current difficulties, anyone with any sense would make this a loan and not a donation. Therefore the money will still have to be paid back at some point.
I would have serious concerns that we would be denied a licence, even if we remain solvent long enough. I'll not go into the detail again, but have a look at the "10 questions for the board" post, as to where I think our difficulties may lie.
I don't get the feeling that there is the appetite amongst the support to get us back to an even keel by raising massive funds to cover the debt. I'll be honest, I've no appetite for it. Why should I contribute to clean up the mistakes of a board, when I disagreed with many of their decisions? As I said during an early disagreement, if our business model means that we have to charge £8 for a friendly, what type of business model is that.
I'm on record here, DerryCitychat.com and elsewhere as disgreeing with many of their decisions. People might claim it is a personality issue, but I had the same questions of the last board as well. The reality is that if we live within our means then we were probably not be competitive in the League of Ireland. Sad, but true. Derry doesn't have the spending power of Cork or Dublin and attempting to enter into an arms race with sides from there will only end in tears.
Personally, I'd wind Wellvan up and apply for the A League. I don't see how we can get ourselves out of the current position. Let us start from scratch, work from the model in the UK and truly organise ourselves as a community club. Don't use it as a cheap soundbite as it currently is, but actually start again from the ground up.
Maybe there will be no desire for a senior club, maybe we will fade away and that will be the end of Derry City. However if there is no desire for a club, then why are we all throwing some much time, energy and money into trying to be one of the top clubs in Ireland. Rovers emerged much stronger from a spell in the First Division, can we not be the same.
People may argue that we have got out of this position before, we can do it again. Maybe we can. However remember a few salient points.
1. The friendlies against United, Celtic and Barcelona cleared that debt
2. The board fronted up with their problems when it became clear how bad it was
3. We were told it would never happen again
Yet nine years since the last crisis, we are back where we started and what have we learned. I don't entirely blame this board, others must take responsibility as well. However I don't care about personalities, I care about the club. The club is a very very story state. The manner in which we have treated Linfield, Dungannon and others makes me ashamed to call myself a Derry fan. Treat people with honesty and decency and it appears that we have failed to do that.
" What is a club anyway? It's the noise, the passion, the feeling of belonging, the pride in your city."
I've used that quote from Bobby Robson before, and it rings true. The antics of the club at the minute leave me far from proud at the moment.
I've my own estimation of the level of debt that the club is in and if I'm near the mark, I can't see how the club can get out of it. We managed to haemorrhage cash despite winning in Europe and selling three players cross channel, as well as McHugh to Linfield. No one in the squad stands out in terms of the quality of McGinn or McCourt, so there is likely to be little interest from across the water in the current squad.
The first Celtic friendly destroyed a lot of credibility and like the doubting Thomases, even if a full strength Celtic side showed up, a lot of people won't bother going this time round. This is we ever get a full strength Celtic side to come. You can't blame people having been stung once.
How else are we going to raise significant finance? The Dream Draw was a lot harder to sell the last time round and being honest, there are a lot more deserving causes in the City than the football club.
The recession, the mismanagement of the club and general apathy will make it a Herculean task to try and raise money for the club. Fair play to those that do, but we don't even know how much we need to raise.
Even if we were to get investment to see us through the current difficulties, anyone with any sense would make this a loan and not a donation. Therefore the money will still have to be paid back at some point.
I would have serious concerns that we would be denied a licence, even if we remain solvent long enough. I'll not go into the detail again, but have a look at the "10 questions for the board" post, as to where I think our difficulties may lie.
I don't get the feeling that there is the appetite amongst the support to get us back to an even keel by raising massive funds to cover the debt. I'll be honest, I've no appetite for it. Why should I contribute to clean up the mistakes of a board, when I disagreed with many of their decisions? As I said during an early disagreement, if our business model means that we have to charge £8 for a friendly, what type of business model is that.
I'm on record here, DerryCitychat.com and elsewhere as disgreeing with many of their decisions. People might claim it is a personality issue, but I had the same questions of the last board as well. The reality is that if we live within our means then we were probably not be competitive in the League of Ireland. Sad, but true. Derry doesn't have the spending power of Cork or Dublin and attempting to enter into an arms race with sides from there will only end in tears.
Personally, I'd wind Wellvan up and apply for the A League. I don't see how we can get ourselves out of the current position. Let us start from scratch, work from the model in the UK and truly organise ourselves as a community club. Don't use it as a cheap soundbite as it currently is, but actually start again from the ground up.
Maybe there will be no desire for a senior club, maybe we will fade away and that will be the end of Derry City. However if there is no desire for a club, then why are we all throwing some much time, energy and money into trying to be one of the top clubs in Ireland. Rovers emerged much stronger from a spell in the First Division, can we not be the same.
People may argue that we have got out of this position before, we can do it again. Maybe we can. However remember a few salient points.
1. The friendlies against United, Celtic and Barcelona cleared that debt
2. The board fronted up with their problems when it became clear how bad it was
3. We were told it would never happen again
Yet nine years since the last crisis, we are back where we started and what have we learned. I don't entirely blame this board, others must take responsibility as well. However I don't care about personalities, I care about the club. The club is a very very story state. The manner in which we have treated Linfield, Dungannon and others makes me ashamed to call myself a Derry fan. Treat people with honesty and decency and it appears that we have failed to do that.
" What is a club anyway? It's the noise, the passion, the feeling of belonging, the pride in your city."
I've used that quote from Bobby Robson before, and it rings true. The antics of the club at the minute leave me far from proud at the moment.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Swifts consider winding up order
I'm ashamed to call myself a City fan at the minute, such are the antics of those running the club. At least if Dungannon pursued a winding up order then it might bring an end to the madness
RTE Report
RTE Report
Saturday, October 31, 2009
12 questions for the .....
1. When was the last time Wellvan made a complete monthly return to the HMRC and as of now, are we full compliant with the PAYE obligations?
2. How much has the Social Club cost us to date, and do you believe that these funds will be recoverable?
3. Were the board advised of the difficulties of obtaining a licence for the Social Club before they signed the lease?
4. What was the outstanding amount due from Meteor when they went into liquidation?
5. Did we receive any payments from River Media over the course of their sponsorship?
6. Who was the agent on the GOB deal?
7. Given we were paying a significant fee from David Scullion, why was only a one year contract signed with the player?
8. How much has the club spent on accomodation for players brought to and expected to live in the city?
9. Apart from the Standard Player Contracts, do any players have rider contracts in addition to these?
10. At the time, did individuals pay the travel and accommodation bills for the official travel party to Lativa?
11. Have the office staff been paid? Is not, given the subvention from the FAI for a CPO, was this money diverted elsewhere?
12. Are any players paid in the South and if so are there Revenue implications of this?
2. How much has the Social Club cost us to date, and do you believe that these funds will be recoverable?
3. Were the board advised of the difficulties of obtaining a licence for the Social Club before they signed the lease?
4. What was the outstanding amount due from Meteor when they went into liquidation?
5. Did we receive any payments from River Media over the course of their sponsorship?
6. Who was the agent on the GOB deal?
7. Given we were paying a significant fee from David Scullion, why was only a one year contract signed with the player?
8. How much has the club spent on accomodation for players brought to and expected to live in the city?
9. Apart from the Standard Player Contracts, do any players have rider contracts in addition to these?
10. At the time, did individuals pay the travel and accommodation bills for the official travel party to Lativa?
11. Have the office staff been paid? Is not, given the subvention from the FAI for a CPO, was this money diverted elsewhere?
12. Are any players paid in the South and if so are there Revenue implications of this?
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Media Snobbery
Lou Macari tonight on Paddy McCourt as he was about to come on
"Well you have to remember where he has come from?" Where is that Lou, a League where the team can actually win a game in Europe.
Five minutes later Paddy skins five players and hits the bar. How do you like them apples Lou?
"Well you have to remember where he has come from?" Where is that Lou, a League where the team can actually win a game in Europe.
Five minutes later Paddy skins five players and hits the bar. How do you like them apples Lou?
Tour t-shirts
Hat tip to lads at YBIG.ie for another great shirt.
Mines has been ordered, let's hope the postal strike doesn't prevent its arrival. Roll on Paris!
So I was wrong....
After wondering last week if it could get any blacker round Brandywell, it certainly has. A cursory search on Google News will bring back masses of recent news stories of the financial meltdown at the Brandywell.
We've had claim and counter claim, newspaper articles and radio programmes. We've had attention, unwanted, from figures such as David Jeffrey. However we are still no clearly as to just how bad it is.
Stories vary on the amount owed, who it is owed, the very seriousness on the issue. No one should be any illusion as to the seriousness of the situation.
The last time we were in difficulties which seemed as serious as this, there was an open meeting in the Delacroix. It was terrible to be there, but there was real motivation in the room that night. The closest we have got this time is the chairman offering a Q&A thread on DerryCityChat.com
We still awaiting the AGM promised for early 2009, the accounts for year ended Novemeber 2008 are overdue.
At this stage I don't think any amount of internet threads, press interviews or nods and winks will do.
Options
1. The board has to call an AGM/EGM to discuss the situation with the shareholders of Wellvan.
2. A open meeting with supporters.
Let us know where we stand.
We've had claim and counter claim, newspaper articles and radio programmes. We've had attention, unwanted, from figures such as David Jeffrey. However we are still no clearly as to just how bad it is.
Stories vary on the amount owed, who it is owed, the very seriousness on the issue. No one should be any illusion as to the seriousness of the situation.
The last time we were in difficulties which seemed as serious as this, there was an open meeting in the Delacroix. It was terrible to be there, but there was real motivation in the room that night. The closest we have got this time is the chairman offering a Q&A thread on DerryCityChat.com
We still awaiting the AGM promised for early 2009, the accounts for year ended Novemeber 2008 are overdue.
At this stage I don't think any amount of internet threads, press interviews or nods and winks will do.
Options
1. The board has to call an AGM/EGM to discuss the situation with the shareholders of Wellvan.
2. A open meeting with supporters.
Let us know where we stand.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
How true: the trials of fandom
Classic post by a Waterford fan on foot.ie about being a LOI fan. The post was made in the context of a discussion on the situation at Cork
"No fit and proper person would ever want to be a League of Ireland chairman.
Actually, no fit and proper person would ever want to be a League of Ireland fan. Why would you want to spend a Tuesday morning discussing the intricacies of bank drafts and cheque clearances while wondering whether players will travel to the match that night when you could turn on the telly at 7.45 and 'support' 'your' team in the Champions League from the comfort of your sitting room?"
"No fit and proper person would ever want to be a League of Ireland chairman.
Actually, no fit and proper person would ever want to be a League of Ireland fan. Why would you want to spend a Tuesday morning discussing the intricacies of bank drafts and cheque clearances while wondering whether players will travel to the match that night when you could turn on the telly at 7.45 and 'support' 'your' team in the Champions League from the comfort of your sitting room?"
Richmond Revival: City win!
Once again, Edinburgh airport and the Scottish weather did their best to prevent me getting to a game, but I was not to be thwarted.
The 4.50 flight was delayed to nearly six, which meant I didn't land till before seven. On the plane the captain announced that for operational reason the previous aircarft had to go to Marseilles, and this was the reason for the delay. On landing,I had to collect baggage so it was then a case of grabbing a taxi, detouring via the house to drop the gear and set a course for Inchicore.
A text on route indicated the team and this was followed up by the news that we'd scored through McGlynn. Charlie has a great record away to Pats and last night was no exception. I arrived at about ten past eight and a steward let me in without needing to pay, which was a bonus. I made my way down to the City fans joined the small travelling contingent. Deagy, Senior, The Dude and Damo were there, having just arrived moments before me.
It is a terrible position to watch a game from and with City defending the "top end" in the first half, we spent a fair bit of time looking left. Once again there were many of the big names missing for the City lineup, but this was a performance to be proud of.
Neat and tidy with patches of decent football, Derry showed spirit and determination. Albeit it was up against a toothless Pats side who look in serious diffs, but it was impressive none the less. In the stands it felt like the Badger days, a small crowd but 90 minute singing and good craic. There were two St Pauli fans over and they seemed to gear everyone up for a few more songs.
The talk at half time was of administration, bankruptcy and doom and gloom but the performance on the pitch had lifted the spirits. Molloy had chances in both halves but the beard hasn't improved his shooting. The first one went wide and the second one was saved by the keeper. McClean was having a great game but is another who needs to work on the finishing. Time after time he would skin the full back but on the times he cut inside, his shot was weak.
However the young winger was instrumental in the second goal as his ball was poked home by McDaid. Molloy broke from midfield, played a perfect ball to McClean. He cut in, waiting for mean to arrive and then delivered a lovely ball in.
Pats will feel hard done by as they were denied an absolute certain penalty when Delaney handled a cross from Ryan. However Pats in the main were disappointing and like ourselves a shadow of the team of old. The game wound to a predictable conclusion, with the attention switching to Cork and how the game was going there.
The scenes after the game certainly beg a few questions. The players all stayed on the pitch and the entire backroom staff joined them there. A huddle was formed and after a few minutes the players came over the applaud the fans. It is hard to describe the scene, but there was a real air of finality about it.
However it was class to be celebrating a win, despite Ryanair and their attempts to make sure I'd miss it.
The 4.50 flight was delayed to nearly six, which meant I didn't land till before seven. On the plane the captain announced that for operational reason the previous aircarft had to go to Marseilles, and this was the reason for the delay. On landing,I had to collect baggage so it was then a case of grabbing a taxi, detouring via the house to drop the gear and set a course for Inchicore.
A text on route indicated the team and this was followed up by the news that we'd scored through McGlynn. Charlie has a great record away to Pats and last night was no exception. I arrived at about ten past eight and a steward let me in without needing to pay, which was a bonus. I made my way down to the City fans joined the small travelling contingent. Deagy, Senior, The Dude and Damo were there, having just arrived moments before me.
It is a terrible position to watch a game from and with City defending the "top end" in the first half, we spent a fair bit of time looking left. Once again there were many of the big names missing for the City lineup, but this was a performance to be proud of.
Neat and tidy with patches of decent football, Derry showed spirit and determination. Albeit it was up against a toothless Pats side who look in serious diffs, but it was impressive none the less. In the stands it felt like the Badger days, a small crowd but 90 minute singing and good craic. There were two St Pauli fans over and they seemed to gear everyone up for a few more songs.
The talk at half time was of administration, bankruptcy and doom and gloom but the performance on the pitch had lifted the spirits. Molloy had chances in both halves but the beard hasn't improved his shooting. The first one went wide and the second one was saved by the keeper. McClean was having a great game but is another who needs to work on the finishing. Time after time he would skin the full back but on the times he cut inside, his shot was weak.
However the young winger was instrumental in the second goal as his ball was poked home by McDaid. Molloy broke from midfield, played a perfect ball to McClean. He cut in, waiting for mean to arrive and then delivered a lovely ball in.
Pats will feel hard done by as they were denied an absolute certain penalty when Delaney handled a cross from Ryan. However Pats in the main were disappointing and like ourselves a shadow of the team of old. The game wound to a predictable conclusion, with the attention switching to Cork and how the game was going there.
The scenes after the game certainly beg a few questions. The players all stayed on the pitch and the entire backroom staff joined them there. A huddle was formed and after a few minutes the players came over the applaud the fans. It is hard to describe the scene, but there was a real air of finality about it.
However it was class to be celebrating a win, despite Ryanair and their attempts to make sure I'd miss it.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Jaysus can it get any worse?
Five League defeats on the bounce is unprecendented in Derry's time in the LOI and now we have another twist in the tale with the players going public with regards the wage crisis.
On the upside, if my flight is on time I'll be back and in Inchicore tomorrow night.
Hit them Derry!
On the upside, if my flight is on time I'll be back and in Inchicore tomorrow night.
Hit them Derry!
Saturday, October 17, 2009
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
The Good
Tender for the redevelopment of the Brandy
For the purposes of this tender, the estimated construction cost for the proposed works will be £4,000,000.00 (ex. VAT). Full details here.
The Bad
City stumble to another defeat, the four League loss on the spin. By the sounds of it, it was better that I did miss the flight from Edinburgh to Galway. Full report here
The Ugly
Another financial bad news story eminating from Brandywell. Players awaiting wages, full report here
Tender for the redevelopment of the Brandy
For the purposes of this tender, the estimated construction cost for the proposed works will be £4,000,000.00 (ex. VAT). Full details here.
The Bad
City stumble to another defeat, the four League loss on the spin. By the sounds of it, it was better that I did miss the flight from Edinburgh to Galway. Full report here
The Ugly
Another financial bad news story eminating from Brandywell. Players awaiting wages, full report here
Friday, October 16, 2009
Best wishes for Farrenso
Derry Journal report
I heard about Mark's condition around Christmas and was amazed he played on. Mark is a great fella as an individual, as well as a talented player. Let's hope he makes a full recovery and we see him back for the start of next season.
I heard about Mark's condition around Christmas and was amazed he played on. Mark is a great fella as an individual, as well as a talented player. Let's hope he makes a full recovery and we see him back for the start of next season.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Gregory Kearney
Only a snapshot of footage, and not even some of his best goals. However reminds you of the talent he was.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Linfield 1 Derry 1: A "Tasty" one......
RTE Match Report.
While most of the media attention may be diverted to Glasgow today for the Old Firm, there was a “tasty” atmosphere at Windsor Park yesterday. The taste may have been unsavoury but it requires comment.
On and off the pitch the game may have been a lower key affair and there is no doubt that both sides are a shadow of the 2006 incarnations. The action on the pitch won't live long in the memory, with City particularly poor in the first half. However a late late goal from McManus, a legendary celebration, and City had rescued a point. Linfield could have wrapped it up early with a couple of one on ones which they missed, but we'll take the point.
Linfield were more than up for it in the first half and went ahead with a well worked goal. A fantastic ball in from McAllister was headed home by Munster. I was standing beside Marty G and as soon as the ball was crossed I went “danger here”. However it still required a cracking header to beat Gerard Doherty.
I thought City really struggled in the first half, with McGlynn the one creative spark in the team. Kearney appeared to have been given a free role but always appeared to drift inside. The result of this was that City have limited options down the left flank and ever attack was funnelled down the central channel. It was no surprise that one of McGlynn's jinking runs provided City best chance of the first half, when he was felled for a penalty.
Tommy Stewart's effort was saved, and it didn't look the most convincing run up I have ever seen. In saying that Alan Blayney, the Linfield keeper, was very impressive all day and made a great stop. City fans may remember that we tried to sign Blayney a few years ago but for some reason we ended up with Tidman and McEwan instead.
City were once again booed off the pitch at half time in what is becoming a depressing frequency. Usually for the home games I am on iCandy duty so I am in splendid isolation with Greengo in the Old Stand so I am not witness to the abuse of our own players which I am assured takes places. Usually at away games the atmosphere is a lot more supportive as people have made the effort to get there. However yesterday gave me an insight into people's stories from the Brandywell. A large of those surrounding me were just screaming abuse at players,whatever they did. If they made a mistake, abuse them. If they didn't play the ball that the fan wanted, abuse them. Didn't chase a ball, abuse them. Depressing times.
Peter Hutton had been struggling throughout the first half and was replaced by Deery at the break. This required a rejig of the City defence and it paid dividends as City were a lot stronger in the second half. Deery's ability on the ball meant that City started to get a hold in the middle of the park as had a lot more possession in the second half. McGlynn was once again relegated to right back, which somewhat stymied his attacking threat.
The appearance of a tricolour on the Kop and its subsequent burning turned the atmosphere up several notches. However large elements of the City support didn't exactly cover themselves in glory either. Choruses of “Dirty Orange Bastards”, “Hun scum” and signing Ambhran na bhFiann in English made me think I was at a Celtic match. Clowns waving Celtic shirts only added to the feelings. As predicted, a few individuals decided to decommission their pyrotechnic stockpile to by letting off numerous flares and strobes. The individuals involved are easily identifiable and lets hope that suitable measures are taking against them. Throwing used flares onto the pitch is absolute madness and one wasn't far away from the linesman.
There were idiots on both sides and I thought the hands off stewarding approach didn't help, as it allowed a situation to develop. It blew a hole in the “non sectarian support” claim that some Cty fans like to spout at times.
McManus was brought on after the hour and his energy added a new dimension up front. He may not have the skills of the last number 23 for City, but his heart and passion is endearing him to the hearts of the Candystripes faithful. He had one effort saved by Blayney as City looking to be slipping to a defeat. However a sublime lob from Charlie played the Scot in and he finished with aplomb. Tam mightn't be a local but he knew what the goal meant to the fans and let the fans in the Kop know.
City pressed on in the remaining minutes but couldn't really create anything further. The afternoon was illuminated for most City fans with the dismissal of Jeffreys in the dying seconds but the game finished 1-1 and a point apiece. City top the group with two points and head to Inchicore in November, looking to cement a place in the knock out phases. In my view though, the real talking points were off the park.
While most of the media attention may be diverted to Glasgow today for the Old Firm, there was a “tasty” atmosphere at Windsor Park yesterday. The taste may have been unsavoury but it requires comment.
On and off the pitch the game may have been a lower key affair and there is no doubt that both sides are a shadow of the 2006 incarnations. The action on the pitch won't live long in the memory, with City particularly poor in the first half. However a late late goal from McManus, a legendary celebration, and City had rescued a point. Linfield could have wrapped it up early with a couple of one on ones which they missed, but we'll take the point.
Linfield were more than up for it in the first half and went ahead with a well worked goal. A fantastic ball in from McAllister was headed home by Munster. I was standing beside Marty G and as soon as the ball was crossed I went “danger here”. However it still required a cracking header to beat Gerard Doherty.
I thought City really struggled in the first half, with McGlynn the one creative spark in the team. Kearney appeared to have been given a free role but always appeared to drift inside. The result of this was that City have limited options down the left flank and ever attack was funnelled down the central channel. It was no surprise that one of McGlynn's jinking runs provided City best chance of the first half, when he was felled for a penalty.
Tommy Stewart's effort was saved, and it didn't look the most convincing run up I have ever seen. In saying that Alan Blayney, the Linfield keeper, was very impressive all day and made a great stop. City fans may remember that we tried to sign Blayney a few years ago but for some reason we ended up with Tidman and McEwan instead.
City were once again booed off the pitch at half time in what is becoming a depressing frequency. Usually for the home games I am on iCandy duty so I am in splendid isolation with Greengo in the Old Stand so I am not witness to the abuse of our own players which I am assured takes places. Usually at away games the atmosphere is a lot more supportive as people have made the effort to get there. However yesterday gave me an insight into people's stories from the Brandywell. A large of those surrounding me were just screaming abuse at players,whatever they did. If they made a mistake, abuse them. If they didn't play the ball that the fan wanted, abuse them. Didn't chase a ball, abuse them. Depressing times.
Peter Hutton had been struggling throughout the first half and was replaced by Deery at the break. This required a rejig of the City defence and it paid dividends as City were a lot stronger in the second half. Deery's ability on the ball meant that City started to get a hold in the middle of the park as had a lot more possession in the second half. McGlynn was once again relegated to right back, which somewhat stymied his attacking threat.
The appearance of a tricolour on the Kop and its subsequent burning turned the atmosphere up several notches. However large elements of the City support didn't exactly cover themselves in glory either. Choruses of “Dirty Orange Bastards”, “Hun scum” and signing Ambhran na bhFiann in English made me think I was at a Celtic match. Clowns waving Celtic shirts only added to the feelings. As predicted, a few individuals decided to decommission their pyrotechnic stockpile to by letting off numerous flares and strobes. The individuals involved are easily identifiable and lets hope that suitable measures are taking against them. Throwing used flares onto the pitch is absolute madness and one wasn't far away from the linesman.
There were idiots on both sides and I thought the hands off stewarding approach didn't help, as it allowed a situation to develop. It blew a hole in the “non sectarian support” claim that some Cty fans like to spout at times.
McManus was brought on after the hour and his energy added a new dimension up front. He may not have the skills of the last number 23 for City, but his heart and passion is endearing him to the hearts of the Candystripes faithful. He had one effort saved by Blayney as City looking to be slipping to a defeat. However a sublime lob from Charlie played the Scot in and he finished with aplomb. Tam mightn't be a local but he knew what the goal meant to the fans and let the fans in the Kop know.
City pressed on in the remaining minutes but couldn't really create anything further. The afternoon was illuminated for most City fans with the dismissal of Jeffreys in the dying seconds but the game finished 1-1 and a point apiece. City top the group with two points and head to Inchicore in November, looking to cement a place in the knock out phases. In my view though, the real talking points were off the park.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Solidarity with Leeside
Whilst things are far from rosy Foyleside, things are considerably worse for Cork fans. The club's Surpporters Trust, FORAS, are hosting a protest before tonight's game with Sligo Rovers, urging fans to enter ten minutes late and to show the red card to the current ownership.
Read more about the protest here
Read more about the protest here
Help you club to help you
There is currently a survey running on the City website to help the club to understand the needs of supporters.
Survey Link
Survey Link
Thursday, September 24, 2009
McGinn case: Part I
For those that may of missed it, City were in court yesterday over the McGinn case. The case revolves around a sell on clause in the Niall McGinn transfer. McGinn, now with Celtic, moved from Swifts to City. Dungannon are claiming that there is a sell on clause in the contract and they are due money. We don’t know what Derry are claiming, as once again we haven’t been told anything.
The case was only up for “a mention” yesterday, but City have been ordered to produce full details of the transfer in time for next week. Perhaps we finally might get some clarity on that deal.
The case was only up for “a mention” yesterday, but City have been ordered to produce full details of the transfer in time for next week. Perhaps we finally might get some clarity on that deal.
Derry 1 Pats 1
BBC Report
I wasn’t at the game on Tuesday, as work once again intervened to prevent me making the trip. I listen to Greengo(and Kevin McLaughlin’s interruptions) on iCandy and it seemed a rather forgettable game. A phone conversation with me da after the game confirmed the suspicions. However it is two points dropped and in a three team group, this could prove very costly.
I wasn’t at the game on Tuesday, as work once again intervened to prevent me making the trip. I listen to Greengo(and Kevin McLaughlin’s interruptions) on iCandy and it seemed a rather forgettable game. A phone conversation with me da after the game confirmed the suspicions. However it is two points dropped and in a three team group, this could prove very costly.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Red and White Army Flying Column
Cork City v Derry City, 6th October
Just booked return flights for 0.02c. Love or loathe them, Ryanair have added the dimension of taking a flight to a game these days.
Just booked return flights for 0.02c. Love or loathe them, Ryanair have added the dimension of taking a flight to a game these days.
Monday, September 14, 2009
A bright future
In the midst of the all the doom and gloom around the Brandywell at the minutes, there are still some great things going on around the club.
ESCAPE PROJECT
I was involved in some of the early research and preparation of the funding proposal for this centre and I'm delighted that is now coming to fruitition.
ESCAPE PROJECT
I was involved in some of the early research and preparation of the funding proposal for this centre and I'm delighted that is now coming to fruitition.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Give us your money, but don't ask us any questions
Interview with Blackburn chairman
The link above comes from the Lancashire Telegraph and contains an interesting interview with the Blackburn Rovers Chairman, John Williams.
Williams is to be complimented for giving a straight forward and honest assessment of the club’s finances, what it costs to run a club and where the money goes. The article is simple enough such that you don’t need to be an accountant to understand it , allowing fans to follow the money trail.
Meanwhile on this side of the Irish Sea fans, in the main, continue to have to exist in an information vacuum. Three of the current top four; Bohs, Derry, Cork have experienced financial difficulties this year and yet it is only when it has got to crisis point that the boards at the respective clubs have disclosed any information.
Irish football, as we are painfully aware, is not the playground of the rich and famous. There are no oligarchs, no sheikhs, few wealthy ex pats. The boards at many clubs are now made up of “the last men standing”, people who are prepared to take on the thankless task of serving on a board.
However it seems as if a code of “omerta” descends on the board when they take up their positions. In the Irish game this season, Cork and Derry fans(amongst others) have been greeted with media headlines outlines the financial predicament of their clubs, with many surprised by this. I can only speak from the Derry case but at a meeting in June the board claimed that the club would be fine, and that selling a portion’s of next year’s season tickets this year was not going to threaten the club’s future. Three months later, we learn that the players have only been paid 25% of their wages.
Fans in this League tend to be incredibly loyal. Rubbish facilities, regular financial problems and amateur setups off the field. Fans at most clubs around the League can identify with these issues and yet in the main we continue to come back. The recently deceased Sir Bobby Robson encapsulated it for me when he said,
“What is a club anyway? It is the noise, the passion, the feeling of belonging, the pride in your city”
Many of the fans here are fans of the club, of which the first team are a part. Obviously the first eleven are the highest profile expression of the club but they are not the only element of the club. The club is the players, the staff, the support, the infrastructure. It is all of these things.
As an Irish person, it takes an effort to support the League here. We could all just stay at home like the rest of the population and be drip fed our football in HD from the shiny screens in the corner of every living room. It takes an effort to get up, get to the games, hit the road for the away trips, support the draws, buy the merchandise. The clubs don’t make it easy for people and then they operate in a culture of secrecy.
Internet Message boards have “flattened the earth”, no more so in relation to football clubs. Whereas in the past you would discuss the team with your mates or people that you met on a face to face basis. However the internet allows discussions to be played out by people from all parts, on all issues. This have allowed for a greater dissemination of information and therefore fans tend to at least have the ability to learn about a greater variety of topics that in the past.
Don’t get me wrong, the message board has also given rise to the “keyboard warrior”. The person who will whinge and moan about anything and everything, but would never dream of saying these things in public. People will make wild allegations, perpetuate unsubstantiated rumours and general muddy the waters. People with pseudonyms can log on and post whatever they see fit to. However the message board can also be a mine of information if used correctly.
Whatever they may say otherwise, players and directors read them. In Derry’s case, we have several board members who post on the message board. This again can be a doublededged sword. By engaging in the digital medium, the board have the chance to convey the information directly to the support. However by doing so, they also make themselves accountable to posters. As one member of the Derry site memorably commented during the news of the wages crisis, the Derry chairman was prepared to comment on a thread relating to Chuck Norris, but a thread of pertinent questions as the club’s finances was ignored.
Fans provide a major source of income for clubs here and fans seek accountability and transparency. Whilst many understand that disclosures such as “Player X is on £xxx per week” are unreasonable, there has to be a middle ground between this and the current situation. In any facet of life, if someone holds their hands up and says “I need help here” then you will appreciate their honesty and do what you can. As it is in the case of Derry, Bohs and Cork it was more a case of “We need money, you are fans, give us money”. FORAS, the Cork Supporters Trust, have to be admired for their principled stance in not crumbling to the emotional blackmail when the club was under threat of being wound up.
The common refrain from people is “Why don’t you go on the board?”. To be frank, this is childish criticism. As stated previously, serving on a board is difficult, no one disputes this. My da served on the Derry board for a decade and I know the work that is involved. However questioning the direction that the club is taking or articulate criticism of a decision has a place at every club. In an organisation, there should always been an element of dissent, a questioning attitude which fosters debate and improvement. A football club may be a different from any other company, but it is still that, a company. John Williams has shown in his interview how the club can be run on business lines, and even worse, he has told the fans how and why they have done it!
Fans should demand more, as they deserve better.
The link above comes from the Lancashire Telegraph and contains an interesting interview with the Blackburn Rovers Chairman, John Williams.
Williams is to be complimented for giving a straight forward and honest assessment of the club’s finances, what it costs to run a club and where the money goes. The article is simple enough such that you don’t need to be an accountant to understand it , allowing fans to follow the money trail.
Meanwhile on this side of the Irish Sea fans, in the main, continue to have to exist in an information vacuum. Three of the current top four; Bohs, Derry, Cork have experienced financial difficulties this year and yet it is only when it has got to crisis point that the boards at the respective clubs have disclosed any information.
Irish football, as we are painfully aware, is not the playground of the rich and famous. There are no oligarchs, no sheikhs, few wealthy ex pats. The boards at many clubs are now made up of “the last men standing”, people who are prepared to take on the thankless task of serving on a board.
However it seems as if a code of “omerta” descends on the board when they take up their positions. In the Irish game this season, Cork and Derry fans(amongst others) have been greeted with media headlines outlines the financial predicament of their clubs, with many surprised by this. I can only speak from the Derry case but at a meeting in June the board claimed that the club would be fine, and that selling a portion’s of next year’s season tickets this year was not going to threaten the club’s future. Three months later, we learn that the players have only been paid 25% of their wages.
Fans in this League tend to be incredibly loyal. Rubbish facilities, regular financial problems and amateur setups off the field. Fans at most clubs around the League can identify with these issues and yet in the main we continue to come back. The recently deceased Sir Bobby Robson encapsulated it for me when he said,
“What is a club anyway? It is the noise, the passion, the feeling of belonging, the pride in your city”
Many of the fans here are fans of the club, of which the first team are a part. Obviously the first eleven are the highest profile expression of the club but they are not the only element of the club. The club is the players, the staff, the support, the infrastructure. It is all of these things.
As an Irish person, it takes an effort to support the League here. We could all just stay at home like the rest of the population and be drip fed our football in HD from the shiny screens in the corner of every living room. It takes an effort to get up, get to the games, hit the road for the away trips, support the draws, buy the merchandise. The clubs don’t make it easy for people and then they operate in a culture of secrecy.
Internet Message boards have “flattened the earth”, no more so in relation to football clubs. Whereas in the past you would discuss the team with your mates or people that you met on a face to face basis. However the internet allows discussions to be played out by people from all parts, on all issues. This have allowed for a greater dissemination of information and therefore fans tend to at least have the ability to learn about a greater variety of topics that in the past.
Don’t get me wrong, the message board has also given rise to the “keyboard warrior”. The person who will whinge and moan about anything and everything, but would never dream of saying these things in public. People will make wild allegations, perpetuate unsubstantiated rumours and general muddy the waters. People with pseudonyms can log on and post whatever they see fit to. However the message board can also be a mine of information if used correctly.
Whatever they may say otherwise, players and directors read them. In Derry’s case, we have several board members who post on the message board. This again can be a doublededged sword. By engaging in the digital medium, the board have the chance to convey the information directly to the support. However by doing so, they also make themselves accountable to posters. As one member of the Derry site memorably commented during the news of the wages crisis, the Derry chairman was prepared to comment on a thread relating to Chuck Norris, but a thread of pertinent questions as the club’s finances was ignored.
Fans provide a major source of income for clubs here and fans seek accountability and transparency. Whilst many understand that disclosures such as “Player X is on £xxx per week” are unreasonable, there has to be a middle ground between this and the current situation. In any facet of life, if someone holds their hands up and says “I need help here” then you will appreciate their honesty and do what you can. As it is in the case of Derry, Bohs and Cork it was more a case of “We need money, you are fans, give us money”. FORAS, the Cork Supporters Trust, have to be admired for their principled stance in not crumbling to the emotional blackmail when the club was under threat of being wound up.
The common refrain from people is “Why don’t you go on the board?”. To be frank, this is childish criticism. As stated previously, serving on a board is difficult, no one disputes this. My da served on the Derry board for a decade and I know the work that is involved. However questioning the direction that the club is taking or articulate criticism of a decision has a place at every club. In an organisation, there should always been an element of dissent, a questioning attitude which fosters debate and improvement. A football club may be a different from any other company, but it is still that, a company. John Williams has shown in his interview how the club can be run on business lines, and even worse, he has told the fans how and why they have done it!
Fans should demand more, as they deserve better.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Derry Journal: New stadium fast tracked
The fact that Helen Quigley, is spearheading the moves fills me with confidence. This is the woman whose bandwagoning antics were spectacularly exposed by Colin Green on Radio Foyle during the 2006 Euro run. Until we start seeing work on the site I'll reserve judgement.
The fact that Helen Quigley, is spearheading the moves fills me with confidence. This is the woman whose bandwagoning antics were spectacularly exposed by Colin Green on Radio Foyle during the 2006 Euro run. Until we start seeing work on the site I'll reserve judgement.
Interview here.
Refreshing honesty from the Blackburn chairman there. Meanwhile the rest of us languish with the information that boards' may or may not decide to release.
Refreshing honesty from the Blackburn chairman there. Meanwhile the rest of us languish with the information that boards' may or may not decide to release.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
New "fleg"
Quickpost this image to Myspace, Digg, Facebook, and others!New flag ordered,click on it to enlarge. Should be here in a week, though with the fixture rearrangements I don't know when I'll actually get to unfurl it yet
Monday, September 7, 2009
Job done, just.
Saturday night was job done, but it was far from pretty.
Indeed if it wasn’t such a vital game you would have switched it over. However as we had been reminded ad nauseum, there were vital World Cup points at stake. It was a case of get there, get the points and get the hell out of Dodge City.
Maybe familiarity breeds contempt but I am no fan of the island. Numbers were down on the travelling support, but that has been true throughout the campaign. However more bizarre was the complete absence of home support.
The early goal was brilliant and it was over and above expectations to make a breakthrough so early. For the next ten minutes or so I was very impressed, we pushed on, we had them on the rack and then inexplicably we decided to ease off. Given’s save immediately after the goal was warning enough of the threat that the home side posed, but Ireland seemed powerless to react. There was debate over whether we were being swamped by the extra Cypriot in the midfield but it is hard to know with the current pairing in the middle.
I’m a big Kilbane fan, but his place is definitely under threat after another poor enough showing. I thought he was slow coming out to close down for the Cypriot goal. Furthermore, some of his distribution out of defence was abysmal.
The front two both scored which is what you want, but there are areas for improvement all around the pitch. The midfield is still a conundrum, but if that shot of Whelan’s had gone in then it may have been glossed over. Duff kept coming in off the line, how I long from the days when he just put his head down and went for the touchline.
As the time ticked down I just couldn’t see where the goal was coming from. Anyone who was a recipient of a text message from me on the night will be aware that I was far from confident on our ability to get a second. As the Independent wrote about a toxic performance by Ireland, the NAMA of te side Robbie Keane popped up to grab us the points, and salvation. It was the old one two, Duff and Keane that did the damage and we were out of there with the desired result.
As we head to Croker the old FF election slogan comes to mind “A lot done, more to do”. The result this week in Turin may give us a clearer picture of just what we are aiming for next month, but there is still room for improvement.
Indeed if it wasn’t such a vital game you would have switched it over. However as we had been reminded ad nauseum, there were vital World Cup points at stake. It was a case of get there, get the points and get the hell out of Dodge City.
Maybe familiarity breeds contempt but I am no fan of the island. Numbers were down on the travelling support, but that has been true throughout the campaign. However more bizarre was the complete absence of home support.
The early goal was brilliant and it was over and above expectations to make a breakthrough so early. For the next ten minutes or so I was very impressed, we pushed on, we had them on the rack and then inexplicably we decided to ease off. Given’s save immediately after the goal was warning enough of the threat that the home side posed, but Ireland seemed powerless to react. There was debate over whether we were being swamped by the extra Cypriot in the midfield but it is hard to know with the current pairing in the middle.
I’m a big Kilbane fan, but his place is definitely under threat after another poor enough showing. I thought he was slow coming out to close down for the Cypriot goal. Furthermore, some of his distribution out of defence was abysmal.
The front two both scored which is what you want, but there are areas for improvement all around the pitch. The midfield is still a conundrum, but if that shot of Whelan’s had gone in then it may have been glossed over. Duff kept coming in off the line, how I long from the days when he just put his head down and went for the touchline.
As the time ticked down I just couldn’t see where the goal was coming from. Anyone who was a recipient of a text message from me on the night will be aware that I was far from confident on our ability to get a second. As the Independent wrote about a toxic performance by Ireland, the NAMA of te side Robbie Keane popped up to grab us the points, and salvation. It was the old one two, Duff and Keane that did the damage and we were out of there with the desired result.
As we head to Croker the old FF election slogan comes to mind “A lot done, more to do”. The result this week in Turin may give us a clearer picture of just what we are aiming for next month, but there is still room for improvement.
45 minutes: Half a win is better than all of a defeat.
I only saw half the game on Friday but still managed to see Derry score and miss a penalty. The game was won in the first half and having established a two goal advantage, Derry never seriously looked like letting that lead slide.
Conversely, whilst Dundalk didn’t look like getting back into the game the fact that they were down to ten man wasn’t at all obvious. They battled very hard and I thought the middle three of McAreavey, Daly and McGowan were very industrious. They do take the honour of being a side built in the image of their manager and being the mouthiest side in the division. Every challenge, for or against them, they seem to berate the referee. And this was without Mental Mickey on the pitch!
I thought the referee Mr Connolly had a decent game and to follow the cliché of a good referee, you didn’t really notice him. The assistant on the far side drew a fair bit of ire from the City support, but I think we have to look at the inability of our own strikers to time their runs more so that the official’s flag work.
Liam Kearney made a welcome return and showed more in fifteen minutes than we have seen from him so far this season. He skipped past two players and put a ball into the box which was headed wide by Martyn. He was also hauled down from what was a cast iron penalty. Farren didn’t take the opportunity by Kearney popped up at the back post to head home Scullion’s cross to make it three, late in the game.
With Bohs losing again, the talk turned to what might have been had it not been for the midweek defeat to Galway. As it is City are still eight points behind the front runners but with the top two still to come at the Brandywell the League is far from decided as yet. We’ll need a great run of form, but we may yet be the dark horse to come up on the rails.
Or as they say in Sky Sports land, we’ll have a big hand in where the title ends up this year.
Conversely, whilst Dundalk didn’t look like getting back into the game the fact that they were down to ten man wasn’t at all obvious. They battled very hard and I thought the middle three of McAreavey, Daly and McGowan were very industrious. They do take the honour of being a side built in the image of their manager and being the mouthiest side in the division. Every challenge, for or against them, they seem to berate the referee. And this was without Mental Mickey on the pitch!
I thought the referee Mr Connolly had a decent game and to follow the cliché of a good referee, you didn’t really notice him. The assistant on the far side drew a fair bit of ire from the City support, but I think we have to look at the inability of our own strikers to time their runs more so that the official’s flag work.
Liam Kearney made a welcome return and showed more in fifteen minutes than we have seen from him so far this season. He skipped past two players and put a ball into the box which was headed wide by Martyn. He was also hauled down from what was a cast iron penalty. Farren didn’t take the opportunity by Kearney popped up at the back post to head home Scullion’s cross to make it three, late in the game.
With Bohs losing again, the talk turned to what might have been had it not been for the midweek defeat to Galway. As it is City are still eight points behind the front runners but with the top two still to come at the Brandywell the League is far from decided as yet. We’ll need a great run of form, but we may yet be the dark horse to come up on the rails.
Or as they say in Sky Sports land, we’ll have a big hand in where the title ends up this year.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Where do we go from here?
Friday was a fairly turbulent day off the field with Pizza's statement, and the resultant fall out. Anyone who knows me, or who reads this blog on a regular basis will know that the news comes as no surprise. In fact, the only surprise is that it has taken so long to happen. In my view we have been overspending for several years and the club have managed to keep the show on the road for quite a while.
I don't the energy for a full article(dying with a Carlisle Grounds cold) so my initial thoughts are:
I'm sorta stuck between two stools, as I have volunteered a lot at the club and I've gain at lot from it. I'd like to think I have decent personal relationship with a few of the directors, and I don't want to slate them, but questions have to be asked.
Less than three months ago we were told that it was merely temporary problems. Journal article, 2nd of June
Questions were raised at that meeting as to the financial state of the club, but we were told there was nothing to worry about. Added to this, we are still awaiting the AGM which was promised for early 2009.
After the talk of cutting the wage bill at the end of last season, we signed Scullion, Kearney, O'Brien and McManus. In fact we paid transfer fees for some of them! Add to that the overnight stays and pre match meals which people have been questioning for months. Asking genuine questions on derrycitychat.com just provoked allegations that you were "anti board". Given I'd already had one fairly public spat with a director, I can understand why people thought that.
The start of June saw the revelation that we'd lost the two sponsors and we were running the draw for a new sponsor and selling next year season tickets early. I thought the shirt sponsor draw was a great idea but I told the chairman at the time that I still believed that massive cost cutting was required. The season ticket idea was just robbing Peter to pay Paul.
The talk is always that we are a community club, but are we? The only contact I got from Derry City as a season ticket holder was the letter asking me to buy next year's season ticket early. As someone described it to me, we are a not particularly well run charity. We have(had) a CEO, a Community Promotions Officer and a Commercial Manager and yet we appear to no better run off the pitch.
Derry City has always depended on a hardcore band of volunteers to keep the show on the road. People who consistently have up 15-20 hours a week, who put their hands in their pockets when it was required. These people don't want their name in lights, they do it for the club and that's it. However the worrying thing for me is that it is the same people who have been there from the very start. In every organisation there should be a changing of the guard, where younger people get involved and gradually take more and more responsibility. That isn't happening at Derry City. Worse, younger people are walking away from involvement with frustration.
The support in Bray was symptomatic of the situation at the club, with the demographic heavily sloped towards the over fifties. Where will that leave the club in ten/fifteen years? What is the club doing about it?
Where is the club going? I don't know. I was working on a strategic review/plan for the last week or two. It won't pay any bills or save us but it is clear that we have to go back to basics. Click on the link to have a juke.
Review Idea
I don't the energy for a full article(dying with a Carlisle Grounds cold) so my initial thoughts are:
I'm sorta stuck between two stools, as I have volunteered a lot at the club and I've gain at lot from it. I'd like to think I have decent personal relationship with a few of the directors, and I don't want to slate them, but questions have to be asked.
Less than three months ago we were told that it was merely temporary problems. Journal article, 2nd of June
Questions were raised at that meeting as to the financial state of the club, but we were told there was nothing to worry about. Added to this, we are still awaiting the AGM which was promised for early 2009.
After the talk of cutting the wage bill at the end of last season, we signed Scullion, Kearney, O'Brien and McManus. In fact we paid transfer fees for some of them! Add to that the overnight stays and pre match meals which people have been questioning for months. Asking genuine questions on derrycitychat.com just provoked allegations that you were "anti board". Given I'd already had one fairly public spat with a director, I can understand why people thought that.
The start of June saw the revelation that we'd lost the two sponsors and we were running the draw for a new sponsor and selling next year season tickets early. I thought the shirt sponsor draw was a great idea but I told the chairman at the time that I still believed that massive cost cutting was required. The season ticket idea was just robbing Peter to pay Paul.
The talk is always that we are a community club, but are we? The only contact I got from Derry City as a season ticket holder was the letter asking me to buy next year's season ticket early. As someone described it to me, we are a not particularly well run charity. We have(had) a CEO, a Community Promotions Officer and a Commercial Manager and yet we appear to no better run off the pitch.
Derry City has always depended on a hardcore band of volunteers to keep the show on the road. People who consistently have up 15-20 hours a week, who put their hands in their pockets when it was required. These people don't want their name in lights, they do it for the club and that's it. However the worrying thing for me is that it is the same people who have been there from the very start. In every organisation there should be a changing of the guard, where younger people get involved and gradually take more and more responsibility. That isn't happening at Derry City. Worse, younger people are walking away from involvement with frustration.
The support in Bray was symptomatic of the situation at the club, with the demographic heavily sloped towards the over fifties. Where will that leave the club in ten/fifteen years? What is the club doing about it?
Where is the club going? I don't know. I was working on a strategic review/plan for the last week or two. It won't pay any bills or save us but it is clear that we have to go back to basics. Click on the link to have a juke.
Review Idea
Stephen Kenny's Volunteer Army
That was the chant of the night last night, as City left the Carlisle Grounds with three points for a change. As another Derry fan said, "I'm delighted to leave with three points and frostbite, as normally it is dropped points and frostbite".
I'll be blogging on the financial issues(again) separately, but last night was a good three points. Having hit the bar three times it looked as if we were going to have to settle for a point, but then McGlynn popped up to break Bray hearts.
The goal had shades of Niall Quinn's against Holland in the 1990 World Cup. A long punt from Doherty, a bounce, confusion in the Bray defence. Nash's impact cannot be understated as he got the vital touch to direct the ball into McGlynn and with the winger directed it into an empty net.
We deserved the three points as we had the best chances. The additional of McLean added a real threat from set pieces and a series of five corners in the opening ten minutes provided a number of chances for Derry to break the deadlock.
Derry had very fluid midfield, with McGlynn and McLean both cutting infield and posing Bray problems. Eddie hit the bar with a cracking effort from 30 yards and it bounced down on the line. Some Derry fans claimed it had crossed the line, but McGlynn couldn't direct the header back in. Two minutes later, a twisting turning Farren also hit the bar.
Farren had a great chance at the start of the second half, but his header from McLean's cross was frankly, woeful. Derry had another couple of chances, with McManus blasting over from about 16 yards the pick of them. The game looking to be petering out and the chant from the Derry fans was "Stephen Kenny's Volunteer Army". However the last gasp intervention gave the side all three points.
It made all the train journey back into the city all the sweeter.
I'll be blogging on the financial issues(again) separately, but last night was a good three points. Having hit the bar three times it looked as if we were going to have to settle for a point, but then McGlynn popped up to break Bray hearts.
The goal had shades of Niall Quinn's against Holland in the 1990 World Cup. A long punt from Doherty, a bounce, confusion in the Bray defence. Nash's impact cannot be understated as he got the vital touch to direct the ball into McGlynn and with the winger directed it into an empty net.
We deserved the three points as we had the best chances. The additional of McLean added a real threat from set pieces and a series of five corners in the opening ten minutes provided a number of chances for Derry to break the deadlock.
Derry had very fluid midfield, with McGlynn and McLean both cutting infield and posing Bray problems. Eddie hit the bar with a cracking effort from 30 yards and it bounced down on the line. Some Derry fans claimed it had crossed the line, but McGlynn couldn't direct the header back in. Two minutes later, a twisting turning Farren also hit the bar.
Farren had a great chance at the start of the second half, but his header from McLean's cross was frankly, woeful. Derry had another couple of chances, with McManus blasting over from about 16 yards the pick of them. The game looking to be petering out and the chant from the Derry fans was "Stephen Kenny's Volunteer Army". However the last gasp intervention gave the side all three points.
It made all the train journey back into the city all the sweeter.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Monday, August 24, 2009
Smash and grab
We won. A home victory, the first since before the mid season break. It wasn’t great, in fact it was a dire game but Ciaran Martyn’s rocket finish did the damage. Pats owned the ball for most of the game and with us down to ten men for most of the game it was a great three points.
If, and I am employing the relentless optimism of the football fan here, we win our game in hand then we will only be four points behind Shamrock Rovers, with a decent chunk of the season left. There may not be anything in the cups for us but it is definitely game on in terms of the League placings.
It was a worryingly small crowd at the Brandywell but there was an “old school” atmosphere as the renditions of “Red and White Army” from the New Stand when the goal went in. The poor night and our recent form wouldn’t have encouraged many neutrals along but it is definitely something we need to address for the rest of the season.
Clive Delaney picked up his third red of the season, once again for stupidity. The round of applause he got as he was leaving the pitch was cringeworthy. It seems to be the default reaction now when a player is sent off that the player is clapped off, no matter how guilty. I hope Delaney gets a massive fine for management as he will be banned for ages now anyway.
Gerard Doherty once again has to get praise for keeping us in the game with a couple of smart saves which Farren missed a sitter in the first half. It was a rearguard action when we went down to ten and I thought Eddie and Ger O’Brien were outstanding for Derry.
However you just struggled to see where the goal was coming from but there was a flash of the 2006 Ciaran Martyn as he arrived late and absolutely hammered it home to grab all three points.
As we were leaving the ground we were treated to Jeff Kenna lambasting his side in the dressing room. Ha. Roll on Bray.
If, and I am employing the relentless optimism of the football fan here, we win our game in hand then we will only be four points behind Shamrock Rovers, with a decent chunk of the season left. There may not be anything in the cups for us but it is definitely game on in terms of the League placings.
It was a worryingly small crowd at the Brandywell but there was an “old school” atmosphere as the renditions of “Red and White Army” from the New Stand when the goal went in. The poor night and our recent form wouldn’t have encouraged many neutrals along but it is definitely something we need to address for the rest of the season.
Clive Delaney picked up his third red of the season, once again for stupidity. The round of applause he got as he was leaving the pitch was cringeworthy. It seems to be the default reaction now when a player is sent off that the player is clapped off, no matter how guilty. I hope Delaney gets a massive fine for management as he will be banned for ages now anyway.
Gerard Doherty once again has to get praise for keeping us in the game with a couple of smart saves which Farren missed a sitter in the first half. It was a rearguard action when we went down to ten and I thought Eddie and Ger O’Brien were outstanding for Derry.
However you just struggled to see where the goal was coming from but there was a flash of the 2006 Ciaran Martyn as he arrived late and absolutely hammered it home to grab all three points.
As we were leaving the ground we were treated to Jeff Kenna lambasting his side in the dressing room. Ha. Roll on Bray.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Trappatoni puts the journos in their place
Classic stuff from el vecchio Trap midweek. The journalists were asking about Chris McCann and Fahey getting a place in the squad.
"Did they not have a case for inclusion? “You knows these players?” he asked his questioner.
“Yes.”
“Chris McCann? Which position would you play him in?”
“Centre midfield or on the left.”
“How many games have you seen these players? McCann, against Manchester United, he touched the ball four times in 90 minutes. Did you see the game?”
“Yes.”
“I saw the game two times. Maybe we look at it together? I am not focusing on him in particular, but this player, for example, does not have the same qualities or characteristics as, say, (Glenn) Whelan, (Keith) Andrews, Gibson, Reid or Miller"
Aye, and how many titles have the assembled press corps won. Zero. Trap has us in the shake down for a place at the WC, with a completely average squad. Let him get on with it.
"Did they not have a case for inclusion? “You knows these players?” he asked his questioner.
“Yes.”
“Chris McCann? Which position would you play him in?”
“Centre midfield or on the left.”
“How many games have you seen these players? McCann, against Manchester United, he touched the ball four times in 90 minutes. Did you see the game?”
“Yes.”
“I saw the game two times. Maybe we look at it together? I am not focusing on him in particular, but this player, for example, does not have the same qualities or characteristics as, say, (Glenn) Whelan, (Keith) Andrews, Gibson, Reid or Miller"
Aye, and how many titles have the assembled press corps won. Zero. Trap has us in the shake down for a place at the WC, with a completely average squad. Let him get on with it.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Selling the family silver for a song
Derry are auctioning off the match worn kits from the recent Europa League games. Great idea. However we have managed to minimise the chances of maximising profits from this, in a way that DCFC specialise in.
1. We have listed it on derrycitychat.com, not Ebay
2. It ends this weekend, less than five days after it started.
3. I sent out a text to publicise it, but it hasn't been in any of the other local media
I stuck five old shirts on Ebay a few weeks ago and we made a couple of hundred quid from it. Next week, the club were selling last season's shirts in the shop for £20. The mind boggles.
Seriously, it would make you tear your fecking hair out.
1. We have listed it on derrycitychat.com, not Ebay
2. It ends this weekend, less than five days after it started.
3. I sent out a text to publicise it, but it hasn't been in any of the other local media
I stuck five old shirts on Ebay a few weeks ago and we made a couple of hundred quid from it. Next week, the club were selling last season's shirts in the shop for £20. The mind boggles.
Seriously, it would make you tear your fecking hair out.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Twas the night before Christmas and nothing was stirred...
It is actually the night before the CSKA game
Nietzsche wrote “Hope is the worst of evils, for it prolongs the torments of Man”. It sorta sums up how I feel at the minute. Do I dare to hope about tomorrow night, or should I resign myself to the fact that the every statistic says that we are probably heading out? Derry people don't do accepting the way the things are very well. We tend to go “Batter On” and do what suits us, not what people tell us to do.
I know there will be be few raised eyebrows but we have to look at the other side of the house to take our inspiration for what we need to do tonight. This weekend the Apprentice Boys will march around the walls of the City to celebrate the fact that the walls of the City were not breached in over hundred days. It wasn't easy, there was a lot of hardship but those involved held firm when everyone else thought all was lost. We'll have to draw on that spirit tomorrow night. Tear up the formbook, throw out the history books, crumble up the oods from the bookies. If we don't believe we can win this game then we have lost the battle before we even take the pitch.
Is it going to be easy? No. In fact it will probably be the most difficult game for some of their players in their careers to date. However do you think that Tommy Stewart wants to be back playing the likes of Dungannon or Institute instead of tomorrow night's opposition? No. You want to test yourself against the biggest and the best. Tomorrow night is a chance to do that. They mightn't have the names round Derry that the likes of PSG but that doesn't make them any easier to beat. They are a very good team and we will need a brilliant performance and a large slice of luck to even give us a chance tomorrow night. I love good performances but I would trade the moral victory for a horrible game and a famous result.
Tomorrow night isn't about League points, or a title challenge. It isn't about a derby, a relegation battle or a visit from a Dublin club. It isn't about the Bohs, Shels, Harps or Rovers. There will be no Ian Stokes, no Richie Winter, no Terence Moyne. There will be no Pat Fenlon, no David Jeffrey, no Paul Doolin. It doesn't matter how far behind we are after tonight, or how many times we have each team home or away. Tomorrow night is European football.
We dream about nights like these ones. As a location we are nothing more than a limpet on the arse of Europe, holding on to the very corner of the continent. No one knows us, no one rates us. However we have another chance to make Europe sit up and take notice of this little Candystriped limpet. We have a chance, and that all we can ask for. No one hands us anything here, no one makes it easy for us but we're still hear. The Irish League sides have bowed out with a record of P8 W0 D1 L7 F4 A32. Half of the League of Ireland representatives are already out. Ourselves and Pats are left flying the flag and let's hope that both will advance to the draw tomorrow.
So starting from now, let's get the build up start. Send that text to everyone badgering them to come to the game. Have a juke on YouTube at the old favourites. Stick that DCFC playlist on your iPod on. Tomorrow. The day. You wake up with that feeling in your stomach. No one else will understand it, people will make some crap joke about you having swine flu. Don't worry, we'll all have the same feeling. It might be August, bring your scarf and your gear to work. Radio on in work? Fry their heads texting in requests for any Derry City related songs. Steal all the work papers, read all the previews. Check and recheck the message board. People might ask you for inconveniences such as work to be finished before you head off for the match. Do these people not know what is happening tomorrow?
This is no paparazzi driven, media hyped pre-season friendly tournament. This is no Audi Cup, no Community Shield or no Beijing Memorial Tournament. Others will be getting worked up by who they can get in their Fantasy Football side for their last 9 million. Tomorrow night isn't fantasy, tomorrow night is reach out and touch it stuff instead. We'd like a bit of fantasy football right enough but tomorrow is about making it happen. We don't care about Alonso to Madrid or Van Der Sar's finger, leave that to people who believe Andy Gray is a modern day prophet.
You might see a few other heads in work who are heading to the game. You might be wandering round the town over your lunch and you'll see the faces. You might nod, nothing will be said, but you will both know. You might work with a few fellow City heads and you might have a chat about it at half time. You'll worry, you'll be nervous, you'll be agitated. People around you who support a team by watching a 2D image beamed from miles away won't get it. Sack them, these feelings would be wasted on them.
Wherever you are heading to the game from be it London, Dublin, Belfast or the top of the folly, the buzz will be there when you are ready to go. I'm already working out just how early I can manage to extricate myself out of work in Dublin tomorrow to maximise my time in Derry before the game. We spare a thought for the exiles. I know how grim it is to be trapped, away from home on nights like this. Whatever about being in Derry, people elsewhere definitely don't understand. We'll do our best to convey the atmosphere to you via iCandy.
Work done, you're on your way. Be it to Waterloo Street, the Oak or straight to the game. Get the colours on, get the music blaring. If you in Waterloo Street, get the chants ringing out. This is our City, this is our team, this is our night. Moreso, we could convince a few floating fans or tourists to come along to the game. Whatever about the result, if this game doesn't sell out there should be serious questions asked. Those will be other questions for another day.
Get there early. We need a big one. No, we need a massive one tomorrow night. We need to make the sound of 2,000 to sound like 20,000. At this point I think it is apt to reiterate some of the points made pre Riga.
“We are Derry City. Everything else in your life may change but you'll always be a City fan. You may waver at times, you may wonder you do it at times, but you're always a City fan. You might be driving back from Cork/Waterford/Dublin after a defeat and moaning, but you're always City. You always look at the fixtures to see how you can fit it round holidays. You'll text home or seek an internet cafe for the results. People ask you who you support, you say Derry. You don't have to think about it, there is only one answer. People ask you who you really support and you think “What does this clown mean” and just go, Derry. Tomorrow night is a chance to enjoy yourself, throw off the shackles of the rest of your problems and just go mad. Let the Premiershite brigade wet themselves over another weekend of televised bollix. Brandywell, 7pm, that's what it is all about.”
Sing until you are dizzy, clap your hands until they are raw. It is up to the manager to decide what way we play it, how much we push it or how much patience we exert. There will be times you won't want to sing. There will be times you will think you can't sing any more. Your head should be aching, and you should be incapable of any speech. Just sing. That's it.
It is all about the pride and the passion, the ninety minutes. 11 heroes from the edge of Europe against a side that could buy and sell us with loose change. None of that matters when the players take the pitch tomorrow night, it is just 22 players and 90 minutes. Names, reputations and the like mean nothing tomorrow night. We need a win and we need a clean sheet. The opposition is frankly irrelevant, that's what need. Yeah, it would be easier if we were playing Finn Harps but we aren't. Suck it and breathe it in. This is what it is all about.
Players and supporters: don't leave anything behind. No regrets. Tomorrow morning, next week, next month; don't find yourself stopping and thinking “I could have given something more”. Leave here tonight knowing there was nothing more you could have done for the team. So no-one else gets it. No one else gets why you bust you balls and your wallets to follow a team all over the country in a League that no-one cares about. Well tomorrow night you will be with 2,500 others who understand. We all do the same. It matters.
There will be a winner and there will be a loser tomorrow night. CSKA, the media, the bookies all expect that the CSKA jolly will continue to the next round. Let tomorrow night be the night that bring another big name to their knees in the Brandywell. I mentioned the Apprentice Boys earlier in the piece. Well tiocfaidh ár lá. Let tomorrow be that day.
Choose to forget the Irish League.
Choose rebirth.
Choose 1985.
Choose Declan McDowell.
Choose EMFA in the snow.
Choose Da Gama and Da Silva.
Choose red and white convoys.
Choose tea and soup at half time.
Choose Cork at Flower Lodge.
Choose a mass exodus for a cup final.
Choose Jim McLaughlin.
Choose the Treble in '89.
Choose the Jungle.
Choose Punts and Euros.
Choose Storky scoring against Benfica.
Choose trying to pick Liam Coyle's best goal.
Choose Sunday at the Brandy.
Choose scoring a 100 goals and coming second.
Choose Roy Coyle kicking Turlough O'Connor up the arse.
Choose owning the League Cup.
Choose McNabb and "Miss it" Blisset.
Choose Derry City 3 Celtic 2.
Choose outsinging every team we ever play.
Choose beating Finn Harps.......every time.
Choose winter football.
Choose summer football.
Choose Coyle putting Puyol on his arse.
Choose Cardiff, Lisbon, Arnhem(twice), Sofia, Maribor, Nicosia, Gothenburg, Gretna, Paris, Pyunik, Riga, Sofia.
Choose planes, trains and automobiles to get to the game.
Choose to back Stuarty to score that penalty.
Choose to hate Shane Curran and Tom McNulty.
Choose beating Sligo after going 4-0 down.
Choose being two kicks from two doubles.
Choose the League in '97.
Choose the Dublin mafia.
Choose the Undertones in Squires.
Choose DCFC Online.
Choose Brandywell Pride.
Choose to abandon your barstool.
Choose the League of Ireland.
Choose face paint and tickertape.
Choose City till you die.
Choose sing songs and ding dongs.
Choose to walk a million miles for their goals.
Choose your Teenage Kicks.
Choose Derry 2 Finn Harps 1.
Choose the game to end all games.
Choose God to score.
Choose to think that it's destiny.
Choose red and white.
Choose Candystripes.
Choose Derry City F.C
Hit them Derry!
Nietzsche wrote “Hope is the worst of evils, for it prolongs the torments of Man”. It sorta sums up how I feel at the minute. Do I dare to hope about tomorrow night, or should I resign myself to the fact that the every statistic says that we are probably heading out? Derry people don't do accepting the way the things are very well. We tend to go “Batter On” and do what suits us, not what people tell us to do.
I know there will be be few raised eyebrows but we have to look at the other side of the house to take our inspiration for what we need to do tonight. This weekend the Apprentice Boys will march around the walls of the City to celebrate the fact that the walls of the City were not breached in over hundred days. It wasn't easy, there was a lot of hardship but those involved held firm when everyone else thought all was lost. We'll have to draw on that spirit tomorrow night. Tear up the formbook, throw out the history books, crumble up the oods from the bookies. If we don't believe we can win this game then we have lost the battle before we even take the pitch.
Is it going to be easy? No. In fact it will probably be the most difficult game for some of their players in their careers to date. However do you think that Tommy Stewart wants to be back playing the likes of Dungannon or Institute instead of tomorrow night's opposition? No. You want to test yourself against the biggest and the best. Tomorrow night is a chance to do that. They mightn't have the names round Derry that the likes of PSG but that doesn't make them any easier to beat. They are a very good team and we will need a brilliant performance and a large slice of luck to even give us a chance tomorrow night. I love good performances but I would trade the moral victory for a horrible game and a famous result.
Tomorrow night isn't about League points, or a title challenge. It isn't about a derby, a relegation battle or a visit from a Dublin club. It isn't about the Bohs, Shels, Harps or Rovers. There will be no Ian Stokes, no Richie Winter, no Terence Moyne. There will be no Pat Fenlon, no David Jeffrey, no Paul Doolin. It doesn't matter how far behind we are after tonight, or how many times we have each team home or away. Tomorrow night is European football.
We dream about nights like these ones. As a location we are nothing more than a limpet on the arse of Europe, holding on to the very corner of the continent. No one knows us, no one rates us. However we have another chance to make Europe sit up and take notice of this little Candystriped limpet. We have a chance, and that all we can ask for. No one hands us anything here, no one makes it easy for us but we're still hear. The Irish League sides have bowed out with a record of P8 W0 D1 L7 F4 A32. Half of the League of Ireland representatives are already out. Ourselves and Pats are left flying the flag and let's hope that both will advance to the draw tomorrow.
So starting from now, let's get the build up start. Send that text to everyone badgering them to come to the game. Have a juke on YouTube at the old favourites. Stick that DCFC playlist on your iPod on. Tomorrow. The day. You wake up with that feeling in your stomach. No one else will understand it, people will make some crap joke about you having swine flu. Don't worry, we'll all have the same feeling. It might be August, bring your scarf and your gear to work. Radio on in work? Fry their heads texting in requests for any Derry City related songs. Steal all the work papers, read all the previews. Check and recheck the message board. People might ask you for inconveniences such as work to be finished before you head off for the match. Do these people not know what is happening tomorrow?
This is no paparazzi driven, media hyped pre-season friendly tournament. This is no Audi Cup, no Community Shield or no Beijing Memorial Tournament. Others will be getting worked up by who they can get in their Fantasy Football side for their last 9 million. Tomorrow night isn't fantasy, tomorrow night is reach out and touch it stuff instead. We'd like a bit of fantasy football right enough but tomorrow is about making it happen. We don't care about Alonso to Madrid or Van Der Sar's finger, leave that to people who believe Andy Gray is a modern day prophet.
You might see a few other heads in work who are heading to the game. You might be wandering round the town over your lunch and you'll see the faces. You might nod, nothing will be said, but you will both know. You might work with a few fellow City heads and you might have a chat about it at half time. You'll worry, you'll be nervous, you'll be agitated. People around you who support a team by watching a 2D image beamed from miles away won't get it. Sack them, these feelings would be wasted on them.
Wherever you are heading to the game from be it London, Dublin, Belfast or the top of the folly, the buzz will be there when you are ready to go. I'm already working out just how early I can manage to extricate myself out of work in Dublin tomorrow to maximise my time in Derry before the game. We spare a thought for the exiles. I know how grim it is to be trapped, away from home on nights like this. Whatever about being in Derry, people elsewhere definitely don't understand. We'll do our best to convey the atmosphere to you via iCandy.
Work done, you're on your way. Be it to Waterloo Street, the Oak or straight to the game. Get the colours on, get the music blaring. If you in Waterloo Street, get the chants ringing out. This is our City, this is our team, this is our night. Moreso, we could convince a few floating fans or tourists to come along to the game. Whatever about the result, if this game doesn't sell out there should be serious questions asked. Those will be other questions for another day.
Get there early. We need a big one. No, we need a massive one tomorrow night. We need to make the sound of 2,000 to sound like 20,000. At this point I think it is apt to reiterate some of the points made pre Riga.
“We are Derry City. Everything else in your life may change but you'll always be a City fan. You may waver at times, you may wonder you do it at times, but you're always a City fan. You might be driving back from Cork/Waterford/Dublin after a defeat and moaning, but you're always City. You always look at the fixtures to see how you can fit it round holidays. You'll text home or seek an internet cafe for the results. People ask you who you support, you say Derry. You don't have to think about it, there is only one answer. People ask you who you really support and you think “What does this clown mean” and just go, Derry. Tomorrow night is a chance to enjoy yourself, throw off the shackles of the rest of your problems and just go mad. Let the Premiershite brigade wet themselves over another weekend of televised bollix. Brandywell, 7pm, that's what it is all about.”
Sing until you are dizzy, clap your hands until they are raw. It is up to the manager to decide what way we play it, how much we push it or how much patience we exert. There will be times you won't want to sing. There will be times you will think you can't sing any more. Your head should be aching, and you should be incapable of any speech. Just sing. That's it.
It is all about the pride and the passion, the ninety minutes. 11 heroes from the edge of Europe against a side that could buy and sell us with loose change. None of that matters when the players take the pitch tomorrow night, it is just 22 players and 90 minutes. Names, reputations and the like mean nothing tomorrow night. We need a win and we need a clean sheet. The opposition is frankly irrelevant, that's what need. Yeah, it would be easier if we were playing Finn Harps but we aren't. Suck it and breathe it in. This is what it is all about.
Players and supporters: don't leave anything behind. No regrets. Tomorrow morning, next week, next month; don't find yourself stopping and thinking “I could have given something more”. Leave here tonight knowing there was nothing more you could have done for the team. So no-one else gets it. No one else gets why you bust you balls and your wallets to follow a team all over the country in a League that no-one cares about. Well tomorrow night you will be with 2,500 others who understand. We all do the same. It matters.
There will be a winner and there will be a loser tomorrow night. CSKA, the media, the bookies all expect that the CSKA jolly will continue to the next round. Let tomorrow night be the night that bring another big name to their knees in the Brandywell. I mentioned the Apprentice Boys earlier in the piece. Well tiocfaidh ár lá. Let tomorrow be that day.
Choose to forget the Irish League.
Choose rebirth.
Choose 1985.
Choose Declan McDowell.
Choose EMFA in the snow.
Choose Da Gama and Da Silva.
Choose red and white convoys.
Choose tea and soup at half time.
Choose Cork at Flower Lodge.
Choose a mass exodus for a cup final.
Choose Jim McLaughlin.
Choose the Treble in '89.
Choose the Jungle.
Choose Punts and Euros.
Choose Storky scoring against Benfica.
Choose trying to pick Liam Coyle's best goal.
Choose Sunday at the Brandy.
Choose scoring a 100 goals and coming second.
Choose Roy Coyle kicking Turlough O'Connor up the arse.
Choose owning the League Cup.
Choose McNabb and "Miss it" Blisset.
Choose Derry City 3 Celtic 2.
Choose outsinging every team we ever play.
Choose beating Finn Harps.......every time.
Choose winter football.
Choose summer football.
Choose Coyle putting Puyol on his arse.
Choose Cardiff, Lisbon, Arnhem(twice), Sofia, Maribor, Nicosia, Gothenburg, Gretna, Paris, Pyunik, Riga, Sofia.
Choose planes, trains and automobiles to get to the game.
Choose to back Stuarty to score that penalty.
Choose to hate Shane Curran and Tom McNulty.
Choose beating Sligo after going 4-0 down.
Choose being two kicks from two doubles.
Choose the League in '97.
Choose the Dublin mafia.
Choose the Undertones in Squires.
Choose DCFC Online.
Choose Brandywell Pride.
Choose to abandon your barstool.
Choose the League of Ireland.
Choose face paint and tickertape.
Choose City till you die.
Choose sing songs and ding dongs.
Choose to walk a million miles for their goals.
Choose your Teenage Kicks.
Choose Derry 2 Finn Harps 1.
Choose the game to end all games.
Choose God to score.
Choose to think that it's destiny.
Choose red and white.
Choose Candystripes.
Choose Derry City F.C
Hit them Derry!
Monday, August 3, 2009
So that didn't work.....
So the preview didn't work
We went two down and then battered them for the rest of the game. Haven't won a game since the break........
RTE Report
Irish Independent
Irish Times
Sack it, roll on Thursday.
We went two down and then battered them for the rest of the game. Haven't won a game since the break........
RTE Report
Irish Independent
Irish Times
Sack it, roll on Thursday.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Rovers: Match Preview
Given the bad luck that my post match comments seem to bring, we'll try a pre match one this time.
WE'll be iCandying it from the ground tomorrow, though with the Setanta broadcast I expect the numbers will be down.
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/icandy-live
Massive week for us. Need a win tomorrow and a win on Thursday. If there every was one where we have to pull it out of the bag, this is it.
WE'll be iCandying it from the ground tomorrow, though with the Setanta broadcast I expect the numbers will be down.
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/icandy-live
Massive week for us. Need a win tomorrow and a win on Thursday. If there every was one where we have to pull it out of the bag, this is it.
Friday, July 31, 2009
The Sofia Syndrome: Part I
Is it wrong to feel disappointed after the defeat last night? It is a testament to how far we have come, that there is that niggle that we gave away a sloppy goal. Sofia were probably value for the win, as they had the lions share of the possession and more of the chances, but we were far from routed. I think back to when I started travelling to Derry games in Europe when it was more a pre-season training camp than a realistic expectation to win a game, never mind a tie.
The game is very much in the balance for the second leg in the Brandywell and the side have a real chance to go and make history. All the travelling support would have taken a narrow defeat prior to the game yesterday and nothing we saw last night would overawe us for the return. The number 10 Todorov is a danger, the way he comes deep and brings others into the game. Lekonov, number 73, posed a few dangers down the flank but superb defensive work from City meant that CSKA were mostly restricted to long shots.
I don't want to go all “football was better in my day”, but some of the diving last night was absolutely ridiculous. I got all the Bulgarian papers this morning and there is one picture which perfectly illustrates it. One of the home side players has thrown himself in the air, while Clive and Higgins are several feet away from him. The Turkish referee produces a series of decisions which varied not from the sublime to ridiculous rather from the ridiculous to the absurd. There was one case where Derry cleared the ball up to Farren and he had his back to goal. He was completely manhandled off the ball and yet a free in was given. Bring back Stokes, all is forgiven. Well maybe not.
All it all though, it was a great trip. The results gives a fighting chance and when facing a side which on papers is seven times more successful than us, that is all we can ask for. I'd say there were only about forty Derry fans that travelling and the small group led to great camaraderie between the supporters. It was definitely an older crowd, with only a few of the “Youngertones” amongst us. Indeed less than ten of us had made our way to the game independently of the club charter. Kudos to me da, Danny, Brendy C, Matt, Macca, the Kealeys amongst others for their efforts in getting there. I know the turnaround/cost deterred a lot of people who had been in Riga. Having missed that one, there was no way I was missing this one.
We landed early Wednesday morning and the charter crowd had been well settled since Tuesday evening. The Radisson was on Parliament square and the hotel bar became base camp for the time there. We'd been in Sofia six weeks earlier for the Ireland game and therefore there wasn't much left on the cultural trail, so I spent most of my time in the environs of the hotel. The weather was superb for all our time there, and the terrace of the bar was constantly populated by the Derry support. There wasn't much mayhem, as it was an older crowd but there was a great vibe and great craic for the duration of the time there.
Me da had to head to the official reception on the Wednesday night and was suited and booted for the night. He got back decent gifts which is always a bonus from these things. Meanwhile, whilst he was away meeting the great and good we ended up having an impromptu with the head of the CSKA support. You know that someone with the nickname “Il Duce” must carry a bit of clout and this guy was no exception. Mentalist. His mates at the table weren't far behind and they were telling us that they plan to travel to Derry overland by bus. Good luck lads, wouldn't wish that trip on anyone. They were serious, with the tatoos to prove it. However I think we worked out the “Last of the Summer Wine SC” weren't looking for a rumble and we had a good nights craic with them.
The bar in the hotel closed about 12 and you were encouraged into resident's lounge, which was about 300% more expensive. However everyone still decamped there en masse on the Wednesday night, bar a few lads who decided to head to a strip club. Wallets significantly lighter, they beat a hasty retreat. The arrival of the Kealeys, bolstered by the entry of Matt and Macca about 12.30 kept the spirits high and we stayed on in the lounge until 4am.
Which is all great and good, until you remember that the person that are sharing a room with went to bed at midnight and is up to go for a walk at 7am. I'm not a morning person at the best of times and two nights in a row with 4 hours sleep was taking its tool. I managed to get up for 9am and down for breakfast. The biggest surprise there was the appearance of Jack “Dracula” McCauley and his consumption of 4 boiled eggs, a slice of melon and coffee. Obviously the secret of his phenomenal stamina.
Me da and I tried to visit the sports museum in the stadia on the morning of the game, but after a lot of “Niet” and a bit of shouty shouty we established that it was closed until 2 o'clock. Me da headed off to the Ethnography museum, whislt I opted to try and catch up on some of the sleep I had missed out in the last few days instead. Suitably refreshed, it was back to the terrace bar to shoot the breeze for another couple of hours. I was now starting to get nervous, as the game drew every closer. An appearance on Radio Foyle with Eric White helped to pass the time and as the day got warmer, the confidence began to grow. The eternally optimistic nature of the football fan kicked in and talk of away goals and score draws began to creep into people's match predictions. We knew nothing of the CSKA setup, but why would that stop us.
Those on the charter were leaving straight after the game so there were getting checked out of the hotel etc, while the rest of us were able to just kick back and enjoy the rays. At this stage I started to get really nervous. I just wanted the game to start, or even just for it to be over. Bizarre that you have travelled so far and spent a small fortune and next thing you just want the match to be over. The players left for the stadium about six or so, as we cheered them off. This was really the first outbreak of noise on the trip and the adrenalin was flowing.
WE were bussed to the stadium at 7, and after a farcical ticketing issue we were finally in the stadium whilst the players were still warming up. We were at the opposition end from where we were for the Ireland game and it really emphasised how few had made the trip. We were in a section which could held 4,000 and there were about forty of us. However lack of numbers never got Derry men down and we launched into the Brandywell songbook. Next up was the European Conga round our section of the ground. It was at this point we realise that the folks at home must have discovered an internet stream, as the text message began to poor in. The general sentiment of them was summed up in the one which read “McDaid, state of your dancing. Shape of ye.”. The home crowd began to make their way into the ground and the place began to bounce. The ultras in the southern stand began to make some serious noise. We merely waited for a lull and then launched into the chants of our own.
Game on. The first ten minutes seemed to take an eternity and I could already feel that my heart rate would be fairly high for the duration. The European Conga pre match didn't help mind. After the first ten the team settled and bar one chance, City mostly kept CSKA to long shouts. Indeed we had a few half chances of our own with Stewart and another header wide. The texts from home seemed to indicate that the general thoughts that we were doing alright. Talk turned to ensures we remained hydrated and the risk of fatigue in the second half. This was the support we were talking about, not the players.
The second half followed the same pattern. We were very ropey in the first ten and then settled and seemed to be frustrating them. However the diving continued unabated and you got see it was starting to really frustrated some of Derry players, Deery in particular. CSKA threw on a few subs and half way through the second half we were still level. And then, just when you dared to believe, they scored. Derry had just made a sub and I think were unsettled by it. The ball broke to Lenokov at the edge of the box and to be fair, he caught it absolutely superbly. Doherty, a hero for the 90 minutes, didn't have a chance with it.
Derry still a chance of their own, with a goal mouth scramble and also Farren skying it from 18 yards when he really should have hit the target. At this stage the talk was of keeping it to 1-0 and despite a few late scares it finished up 1-0. The throats, destroyed at this stage, were roused into one final effort to salute the efforts of the players. We trooped back on to the bus and back to the hotel. All the supporters had to come back, as a few of the journalists had to file stories via the hotel internet.
The supporters departed for the charter flight home, while the Independent Brigade once more took up residence in the hotel bar for one last hurrah. We celebrated the performance, the celebrated the Pats results, we celebrate European football in general. Whilst a few of the older head sloped off to bed, the rest of us continued down into the City centre. Refused entry into a karoake bar, despite Matt's best efforts at bribery, we found and open air bar and stayed there until 3 or so. My flight was at 9am this morning, so I called it a night at that stage and headed back to the hotel.
Roll on Thursday, where we have history at our fingertips. We need a massive performance on and off the pitch and we need to blitz the town into Europa League fever just like the summer of 2006.
The game is very much in the balance for the second leg in the Brandywell and the side have a real chance to go and make history. All the travelling support would have taken a narrow defeat prior to the game yesterday and nothing we saw last night would overawe us for the return. The number 10 Todorov is a danger, the way he comes deep and brings others into the game. Lekonov, number 73, posed a few dangers down the flank but superb defensive work from City meant that CSKA were mostly restricted to long shots.
I don't want to go all “football was better in my day”, but some of the diving last night was absolutely ridiculous. I got all the Bulgarian papers this morning and there is one picture which perfectly illustrates it. One of the home side players has thrown himself in the air, while Clive and Higgins are several feet away from him. The Turkish referee produces a series of decisions which varied not from the sublime to ridiculous rather from the ridiculous to the absurd. There was one case where Derry cleared the ball up to Farren and he had his back to goal. He was completely manhandled off the ball and yet a free in was given. Bring back Stokes, all is forgiven. Well maybe not.
All it all though, it was a great trip. The results gives a fighting chance and when facing a side which on papers is seven times more successful than us, that is all we can ask for. I'd say there were only about forty Derry fans that travelling and the small group led to great camaraderie between the supporters. It was definitely an older crowd, with only a few of the “Youngertones” amongst us. Indeed less than ten of us had made our way to the game independently of the club charter. Kudos to me da, Danny, Brendy C, Matt, Macca, the Kealeys amongst others for their efforts in getting there. I know the turnaround/cost deterred a lot of people who had been in Riga. Having missed that one, there was no way I was missing this one.
We landed early Wednesday morning and the charter crowd had been well settled since Tuesday evening. The Radisson was on Parliament square and the hotel bar became base camp for the time there. We'd been in Sofia six weeks earlier for the Ireland game and therefore there wasn't much left on the cultural trail, so I spent most of my time in the environs of the hotel. The weather was superb for all our time there, and the terrace of the bar was constantly populated by the Derry support. There wasn't much mayhem, as it was an older crowd but there was a great vibe and great craic for the duration of the time there.
Me da had to head to the official reception on the Wednesday night and was suited and booted for the night. He got back decent gifts which is always a bonus from these things. Meanwhile, whilst he was away meeting the great and good we ended up having an impromptu with the head of the CSKA support. You know that someone with the nickname “Il Duce” must carry a bit of clout and this guy was no exception. Mentalist. His mates at the table weren't far behind and they were telling us that they plan to travel to Derry overland by bus. Good luck lads, wouldn't wish that trip on anyone. They were serious, with the tatoos to prove it. However I think we worked out the “Last of the Summer Wine SC” weren't looking for a rumble and we had a good nights craic with them.
The bar in the hotel closed about 12 and you were encouraged into resident's lounge, which was about 300% more expensive. However everyone still decamped there en masse on the Wednesday night, bar a few lads who decided to head to a strip club. Wallets significantly lighter, they beat a hasty retreat. The arrival of the Kealeys, bolstered by the entry of Matt and Macca about 12.30 kept the spirits high and we stayed on in the lounge until 4am.
Which is all great and good, until you remember that the person that are sharing a room with went to bed at midnight and is up to go for a walk at 7am. I'm not a morning person at the best of times and two nights in a row with 4 hours sleep was taking its tool. I managed to get up for 9am and down for breakfast. The biggest surprise there was the appearance of Jack “Dracula” McCauley and his consumption of 4 boiled eggs, a slice of melon and coffee. Obviously the secret of his phenomenal stamina.
Me da and I tried to visit the sports museum in the stadia on the morning of the game, but after a lot of “Niet” and a bit of shouty shouty we established that it was closed until 2 o'clock. Me da headed off to the Ethnography museum, whislt I opted to try and catch up on some of the sleep I had missed out in the last few days instead. Suitably refreshed, it was back to the terrace bar to shoot the breeze for another couple of hours. I was now starting to get nervous, as the game drew every closer. An appearance on Radio Foyle with Eric White helped to pass the time and as the day got warmer, the confidence began to grow. The eternally optimistic nature of the football fan kicked in and talk of away goals and score draws began to creep into people's match predictions. We knew nothing of the CSKA setup, but why would that stop us.
Those on the charter were leaving straight after the game so there were getting checked out of the hotel etc, while the rest of us were able to just kick back and enjoy the rays. At this stage I started to get really nervous. I just wanted the game to start, or even just for it to be over. Bizarre that you have travelled so far and spent a small fortune and next thing you just want the match to be over. The players left for the stadium about six or so, as we cheered them off. This was really the first outbreak of noise on the trip and the adrenalin was flowing.
WE were bussed to the stadium at 7, and after a farcical ticketing issue we were finally in the stadium whilst the players were still warming up. We were at the opposition end from where we were for the Ireland game and it really emphasised how few had made the trip. We were in a section which could held 4,000 and there were about forty of us. However lack of numbers never got Derry men down and we launched into the Brandywell songbook. Next up was the European Conga round our section of the ground. It was at this point we realise that the folks at home must have discovered an internet stream, as the text message began to poor in. The general sentiment of them was summed up in the one which read “McDaid, state of your dancing. Shape of ye.”. The home crowd began to make their way into the ground and the place began to bounce. The ultras in the southern stand began to make some serious noise. We merely waited for a lull and then launched into the chants of our own.
Game on. The first ten minutes seemed to take an eternity and I could already feel that my heart rate would be fairly high for the duration. The European Conga pre match didn't help mind. After the first ten the team settled and bar one chance, City mostly kept CSKA to long shouts. Indeed we had a few half chances of our own with Stewart and another header wide. The texts from home seemed to indicate that the general thoughts that we were doing alright. Talk turned to ensures we remained hydrated and the risk of fatigue in the second half. This was the support we were talking about, not the players.
The second half followed the same pattern. We were very ropey in the first ten and then settled and seemed to be frustrating them. However the diving continued unabated and you got see it was starting to really frustrated some of Derry players, Deery in particular. CSKA threw on a few subs and half way through the second half we were still level. And then, just when you dared to believe, they scored. Derry had just made a sub and I think were unsettled by it. The ball broke to Lenokov at the edge of the box and to be fair, he caught it absolutely superbly. Doherty, a hero for the 90 minutes, didn't have a chance with it.
Derry still a chance of their own, with a goal mouth scramble and also Farren skying it from 18 yards when he really should have hit the target. At this stage the talk was of keeping it to 1-0 and despite a few late scares it finished up 1-0. The throats, destroyed at this stage, were roused into one final effort to salute the efforts of the players. We trooped back on to the bus and back to the hotel. All the supporters had to come back, as a few of the journalists had to file stories via the hotel internet.
The supporters departed for the charter flight home, while the Independent Brigade once more took up residence in the hotel bar for one last hurrah. We celebrated the performance, the celebrated the Pats results, we celebrate European football in general. Whilst a few of the older head sloped off to bed, the rest of us continued down into the City centre. Refused entry into a karoake bar, despite Matt's best efforts at bribery, we found and open air bar and stayed there until 3 or so. My flight was at 9am this morning, so I called it a night at that stage and headed back to the hotel.
Roll on Thursday, where we have history at our fingertips. We need a massive performance on and off the pitch and we need to blitz the town into Europa League fever just like the summer of 2006.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Go West! No, East this time.....
People at work think I’m mental. Well, that’s a given, but specifically in relation to shelling out the cash to head to Bulgaria for three days to watch Derry City. To be honest, I could spend the time and effort to try and explain it to them but they still wouldn’t get it, so I just grin and nod when people ask me if I am really going.
Finish work today and dive for the airport to get to London. Tomorrow the adventure really starts. Don the colours and hit the airport. There will be no army heading tomorrow, just a crack team of troops. For others, the turnaround time and the finances didn’t allow another trip so soon after Riga. For those of us who couldn’t make Riga, or those with plenty of spare cash it is the second trip in three weeks. The airport tomorrow will see people staring at the crest, trying to work out the team or wondering why there are people bedecked in red and white gear at 5.30am. The odd brave soul might ask who your support, other may know the badge and know your destination.
Don’t underestimate the task we face. People may not have heard of CSKA in the same way that they heard of PSG but they have a coefficient which is about 5 times that of Derry’s current one. People were raving about the result that Bohs got away to Red Bull Salzburg, but CSKA have a coefficient more than double that of RBS. They have serious European pedigree and we are really going to up against it for this one. The CSKA fans who have invaded the Derry message boards on mass since the fixture predict a crowd of 10,000 plus for this one. The stadium may hold 40,000 odd but the way these lads support, there will be serious noise. The City support on the other hand may number about 100.
The horrific injury list is another major problems as options are going to be seriously light on the ground. I can’t remember another season when we had two players sustain broken legs. We are down to bare bones and it will be a case of the last man standing for Stephen Kenny. Given the success of the system you’d have to think a 4-5-1 system will be employed. I’d guess that McManus may start up front with Farren replacing him as the Scot tires. The engine room will be critical and we need to man up here. Tracking men, making tackles, putting in the hard yards will all be required and we need a heroic effort to give ourselves a fighting chance. In the heat this will be difficult, we were there for the Ireland game and it was still fairly hot after 8pm.
The fans travel in hope, as if you don’t travel in hope then what’s the point? You must believe. We’ll hopefully win more friends round Europe and carry the reputation of the Red and White Army into South Eastern Europe. We were inches away from a famous goal here over a decade ago. If that chance had been converted we would have been through to the next round. There is no Anthony Tohill in the squad this time round but we will need a team of giants, metaphorically and physically. There is no room for shrinking violets on this one, the spirit of Gothenburg and Fir Park is needed for this one. Play like we have done in some of the domestic games this year and we’ll be on the end of a cricket score.
The team left today and the fans will be making their way to Sofia over the course of the next few days. I was packing the bag last night and the spring was in the step. This time last week I was telling all and sundry that I wasn’t going. No way, wasn’t spending this amount of money to go back to Sofia. And then, like Skonto Riga’s defence, my resistance crumbled and five minutes after the final whistle in the Brandywell I was booked. This is history, this is what it is all about. What if I hadn’t gone and we get a result? That would have been very hard to take, given you’d follow them anywhere else.
Donning the colours and hitting the road. The heart swells with pride. This is what it is about. Our team, our city, our people. People going “Oh aye, you beat Skonto Riga” and then it heads into a discussion of the merits of Derry City. The look on the taxi drivers wherever it is you are going to, when they realize you are here for the football. The buzz. That’s what it is, you can’t explain it. Different people get their kicks different ways, this is mine. Belting out “Teenage Kicks” or “The Town I Love So Well” as people look on bemused. The belonging, this is our tribe and while we mightn’t be perfect, you wouldn’t trade it for the world.
Sack it. When I enter the ground all talk of coefficients and reputations will go out the window. One only has to look at events on Leeside to see just how fragile clubs can be. It is about shared stories, shared passion, shared memories. That is all a football club, it is only as strong as the people that make it. This is merely eleven players against eleven. Us against them. It is all about the pride and the passion, the ninety minutes. 11 heroes from the edge of Europe against a side that could buy and sell us with loose change. Roaring yourself hoarse as this is your team. You’re not a customers, you’re not a demographic here. You’re Derry City and that team on the pitch is you. I once saw a great banner at a game which read “You live our dream, now play as in our dreams” and every time I think about it I think it brilliantly encapsulated what support is.
So passport in hand once more we hit the trail for European glory. Hit them Derry!
Finish work today and dive for the airport to get to London. Tomorrow the adventure really starts. Don the colours and hit the airport. There will be no army heading tomorrow, just a crack team of troops. For others, the turnaround time and the finances didn’t allow another trip so soon after Riga. For those of us who couldn’t make Riga, or those with plenty of spare cash it is the second trip in three weeks. The airport tomorrow will see people staring at the crest, trying to work out the team or wondering why there are people bedecked in red and white gear at 5.30am. The odd brave soul might ask who your support, other may know the badge and know your destination.
Don’t underestimate the task we face. People may not have heard of CSKA in the same way that they heard of PSG but they have a coefficient which is about 5 times that of Derry’s current one. People were raving about the result that Bohs got away to Red Bull Salzburg, but CSKA have a coefficient more than double that of RBS. They have serious European pedigree and we are really going to up against it for this one. The CSKA fans who have invaded the Derry message boards on mass since the fixture predict a crowd of 10,000 plus for this one. The stadium may hold 40,000 odd but the way these lads support, there will be serious noise. The City support on the other hand may number about 100.
The horrific injury list is another major problems as options are going to be seriously light on the ground. I can’t remember another season when we had two players sustain broken legs. We are down to bare bones and it will be a case of the last man standing for Stephen Kenny. Given the success of the system you’d have to think a 4-5-1 system will be employed. I’d guess that McManus may start up front with Farren replacing him as the Scot tires. The engine room will be critical and we need to man up here. Tracking men, making tackles, putting in the hard yards will all be required and we need a heroic effort to give ourselves a fighting chance. In the heat this will be difficult, we were there for the Ireland game and it was still fairly hot after 8pm.
The fans travel in hope, as if you don’t travel in hope then what’s the point? You must believe. We’ll hopefully win more friends round Europe and carry the reputation of the Red and White Army into South Eastern Europe. We were inches away from a famous goal here over a decade ago. If that chance had been converted we would have been through to the next round. There is no Anthony Tohill in the squad this time round but we will need a team of giants, metaphorically and physically. There is no room for shrinking violets on this one, the spirit of Gothenburg and Fir Park is needed for this one. Play like we have done in some of the domestic games this year and we’ll be on the end of a cricket score.
The team left today and the fans will be making their way to Sofia over the course of the next few days. I was packing the bag last night and the spring was in the step. This time last week I was telling all and sundry that I wasn’t going. No way, wasn’t spending this amount of money to go back to Sofia. And then, like Skonto Riga’s defence, my resistance crumbled and five minutes after the final whistle in the Brandywell I was booked. This is history, this is what it is all about. What if I hadn’t gone and we get a result? That would have been very hard to take, given you’d follow them anywhere else.
Donning the colours and hitting the road. The heart swells with pride. This is what it is about. Our team, our city, our people. People going “Oh aye, you beat Skonto Riga” and then it heads into a discussion of the merits of Derry City. The look on the taxi drivers wherever it is you are going to, when they realize you are here for the football. The buzz. That’s what it is, you can’t explain it. Different people get their kicks different ways, this is mine. Belting out “Teenage Kicks” or “The Town I Love So Well” as people look on bemused. The belonging, this is our tribe and while we mightn’t be perfect, you wouldn’t trade it for the world.
Sack it. When I enter the ground all talk of coefficients and reputations will go out the window. One only has to look at events on Leeside to see just how fragile clubs can be. It is about shared stories, shared passion, shared memories. That is all a football club, it is only as strong as the people that make it. This is merely eleven players against eleven. Us against them. It is all about the pride and the passion, the ninety minutes. 11 heroes from the edge of Europe against a side that could buy and sell us with loose change. Roaring yourself hoarse as this is your team. You’re not a customers, you’re not a demographic here. You’re Derry City and that team on the pitch is you. I once saw a great banner at a game which read “You live our dream, now play as in our dreams” and every time I think about it I think it brilliantly encapsulated what support is.
So passport in hand once more we hit the trail for European glory. Hit them Derry!
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Hit them Derry......
Another European night in the Brandywell and another night to make history. Derry City have been in existence for more than eighty years. We have been participating in European competitions for forty five years. In that time we have been entered 12 times, we have progressed three times. Three times in 45 years. Tomorrow we have the chance to make that four times. That's history, that's something that you can stand over and say “I was there”. There are Derry fans that have followed the team for years and never had the chance to see their team play in Europe, never mind have the chance to progress.
It isn't going to be easy. We have the away goal but that means nothing. Skonto score, we're back to square one. William James once said “Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.” That is the mindset we must adopt as supporters tomorrow night. I'm not going to peddle some hocus pocus about a 12th man having some magical effect. At the end of the day, it will be the players on the pitch that make the difference but what can we do to help them. Is sitting meekly in your seat, or abusing Sammy Morrow or whoever the fates have chosen is going to get the abuse going to help? What the team needs is that explosion of sound which they hear as they exit the dressing rooms and walk towards the pitch. They need the wall of noise which makes the hair and the back of their neck stand up when they cross the dog track. That Brandywell roar that never ceases, never falters just drones on and on, louder and louder for the whole ninety minutes.
We've haven't had it for a while. We had it for a brief time in the Bohs game but mostly it has been lacking. Well if we ever needed it, we need it now. Sack the team, we all need it. That's what its all about, that feeling of coming away from the game with your throat killing you and your head pounding because you just kept singing. The atmosphere so intense that you forget all about everything else. You aren't checking your phone every five minutes because you are bored, you aren't looking round you. Your hands are sore because you have been clapping for so long and it sounds like you are singing “Reudenheightnarmy” as you have been chanting it for so long. So follow the advice of William James and act as if what you do does indeed make the difference.
12 times since the mid sixties we have been in Europe. The game is early so there is probably only time for a quick one(if even) before the game. Make sure you have your jersey, your scarf, your flags, whatever it is you take. Round up a posse tomorrow and get them to go. This is history, everyone wants to be part of history. Get in early. This is not one for filing in late and taking your seat. We could be out of the competition this time tomorrow night, lets get in early and really get the place buzzing. If you are given a flag wave it. Wave your scarf round your head. Roar your head off, what you can do for the atmosphere, do it.
Right, you're sick of the petty actions of councillors. You're sick that we are still playing in a shitty stadium. Your pissed off that our League title challenge may have come off the rails. You're tired of the stick that “proud Derry men” give you for supporting your team, whilst these patriots look east for their fix of soap opera. You're fed up with news of job cuts and doom and gloom. Forget it all, this is a chance to show that one aspect of Derry City fears no one. No one in this island, no one in Europe. So let's show it. Let's give a massive message on and off the pitch that we'll never be broken and this little corner of Europe fears no one.
We are Derry City. Everything else in your life may change but you'll always be City. You may waver at times, you may wonder you do it at times, but you're always City. You might be driving back from Cork/Waterford/Dublin after a defeat and moaning, but you're always City. You always look at the fixtures to see how you can fit it round holidays. You'll text home or seek an internet cafe for the results. People ask you who you support, you say Derry. You don't have to think about it, there is only one answer. People ask you who you really support and you think “What does this clown mean” and just go, Derry. Tomorrow night is a chance to enjoy yourself, throw off the shackles of any of the rest of your problems and just go mad. Let the Premiershite brigade wet themselves over another weekend of televised bollix. Brandywell, 7pm, that's what it is all about.
You'll spend tomorrow checking here, checking the news, chatting about the game. As the time ticks on you start to get the butterfiles, the nerves. People will be asking you to do stuff, but you'll be worry about what the midfield will be. Who will start up front, will this be the day that Morrow gets back to form? Then it will be time to go.
Grab your gear, jump in the car. Head for the Brandy and see the lights. You're nearly there and a bit of nervous laughter to calm you down. Lock the car and start the walk. See the faces, hear the noise. Vincent shouting about programmes, half time draw tickets on sale. Enter the ground, take a deep breath. See the friendly faces and the people you know to nod to. Take you seat(or not). Have a chat with those around you. Feel the buzz again, the nerves start to build. Thumb the programme, not really concentrating. The place packs up, the tension is really starting to build now. The drum begins to sound out from Block J and the chants start up. This is it. This is what it is all about.
There will be times when we'll worry. The ultimate test of a man comes not from where he stand in times of comfort, but in times of challenge and controversy. Those are the words of Martin Luther King. Tomorrow night is about raising a massive flag to the rest of the world. We're here, we exist and we will face any challenge. Ask people anywhere over the world about Derry and you'll get references to Bloody Sunday, the Troubles, pick whatever you want. Say the world Brandywell to people and to most it will draw a blank. To those that do know it, it means football. It means Derry City and the famous red and white stripes. It means trebles, it means PSG and Gothenburg, it means atmosphere and passion. Tomorrow night, and every other European night is about making more and more people home and abroad aware of what Derry City and Brandywell means.
Who are we? We're Derry City
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9ImCgiTV6I&feature=related
We love you, we love you.......
It isn't going to be easy. We have the away goal but that means nothing. Skonto score, we're back to square one. William James once said “Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.” That is the mindset we must adopt as supporters tomorrow night. I'm not going to peddle some hocus pocus about a 12th man having some magical effect. At the end of the day, it will be the players on the pitch that make the difference but what can we do to help them. Is sitting meekly in your seat, or abusing Sammy Morrow or whoever the fates have chosen is going to get the abuse going to help? What the team needs is that explosion of sound which they hear as they exit the dressing rooms and walk towards the pitch. They need the wall of noise which makes the hair and the back of their neck stand up when they cross the dog track. That Brandywell roar that never ceases, never falters just drones on and on, louder and louder for the whole ninety minutes.
We've haven't had it for a while. We had it for a brief time in the Bohs game but mostly it has been lacking. Well if we ever needed it, we need it now. Sack the team, we all need it. That's what its all about, that feeling of coming away from the game with your throat killing you and your head pounding because you just kept singing. The atmosphere so intense that you forget all about everything else. You aren't checking your phone every five minutes because you are bored, you aren't looking round you. Your hands are sore because you have been clapping for so long and it sounds like you are singing “Reudenheightnarmy” as you have been chanting it for so long. So follow the advice of William James and act as if what you do does indeed make the difference.
12 times since the mid sixties we have been in Europe. The game is early so there is probably only time for a quick one(if even) before the game. Make sure you have your jersey, your scarf, your flags, whatever it is you take. Round up a posse tomorrow and get them to go. This is history, everyone wants to be part of history. Get in early. This is not one for filing in late and taking your seat. We could be out of the competition this time tomorrow night, lets get in early and really get the place buzzing. If you are given a flag wave it. Wave your scarf round your head. Roar your head off, what you can do for the atmosphere, do it.
Right, you're sick of the petty actions of councillors. You're sick that we are still playing in a shitty stadium. Your pissed off that our League title challenge may have come off the rails. You're tired of the stick that “proud Derry men” give you for supporting your team, whilst these patriots look east for their fix of soap opera. You're fed up with news of job cuts and doom and gloom. Forget it all, this is a chance to show that one aspect of Derry City fears no one. No one in this island, no one in Europe. So let's show it. Let's give a massive message on and off the pitch that we'll never be broken and this little corner of Europe fears no one.
We are Derry City. Everything else in your life may change but you'll always be City. You may waver at times, you may wonder you do it at times, but you're always City. You might be driving back from Cork/Waterford/Dublin after a defeat and moaning, but you're always City. You always look at the fixtures to see how you can fit it round holidays. You'll text home or seek an internet cafe for the results. People ask you who you support, you say Derry. You don't have to think about it, there is only one answer. People ask you who you really support and you think “What does this clown mean” and just go, Derry. Tomorrow night is a chance to enjoy yourself, throw off the shackles of any of the rest of your problems and just go mad. Let the Premiershite brigade wet themselves over another weekend of televised bollix. Brandywell, 7pm, that's what it is all about.
You'll spend tomorrow checking here, checking the news, chatting about the game. As the time ticks on you start to get the butterfiles, the nerves. People will be asking you to do stuff, but you'll be worry about what the midfield will be. Who will start up front, will this be the day that Morrow gets back to form? Then it will be time to go.
Grab your gear, jump in the car. Head for the Brandy and see the lights. You're nearly there and a bit of nervous laughter to calm you down. Lock the car and start the walk. See the faces, hear the noise. Vincent shouting about programmes, half time draw tickets on sale. Enter the ground, take a deep breath. See the friendly faces and the people you know to nod to. Take you seat(or not). Have a chat with those around you. Feel the buzz again, the nerves start to build. Thumb the programme, not really concentrating. The place packs up, the tension is really starting to build now. The drum begins to sound out from Block J and the chants start up. This is it. This is what it is all about.
There will be times when we'll worry. The ultimate test of a man comes not from where he stand in times of comfort, but in times of challenge and controversy. Those are the words of Martin Luther King. Tomorrow night is about raising a massive flag to the rest of the world. We're here, we exist and we will face any challenge. Ask people anywhere over the world about Derry and you'll get references to Bloody Sunday, the Troubles, pick whatever you want. Say the world Brandywell to people and to most it will draw a blank. To those that do know it, it means football. It means Derry City and the famous red and white stripes. It means trebles, it means PSG and Gothenburg, it means atmosphere and passion. Tomorrow night, and every other European night is about making more and more people home and abroad aware of what Derry City and Brandywell means.
Who are we? We're Derry City
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9ImCgiTV6I&feature=related
We love you, we love you.......
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