a THEJJB SPORTS bexlhen | IRISH (CUP ® a Round 6! 2011/12 Volume 41 Number 15 Linfield v. Carrick Rangers Windsor Park, Belfast Saturday, February Tl, 2012 Kick-off 3.00 p.m Ireland's Most Popular Matchday Programme — £2.00PRTELIT TL! Linfield Football Club 2011- Peter Lunn Jim Kerr illy Kennedy Paul Weir Ken Greer Richard Johnson Management Committee: Trustees: Jack Grundie, Richard Johnson, Peter Lunn, Dr. Cameron Ramsey, Paul Weir, William Meikle Elected Members: Ivan Foster, M.B.E., Billy Kennedy, Jim Kerr, Andy Conn, Stephen Dickson, Frankie Taylor,David Strain, Stephen Shaw, Irvine Woods Linfield Staff: David Jeffrey Sports Therapist ..Bryan McLoughlin — Groundsman. Presiden Chairman: Secretary: Financial Director: Terry Hayes David McClure Dr. Stephen Sileock Team Manager:. Assistant Manager: Senior Coach:.. Vice-Presidents: Andy Kerr, M.B.E., Hector Glass, Michael Jones, Harold Houston, Walter Graham, Ronnie Morrison S @ Official Programme Editor: Billy Kennedy Associate Editor: Andy Conn Publisher: Li ld Football Club Printer: Edenderry Print Ltd., Agnes Street Ind. Est., Crumlin Road, Belfast BT13 1GB. Tel: (028) 9074 0192 \ Design and lay-out: Alan Kirkpatrick Photographer: Colin McMasterVOICE of Linfield * The quality of football played by Linfield in last Saturday's Premiership game against Crusaders was of the highest standard and one would hope that this will be repeated in our remaining League and Cup games this season as the team moves in the direction of major trophy success. Linfield teams traditionally come good at this time of the season and supporters must rally fully behind the players in every game. Our next two League games against Portadown and Cliftonville will be a major challenge, but, realistically, nothing will be decided in the outcome of the title until the split of the top six teams. ‘When that comes, Linfield are guaranteed home games against Glentoran, Coleraine, Cliftonville and Portadown, with one away fixture against Crusaders at Seaview. ‘+ The Linfield Management Committee has granted the use of Windsor Park for a testimonial game for former Northern Ireland goalkeeper Harry Gregg involving an Irish League eleven and a Manchester United team. Manchester United teams have been to Windsor Park on numerous occasions in the past and this game will undoubtedly draw in the fans, Most of the proceeds from the game will go to charity. Harry Gregg in addition to having an illustrious career with Manchester United, also played for Linfield (as a youth), Coleraine and Doncaster Rovers. We are delighted that Bobby Braithwaite, one of the heroes of the 1961-62 seven-trophy team, has indicated that he wants to travel to Belfast to attend the commemorative dinner in the Ramada Hotel on Saturday, April 28 to mark the seven- trophy achievement. Bobby, now 75, hopes to travel with his son and grandson and we are hopeful that two other players, currently residing in England — Ray Gough and Bobby Irvine -will be available to join the other heroes from that 1961-62 team — Isaac Andrews, Billy Wilson, Jim Reid, Ken Gilliland and Hubert Barr. * We extend a very warm welcome to Windsor Park today to the players, officials, and supporters of Carrick Rangers Football Club for this JB Irish Cup sixth round game. In two Carling Premiership games against Carrick Rangers this season, Linfield have won 3-0 and 4-0 and our supporters will be expecting a positive result today, by the same margin. Ballymena United v. Derriaghy Dungannon Swifts v. Newington YC Coleraine v. Ballinamallard United Donegal Celtic v. Cliftonville Ballymoney United v. Newry City Glenavon y. Crusaders Coagh United v. Newbuildings United to;Manager’s view. we turn our attention towards our defence of the ish Cup trophy and we know we will have to be on our very best form, if we are to progress to the next round of this most special of tournaments. Marcus Kane is currently on loan at Carrick and spoke: very highly of the set-up at Carrick, so there is no way we wi underestimating the formidable challen will present The history of the Irish Cup is full of shocks, from the 1976 when this club was on the receiving end of a major upset at hands of our visitors today, to the last round of the comps this year when Newington caused a hus we will have to be totally focused to ensure we reach the quarter-finals of the blue riband competition in local football Michael Hughes has made some astute signings in his short time in charge of Carrick and he has notched up some encouraging results, including home draws with both Glentoran and Cliftonville, so his players will be keen to impress and progress at our expense today. However, we have prepared in our usual thorough, professional manner and the players are in a confident, but not complacent frame of mind, as we approach today's vital game. was pleased with our emphatic victory and the quality of our performance in last week’s against a talented Crusaders side. It was a great response to the mid-week setback at Colerai although we dominated for long stretches of the game, we didnt carve out enough chances or ts goalkeeper sufficiently. We enjoyed territorial advantage, but on the night, we just couldn their stubborn resistance, whereas they converted one of only two chances they created. In last week's game with Crusaders, l thought our attitude, commitment and desire to excellent. After a tight opening half-hour, the game swung our direction when following a great comer from Michael Carvill, Albert Watson rose majestically to power a header into the back of the net. The ‘opening goal gave us added confidence and we doubled our advantage before the break, following a sublime touch and finish by Philip Lowry. We also owed our interval lead to Alan Blayney who had made some fine and vital stops in goal. In the second half we kept a good tempo to our play. Our passing and movement were good and we increased our lead through goals from Peter Thompson, Daryl Fordyce and Billy Joe Burns. Overall it was a pleasing display and a very welcome and much needed three points but with Portadown and Cliftonville both winning, there is a long way to go in this title race. “Today we will be without William Murphy, due to suspension. Aaron Burns will be a major doubt, due to an ankle injury sustained in the recent game at Coleraine. Damien Curran will also be unavailable for selection, due to a calf injury. Kris Lindsay has undergone an operation in hospital, following his most extreme misfortune and we all wish Kris a full and speedy recovery from his latest setback | have been delighted, but not surprised by the news of the positive impact Brian McCaul is having during his loan spell at Glenavon. | look forward to him returning here in the summer and continuing his football development at Windsor Park. | was greatly honoured to be asked to be assistant to the manager of the Irish League team which will play Manchester United at Windsor Park in May in a Testimonial game for the legendary Harry Gregg The support we received in last week’s game was tremendous and we will certainly need that level of support again today and in the crucial weeks ahead.A TRUE STORY REISE You wit me ON THE HEAD, ® Neo Pro by umbro Introducing Neo by umbro - the football redesigned and reinvented to deliver unrivalled accuracy and true flight. Aball that goes exactly where you want it to go-to feet, to top comer, or‘on your head son’ Neo: Official Ball of the Irish FA Premiership is (ooo! ) “TkLinfield appearances and goals Season 2011/12 Appearances Goals Appearances Goals Albert Watson. 33 2 William Murphy 7 r- Philip Lowry 33(Bassub) 10 Peter Thompson —‘17 (4.as sub) 6 Jim Ervin 3 3 Damien Curran 15 (2 as sub) Mark McAllister 31 (3 as sub) B Chris Casement 14 (3. as sub.) Michael Carvill 30(5assub) 4 Stephen Douglas B : Robert Garrett 29(Bassub) 6 David Armstrong 9 3 Alan Blayney 2B - Nathan Hanley 7 1 Daryl Fordyce 28 (12 as sub) 3 Stuart Addis 7 ‘ Michael Gault 25 (Ias sub) = Gary Browne Sas sub. - ‘Aaron Burns 25 (7 as sub) 9 Brian McCaul 5 as sub, Billy Joe Burns 25 (8 as sub) 4 Neil Dougan 4as\sub E Rory Patterson 22 (5 as sub.) 9 Kris Lindsay Tas-sub. 7 Jamie Mulgrew 18 (las sub) 2 ‘Own Goals = 1 Carling Premiership table 2011-12 Played Won Drawn Lost Against Points Linfield 28 a 1 6 a 2 64 Portadown 28 9 3 6 59 29 60 Cliftonville 28 18 4 6 66 45 58 Coleraine 7 4 9 4 47 24 - Crusaders 28 13 7 8 47 39 46 Glentoran 7 2 Z 8 57 36 4B Donegal Celtic 7 9 5 3 3B 53 32 Ballymena United 28 7 5 16 4l 60 26 Lisburn Distillery 28 6 s WV 38 a 23 Glenavon 28 5 6 7 36 52 2 Dungannon Swifts 7 4 8 5 2 51 20 Carrick Rangers 28 4 8 6 3 66 20 Linfield playing record 2011-12 Played © Won Drawn Lost —For~—Against European Champions’ Cup 2 0 1 1 1 Carling Irish Premiership 28 a 1 6 59 a Co. Antrim Shield 2 1 0 1 5 6 Irn-Bru League Cup 2 1 1 0 a A JB Irish Cup 1 1 0 0 7 1 Total: 35 24 3 8 76 35 [AUDACES FORTUNA JUVATCO Ura) rr wee a AEP EP ED ED OD OD 4D 4D 4? OP DD GP uy 2B Bate Home &C Binney __Ervin_Hanley_Armstrong | Watson _Carement__Carvl_Garrett_Thompson_Fordyee()__Lowy _Medllster9. B)Burre-é McCaul? 20 bate vay &C 02 Binney __fivin_Henley_ Armstrong. Watson Casement 01 Carvill Garett EAI Fondjew Lowy" RiBome-6 _Abumes McCauko August. 6 Glenavon Away PL a Siyney_Ervin_Hanley()_Armatrong_| Watson Casement __Garett___Mulgrew() Thompson McAllister Fordyce Lowry-il_Patterson-0 Dougls-DNP 3 Donegal Celtic Home PL 50 Blayney Ervin__Hanley __Armstrongf) | Watson Casement Mulgrew Thompson Meallster _Lowry(4)__Carvile"_Curan-7_Patterson-9 20 Dungannon Swifts Away PL “1 Blayney Evin Curran Armstrong() | Watson Casement Garrett()_Thompson Mcallister) Lowry BJ Bums-7_Carvi8 _Patterson-9(}) 27 Glentoran Home PL 0 Blayney Evin. Harley Armstrong f Watson Casement Mulgrew Patterson McAlister Lowry Carvi-7_Thompson-1l Dougls-DNP 30 Lisburn Distillery Away PL 2 Blayney Ervin Cuan Armstrong Watson Gault Muigrew()Patterson(2) McAllister Casement ThompsonI0 Fordyce-7 8) Buns-6 September 3 Ballymena United Away PL am Blayney _Ervin__Curran Armstrong | Watson Gault ___Carvlf)__Mulgew Patterion McAllister Garett) Thompson-10 Lowry-8 Fordyce-DNP 7 Ballymena United Away CAS ¥0 Addis_8) Bums{)_A.Bums _Douglas _ ‘Murphy Fordyce Hanley Casement Lowry Thompson Patterson McCaul? Dougan-9 Curan-DNP 10 Crusaders Home PL 20 Blsyney __Ervin()_Curran_Douglas__ Watson __Gautt____Carvil___ Garett) Patterson Mcallister A. Bums Lowry-6‘Thompson-9._Fordyce-T Portadown away PL 02 Blayney Ervin. _Curran_Douglas__ Watson __Gauit__ Carll Garrett Thompson Patterson A.Buns Fordyce-7 McAlliter9 Lowry: 20 Ballyclare Comrades Away LC 4 ‘Addis_8) bums _A.Burn{)_ Armstrong. Murphyf?) Casement Hanley Fordyce Pattersn(2) McAlister) Lowry Garrett-8()Dougar-? Lindsay 24 Carrick Rangers Home PL 30 Slyney __Ervin_Curran_Douglas_| Watson ___Gaut___Carill__Garrett___Patterson McAllister) A. Burs Lowry:3) Dougan? Fordyce DNP October 1 Cliftonville Home PL “1 Blayney _Ervin)_A.Burrs{)__Douglas__Watson Gault Carl) Garrert__Patterson McAllister) Curran _Lowry-3Browne-9 Casernent-DNP 8 Coleraine Away PL uM Blayney _Ervin _A. Burns)_Douglas | Watson Gault__Caril__Garrett)_Patteron McAlister()Curman_Lowry-3._Caement-6 Fordjce-DNP 2 Glenavon Home LC 00 Slayney Ervin. _A.Burrs _Douglas_| Watson Casement Garrett___ Cavill Patterson McAlister Curran Lowry-6 Fordyce-3._Browne-DNP 22 Portadown Home PL x0 Blayney __Ervint)__A.Burrs _Dougles__ Watson Gault__Carvill__Garettf)_ Patterson McAlister Cuan 8) Buens-3.Lowry-7Fordyce-9 25 Clitonvile Away CAS 26 Byney _Ervin__A. Bums) Dougles_Wation__Gault___Caril_—_Garrett__ Fordyce McAllsterf) Cuan Lowry-7 8} Burs-3_ Murphy-DNP 29° Dungannon Swifts Home PL 10 ‘Addis __Ervin._A.Burs{)_Dougls_ Watson Gaut___Carvil__ Garett Fordyce McAllister Cura Patterson 8)Burns-0 Lowry November 5 Cliftonville Away PL 2 Blayney Evin __A.Burns Douglas Watson Gault Carl ~—Garett_—_Lowry McAlister) Curran. 8) Burs-3{)Fordyce-l1_Browne-9 9 Glentoran Away PL 02 Blayney __Ervin_|Burns_Watson_| Murphy Gault A.Bums__Garett__Patterson McAlister Lowy Carvl-l) Mulgrew-6 Browne-7 2 Coleraine Home PL 10 Blayney _ Ervin 8) Burns Murphy _Watson(__Gault___A.Bums Mulgrew _Patteion McAlister Lowy Garett-6 Fordyce? Browne-10 1 Donegal celtic Away PL 5 Blayney __Ervin_)Burns_-Murphy | Watson Gault__—_Carvll__-Mulgrew Fordyce) McAllister) Lowry(2) A. Burns Garett-8 McCaul? 26 Carrick Rangers Away PL 40 Blayney __Ervin__B) Burst) Murphy | Watson Gault__Carvil)__-Mulgrew Fordyce McAllister) Lowry A. Burns‘ Garretti0.MeCaulst December 3 Ballymens United Home PL 10 Blayney __Ervin_8)Burs_ Murphy | Watson Gault Carll Mulgrew Fordyce McAlister _Lownj{)A.Bums-9 Curran-DNP Garrett DNP 10 Crusaders Away PL 10 Blayney Ervin BJ Bums Murphy | Watson__Gaut__—_—Carvll—— Mulgrew Fordyce McAllister) Lowry A. Bums-9 Cuan}. Douglas DNP 7 Glenavon Home PL 10 Blayney Ervin. BJ Burns _Murphy | Watson Gault__—_Carvilt) Mulgrew Mcalister Fordyce Lowry —Garrett’8 A. Burns! Curran DNP 20 Lisburn Distillery Home PL. 4 Addis Ervin 8) Burns. Murphy Watson Gault Carvill Mulgrew Mcallister Burns Lowry Thompson-If) Fordyce-10 Garrett-8 26 Glentoran Away PL 01 ‘Adds Evin 8)Burns__Murphy | Watson Gault__—_Carvil_—_-Mulgrew ‘Thompson Garrett Fordyce Patterson) Curran-DNP Browne: DNP 31 Glenavon Home PL 20 Addis Ervin 8) Burns Murphy Watson Gauit__Carvll___Mulgrew Thompson() Mcallister Garett Patterson-{) A Burns 8 Lowry-7 January 7 Ballymena United Away PL a ‘Addis __Evin__B) Burns Murphy Watson Casement A.Bums Patterson Thompson() McAlister Garett Lowry Gault-6.CurancbNP i Ballyelare Comrades Home IC nm ‘Addis Evin BJ Burns Murphy Watson Gault___A.Bums___Garrett__‘Thompson(2)Paterion3) Lowry(2) Casement-2 Fordyce-7 Carvi-8 21 Dungannon Swifts Home PL x0 Blayney Douglas) Burns Murphy ‘A.Bums3)_Carvil Mulgrew Thompson Garett Lowry _Fordyee-9_Browne-7 _Casement-8 31 Coleraine Away PL 01 Blayney Douglas 8) Burns Murphy Watson Gault ___Carvll__Mulgrew Thompson A Bums Lowry Garrett) Mcllister-10 Fordyce? February 4 Crusaders Home PL 50 Blayney Ervin Burns)_ Murphy Watson) Gaut_——Carvll_—“Mulgew Thompson()_McAllster Lowy) Fordyce) Garett-6.Dougani0 1 Carrick Rangers Home Ic 18 Portadown Away PL 28 Clionvile Away PL 1 March 10 Carrick Rangers Home PL Donegal celtic Home PL ! 24 Usburn Distillery Away PLEdenderry —— Print Limited @ Units 6-8 Agnes Street Industrial Estate Agnes Street, Crumlin Road Belfast BTI3 IGB, Northern Ireland T: 028 9074 0192 F: 028 9074 6345 E: edenderryprint@btconnect.com edenderryacc@btconnect.com edenderrydesign@btconnect. com edenderrydesign2 @btconnect.com _ WJM. - Building Services Limited 574-576 BALLYSILLAN ROAD, BELFAST BT14 6RN NIC.ELC. (18435) | $.N.1.P.E.F. (B048) Tel: (028) 9071 0000 (3 lines) Fax: (028) 9039 1062 24 Hour Radio-Paging System Heating, Plumbing, Electrical 1309002 | \ Gas Installations y and Servicing =Dinner to pay tribute to seven- trophy teams nterest levels are high in the upcoming | event at the Ramada Hotel, Belfast on Saturday April 28 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the seven-trophy- Linfield team. The surviving members of the legendary Linfield team are as follows and hopes are high that each of these players will be able to attend this special and unique reunion Bobby Braithwaite, Ray Gough, Bobby Irvine, Ken Gilliland, Billy Wilson, Isaac Andrews, Jim Reid and Hubert Barr. Bobby Braithwaite is coming from South Africa. Other players who played games in that season were goalkeeper Sammy Service; full- back Mervyn Haire and Bobby Stewart, centre- half the late Tommy Hamill; half-back George McCleary; forwards Billy Craig, Phil Scott and Denis Guy. The recent news item with regard to ‘obtaining tickets for this eagerly anticipated event is reproduced below. Tickets are priced £40 and this is not a formal dress event. Invitations are being sent to the surviving members of the 1961-62 team to be guests of honour at this special anniversary event. Supporters and businesses are now encouraged to book tables or places at this eagerly anticipated night of football nostalgia. If you wish to attend this event which celebrates the achievements of these legendary Linfield teams whose feats will never be matched or equalled in the future, contact the Linfield secretary Ken Greer at Windsor Park or email ken@linfieldfc.com Be sure to book your place at this not to be missed unique event. Further details about the evening will be provided in due course as Linfield looks back with pride on the achievements of these two teams whose trophy-winning successes have become part of the folklore of the club and indeed the game in Northern Ireland. The remit of the 125-year anniversary committee has been extended into 2012 to oversee the arrangements surrounding this event to celebrate these historic anniversaries. Over the next few weeks, Linfieldfc.com will keep you up to date, not just with ticket news but also news of the star personalities from the 1961-62 team, who we hope will be confirmed as intending to be in attendance at what promises to be a fantastic Linfield occasion, 250th Linfield game for Steven teven Douglas is on the verge of his 250th Linfield game. His debut came in a 3-1 away win at Distillery on September 16, 2003 with his first goal g in a 5-0 home win against Newry on April 13, 2004, The full details of Steven's 249 games to date are as follows: Season Appearances Goals 2003-4 1 1 2004-5 45 3 2005-6 9 (3 as sub) 2006-7 42 (8 as sub) 3 2007-8 30 (2 as sub) 2008-9 42 (7 as sub) 4 2009-10 42 (4 as sub) 1 2010-11 15 (Vas sub) 1 20N-12 3 Total: 249 (25 as sub) B Sh — Nason AUDACES FORTUNA JUVATCarling Premiership 2011-12 Linfield 5, Crusaders 0 i (February 4, 2012) nw ee TS _k. C ‘amen re om IO i =at WINDSOR PARK WEDDINGS, BIRTHDAYS, ENGAGEMENTS, BUSINESS, SPECIAL EVENTS & MATCH-DAY DIAMOND CATERING, for alll your functions: Why pay expensive hotel prices, when at DIAMOND CATERING, we do it better, for a fraction of the cost, with very keen Bar prices too. For further informationyplease contact ~ DIAMOND CATERING on 07515418844 DIAMOND CATERING | | | | MATCH DAY SERVICE Fancy a bite to eat before every match? Why not call up to the restaurant in the Social Club? We have a Burger Bar available before the game and during half-time with very fast service. Take a look at our matchiday menu. EVERYONE is welcome! ‘OTHER SERVICES Weddings, Birthdays, Engagements, Business & Special Events, Do you have a special day coming up? Why not'book with DIAMOND CATERING at Windsor Park with amazing views of the Stadium, great food and warm and friendly staff. We have seating for up to two hundred people with three rooms to choose from, depending on the size of your party. Not sure what menu to pick? No need to worry, our executive head chef-wiltméet with you and help you decide the ‘menu to suit your budget for your special day, or event. We have sample buffet and wedding menus WILLIAM COATES LimiTeEobD ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING CONTRACTOR 37 MALLUSK ROAD NEWTOWNABBEY TELEPHONE (028) 9034 2560my favourites... Id defender, David Armstrong is the latest Linfield star to be tured in this series in which Linfield players are asked about their favourites, on and off the pitch. My favourite... Goal scored: My favourite goal would probably be the goal | scored at the Kop end v. Donegal Celtic. My first and so far only goal at the Kop end, so I certainly enjoyed that one. Goal seen: Diego Maradona’s goal for Argentina against England in the Mexico 1986 World Cup Quarter-Final. Not the “Hand of God” goal but the other famous one when he dribbled through the entire defence. An unbelievable finish after an amazing run. Other Team: Tottenham Hotspur Players from the past: Zinedine Zidane and Diego Maradona. Current player: Messi Achievement(s) in football: Representing Northern Ireland at younger levels, including under-2Is and winning honours with Linfield, ‘Other Sport(s): Golf. | love my golf Subject(s) in school: Believe it or not, art and maths. | was quite artistic and good at maths. Food: Chinese. Drink: Coke, though it’s probably not good for you. Holiday destination: Cancun in Mexico. | was there last year and its an unbelievable place Pet/Animal: Ihave a dog. Newspaper: Sunday Life. car: BMW XS, TV programme: Two and a Half Men and Friends. Films: ‘Anything with Adam Sandler in it. Happy Gilmore would probably be the best one. Book: Paul Gascoigne’s autobiography. Actor/Actress: ‘Adam Sandler. Pop star/Group: “Take That. Songs: Sex on Fire by Kings of Leon. Colour: Blue. Restaurant: Nandos. Aftershave: 72. Men.Setanta Sports Cup launch he official presentation of cheques for the Setanta Sports Cup launch took place at the Aviva Stadium, Dublin on Wednesday, January 25. Each club received 6,000 euro from the guaranteed prize money schedule for the petition. The full schedule is detailed as follows:- cor * Winners. €50,000 * Defeated finalists €30,000 * Defeated in semi-final 15,000 * Defeated in quarter-final €10,000 * Defeated in round 1 47500 Performance bonus (for all matches excluding the final) and live broadcast fee (for all matches excluding the final) also applies as follows:- * Win bonus. €2,000 * Draw bonus -€1,000 (each team) * Live broadcast €1,500 (home team) « Live broadcast. €500 (away team) nN get te vue Pictured (left to right) are: Eamon Naughton (Setanta Sports Cup Committee), Michael Gault (Linfield captain), jim Kerr (Linfield chairman) and Milo Corcoran (Setanta Sports Cup Committee chairman),All-ticket games at Portadown and Cliftonville PORTADOWN Linfield FC received 850 adult (£10) and 350 concession (£7) tickets for this game. Tickets are on sale in both Linfield Superstores. Initially, only members and season ticket holders can purchase a concession ticket but from Tuesday February 7, any remaining concession tickets will be on general sale. CLIFTONVILLE The club received 650 adult (E12 inc. bus) and 98 concession (£10 inc. bus) tickets for this game. Tickets will be on sale before today’s game, but because of the limited number of concession tickets provided, these will only be available to members and season ticket holders on a first come first served basis (one per concession ticket holder). Members and season ticket Holders can purchase one ticket for a guest who must be named and must travel on the same bus so the tickets must be purchased at the same time, Supporters are expected at Ballysillan Leisure Centre by 1.45 pm at the latest. The PSNI will advise us when we should proceed to the ground. Any supporters who miss the bus will be denied access to the game and there will be no refund. SUPPORTERS’ CLUBS Supporters’ clubs can take their own bus to the game but must meet at Ballysillan to obtain their match tickets. Supporters clubs intending to do so should register immediately with the secretary. However, it is not possible to guarantee concession or adult tickets until a firm booking with the relevant names and member / season ticket number is provided to the Secretary. All tickets will then be chargeable to the club and payment is expected by Friday, February 17 at the latest: Given the importance of these fixtures and the restricted ticket allocation members and season ticket holders are ‘encouraged to purchase their tickets early to avoid disappointment. UEFA Ten-Point Plan Linfield Football Club is an equal opportunities club and will not tolerate any form of sectarianism or racially offensive behaviour or chanting. As part of our on-going commitment to the IFA’s “Football for all” campaign, “Kick it out” and to equality, anyone caught making racist or sectarian ‘comments may be arrested, prosecuted and banned from the club. If you hear abuse of this nature please report it to your nearest steward or call the helpline number of the “Kick It Out” campaign 0800 169 9414 or www.kickitout.orgBlueman Gary returned to haunt his boyhood heroes by Roy McGivern Te name Gary Prenter will go down in h Cup folklore as the man whose 0 goals brought glory to juni Carrick Rangers in the 1976 final aj mighty Linfield. It was a result which sent shockwaves throughout the football world, For Prenter, however, it brought mixed emotions as not only had he grown up supporting the Belfast Blues but he also started his career at Linfield and spent five seasons at the club. Prenter was a 16-year-old schoolboy when he first arrived at Windsor Park. He was introduced to the club by a legendary name from its illustrious past, but almost joined Linfield’s Belfast rivals Distillery. Gary explains: “I arrived at Linfield in 1968 when Ewan Fenton was the manager. | had been asked to go for a trial at Distillery, but when | went up to Grosvenor Park there was no-one there to meet me and | went home again. “About the same time my father had been speaking to Tommy Dickson, who owned a local sports shop. He arranged for me to go up for a trial with Linfield Rangers and my career just took off after that. “| actually made my first team debut at 16 as a substitute at Ballymena, | worked by way through the Rangers, winning two Youth Cups, and then progressed to the Swifts where Alex Russell had a big say at the time. In his five years at the club, Prenter made a total of 26 first team appearances and scored TI goals. He played under five different managers which he feels made it difficult for a side inst the LINFIELD FOOTBALL CLUB: young player to stake a claim for a regular starting slot. “After Ewan Fenton we had Billy Bingham, Jimmy Hil, Sammy Hatton and, finally, Billy Sinclair. | think J Gary Prenter with the old ish limpressed ‘Cup at a recent re-union event. different (Photograph: Carrick Tes) managers, but ma they were only getting to know you when they moved on, ‘Linfield were, of course, always striving for success and | was up against the likes of Bryan Hamilton, Sammy Pavis, Billy Millen, Eric Magee and Dessie Cathcart and it was hard to make the break-through. My most enjoyable spell was probably under Billy Bingham as he was starting me regularly in pre-season but then he left to manage the Greek national side” Despite his uncertain position at the club, Gary did manage to make his mark in some big games for Linfield. “I played in a Gold Cup final win against Glentoran, it finished 1-0 at Windsor Park. | remember having a great chance to score in that game, but hit the crossbar. | did score two goals in a 4-2 win against a good Coleraine side. “There were other memorable moments playing for the Swifts. | won a Steel and Sons Cup winner's medal in 1971 when | scored twice in the final against Dundela. | was always a goal scorer throughout my football career. That Linfield side from the early 1970s was laced with quality. Alan Fraser was a fine player, we were the same age although he progressed to be a first team regular. Eric Bowyer was also a very good player and | always admired Bryan Hamilton.” After Billy Sinclair arrived at the club, it was ‘AUDACES FORTUNA JUVAT decision time for Gary and for the club. “| think the time had probably come where the club had to make its mind up on my future. Maybe they felt Id had my opportunity and wasn't going to make it. | was always quite light for a centre-forward, never weighing more than Tl stone. | was quick enough, but maybe needed a bit more weight against some of the bigger defenders. “I did my own training but just couldn't get the weight on. It is a regret that it didn’t work out at Linfield and I was gutted to leave. My family were all Linfield supporters including my grandfather and father. “L remember standing with them at Windsor Park as a young boy and my family were very proud when | pulled on the Linfield shirt. would have run my guts out for the club, that's how much it meant to me." Prenter initially moved to Crusaders before joining Carrick Rangers where he would eventually make his mark on the big stage. “The Crues were managed by Billy Johnston and had just won the league. Tom Finney moved across the water and they signed me to replace him. | stayed at Seaview for a couple of years before Jimmy Todd made me an offer to go to Carrick who were in the '8’ Division at the time. “The whole Irish Cup experience in 1976 was incredible. We had to go through all the preliminary rounds before the senior sides entered the competition. We were drawn away to Ballymena United and beat them 3-2 which really gave us the belief and confidence to go further, We had three games against Coleraine who were a top side at the time. After two draws we won the second replay 2-1 and most people don't realise that | got injured in the second Coleraine game and didn't play at all in the semi-final against Larne.” He did make it back for the final after intensive treatment and its a game that evokes painful memories for Linfield fans. For Gary, however, it was a fairytale return against his boyhood heroes and his two goals ensured that the famous old trophy returned to East Antrim. He recalls: “We went behind to an early Martin Malone goal but we dug in even though we were up against it. jimmy Brown did a great job in bringing together a squad of players who maybe didn’t get the breaks at a higher level. Our confidence grew as we got further in the competition and the tactics were spot on in the final.” After his Cup success at Carrick, Gary moved on to play for Larne, Brantwood and Cliftonville. He did some coaching at Solitude before drifting out of the game. Looking ahead to today’s Irish Cup re-match, Prenter admits that it will be very difficult for Rangers to repeat the shock result from 1976. “Its top of the league against bottom and Carrick will be up against it. l know David Jeffrey will have his team ready for the game and he has excellent motivational skills. The only way Carrick can win is to keep it tight and try to sneak the first goal.” ete TRADITIONAL FISH & CHIPS 69 Ballygomartin Road Specialists in Fish & Chips UTR ea Reta Co) for 25 Years DP aay ee ii mee an ted (Coomera tabi) ‘AUDACES FORTUNA JUVAT