retired_brinker317

Cheers :thup:

SMSL; In my previous game 'over here' I took Wakehurst to Division One rather too easily - Alwyn Crawford scored something like 60 goals - although I was trying out various 'cheat' tactics, now deleted :thup:

Paul Miller (2)

Wednesday morning, and 31 days to go before Miller's first game in charge. He had been pencilling in squad members for some days now, and, of the 26-man squad, knew the majority of players that - injury permitting - would be involved.

Of course there would have to be changes - no Neil Lennon, Kevin Hurlock, Gerry Taggart or Jim Magilton - former mainstays of the national side, all had decided to retire from international football in the past few months.

The Ukraine game wasn't the only one on his mind. Four days later his side would be in action at home against Armenia - the team that had humbled Northern Ireland in Yerevan, winning 1-0. It would be Miller's first - and only - home match of the already ill-fated Euro 2004 qualifying campaign, and one that he knew his side had to play well in, if he was to win support of the public.

The first chance to do that, however, would come a lot sooner than he thought. Doing some research often pays off these days - and an Belfast-born Grandfather would be very welcome find indeed...

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>

The Sun - Football - Thursday 7/8/03

'Hughes the New Boy?'

"WBA striker Lee Hughes is set to pledge his future to Northern Ireland after a plea by new manager Paul Miller.

Hughes, 27, was born in Birmingham but qualifies for Northern Ireland through his Grandfather. "My Mum's Dad was born in Belfast" he explained. "I'm pleased to have the chance to play for Northern Ireland - obviously I hoped that one day I'd play for England, but at 27, I'd given up on playing international football. Hopefully I can repay Paul Miller's faith in me, and hopefully I can stay fit to be involved against the Ukraine."

Miller told The Sun; "To have Lee on board is a great boost. I've almost got the squad finalised in my mind for the next two games, and hopefully Lee will be amongst them. He's a great player, and will give us another striking option."

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Reaction to the news was, as expected, pretty good. Although he struggled at WBA last season, Northern Irish fans seemed to recognise that an additional, top-drawer striker, could only be of benefit to the squad. Just as at Dergview, things were looking good.

retired_jkat116

Great start fella :thup:, no doubt it will be a hit

retired_brinker317

Cheers :thup:


Stuart Fairway (5)

Univeristy of Limerick v Dergview - Friendly

Off to the Republic, and the smart University Sports Grounds for a game against the students. Dergview began the better, and after some intelligent promptings, took the lead on 24. A Black free kick was hooked away, but only to McCurdie, who let fly from fully 30 yards. 'Keeper Devlin did well to get his body behind the ball, but failed to hold on - and Gareth Watson made no mistake. The second half, however, was a different story. The students looked busy, and backed by an enthuastic home support, threatened on numerous occasions. They made the breakthrough with 10 minutes remaining - Paul Ryan poking home after Curran had seen his shot blocked. In injury time, he struck again - chesting down a free kick before coolly steering home from the edge of the box. Not for the first time, Fairway felt a brief pang of regret that he wouldn't be able to sign players not born in Northern Ireland...

Uni. of Limerick 2 - Dergview 1

A week to go, and the conclusion of a - broadly successful - preseason campaign for Dergview brings some optimistic murmerings from the bookies. Fairway's side installed as 9/4 favourites for the Second Division title saw the manager insist to his players that they now had extra pressure, and had to live up to the expectations now put on them by the bookies.

The week continued in quiet fashion - players training in glorious sunshine ahead of Saturday - and the first competitive game of the season.

Dergview v Chimney Corner - Intermediate League Cup Group 4

Dergview (4-4-2); Allison, G Sproule, McCuskie, Dougherty*, Crozier, Burke, Black, A Sproule, McColgan, Watson, Savage.

Subs; Coulter, O'Donnell, McNamee (Replaced A Sproule 45)

Dergview, with just one change from the side which began all three friendlies - new boy Savage handed his bow up front - began brightly, and on 10 minutes, took the lead through Gareth Watson - the young striker making no mistake from the penalty spot after a foul by Robinson. Five minutes later, Dergview doubled their lead - with a very classy goal from impressive debutant Paul Savage . A good move from a corner involving Black and Andrew Sproule saw the latter shoot at goal, only to see his shot hit defender Wilkinson and bobble in front of the predatory Savage, who made no mistake from close range. After a quiet ending to the first - and start of the second half, Chimney Corner had probably their best chance of the game on 70 - Redden dropping short between two defenders but only flashing his shot wide of the upright. The pick of the bunch, however, would come on 81. After an intelligent ball forward from Dougherty, Savage headed the ball back to Kingsley Black . Defying his age, and having a fine debut, the veteran struck a sweet shot on the volley, seeing 'keeper Kerr get just a fingertip to the ball, but not enough to push it over the bar.

Dergview 3 - Chimney Corner 0 (Watson, Savage, Black)

Stat Attack

Cards; McKay (Chimney Corner) - Dissent

Attendance; 722

Man of the Match; Kingsley Black (Dergview)

With his side achieving a fine win in their first Group game, Fairway was delighted to see Dergview in Second place behind Division One outfit Bangor, who cruised to a 4-1 win over Crewe United in their opener. There was, however, a problem arising from that first game. Midfielder Andrew Sproule , who had a fine preseason, scoring five goals from the centre of the park, would be ruled out for around 3 weeks with a nasty shoulder injury. One game in, one player already injured. "Football never changes", mused Fairway as he headed home on Saturday evening.

retired_brinker317

Stuart Fairway (6)

With just Sproule unavailable, Fairway concentrated his efforts during the week on training. The competition between McNamee and McHale for the 'gap' in the first team was pleasingly good, but also good-natured, with both of the pair equally keen to be involved against First Division side Ballyclare.

Ballyclare Comrades v Dergview - Intermediate League Cup Group 4


Unavailable

Andrew Sproule - Injured - (Shoulder, 3 Weeks)

Dergview (4-4-2); Allison, G Sproule, McCuskie, Dougherty*, Crozier, Burke, Black, McHale, McColgan, Watson, Savage.

Subs; Coulter, O'Donnell, McNamee

With classy left-footer McHale getting the nod, Fairway made just the one enforced change to his side to face Ballyclare - relegated from the top flight last season. Despite their opponents pedigree Dergview were rampant - and won by 8 clear goals. Kingsley Black opened the scoring with a shot across the face of goal on 8 minutes, before Gareth Watson added the first of his two on 36. After the break the floodgates really opened - Paul Savage crashed home 4 goals, on 47, 68, 70 and 90. Watson got his second on 76, and Mark McHale was not to be outdone, getting in on the act with a late 88th minute header. Ballyclare were abysmal, Dergview were immense, and if things continue in this vein, they could embarras plenty more sides this season.

Ballyclare 0 - Dergview 8 (Black, Watson 2, Savage 4, McHale)

Stat Attack

Cards; Budden - Ballyclare - Foul Play (x2, Red Card)
Burke - Dergview - Ungentlemanly Conduct
Moore - Ballyclare - Dissent
Watson - Dergview - Foul Play
Caldwell - Ballyclare - Foul Play

Attendance; 1863

Man of the Match; Kingsley Black (Dergview)

While Dergview's outstanding win recieved plaudits from the highest levels of the Northern Irish game, manager Fairway was keen to stress to his players that it would not be this easy every week. Deep down though, he knew that he too could hardly contain his emotions, and if his side played like that on a regular basis, they would be unstopabble - and well on the way to achieving their late benefactor's instructions.

He had though noted that Dergview's rivals had been strengthening. With a week to go before the transfer deadline, plenty of players were coming into the league - and from that one place Fairway couldn't go - abroad. Scots striker Scott Bannerman led the loanee's, joining Chimney Corner, with plenty of others joining him at various clubs over the past few days.

retired_brinker317

Paul Miller (3)

Finally, it was here - Miller's first major decision as international manager. Although he had pencilled in his squad several weeks before, final decisions now had to be made, nine days before the game in Ukraine. There was just one injury scare - that headline grabber, Lee Hughes . Though he'd started the season well for WBA, scoring twice in four games, he had also picked up a thigh knock at the weekend.

After consultation with player and club, Miller was reassured that it was not a problem - and that, further problems permitting - Hughes would be able to play. With that confirmed, Miller took his place at the top table for the 1.PM Press Conference - and confirmed his 26-man squad.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>
www.bbc.co.uk/football - Internationals - Thursday 28/8/03

'4 Uncapped Players in as Miller rings Changes'

"New Northern Ireland manager Paul Miller has named 4 uncapped players in his first squad, to face Ukraine and Armenia. With the first game in Kiev in nine days time, Miller is reported to have just minor injury worries over one of the potential new caps, Lee Hughes , with the other 25 squad members said to be fit and ready for action.
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>
The Squad

Goalkeepers;

Roy Carroll - Manchester United (On Loan at Sunderland) - 13 Caps
Maik Taylor - Fulham (On Loan at Birmingham) - 29 Caps
Micheal Ingham - Sunderland - Uncapped

Defenders ;

Chris Baird - Southampton - 2 Caps
Colin Murdock - Hibs - 17 Caps
Mike Duff - Reading - 2 Caps
Danny Griffin - Dundee Utd - 25 Caps/1 Goal
Aaron Hughes - Newcastle - 31 Caps
Pat McGibbon - Portadown - 7 Caps
George McCartney - Sunderland - 12 Caps/1 Goal
Brian McGlinchley - Plymouth - Uncapped

Midfielders;

Jim Whitley - Wrexham - 3 Caps
Jeff Whitley - Sunderland - 7 Caps/1 Goal
Tommy Doherty - Bristol City - 2 Caps
Grant McCann - Cheltenham - 7 Caps
Danny Sonner - Nottingham Forest - 7 Caps
Richard Clarke - Portadown - Uncapped
Keith Gillespie - Leicester - 47 Caps/1 Goal
Micheal Hughes - Crystal Palace - 65 Caps/5 Goals
Steve Jones - Crewe - 2 Caps
Phil Mulryne - Norwich - 18 Caps/3 Goals

Forwards;

Lee Hughes - W.B.A - Uncapped
Andy Kirk - Hearts - 5 Caps
David Healy - Preston - 26 Caps/8 Goals
Stuart Elliott - Hull - 16 Caps/1 Goal
Paul McVeigh - Norwich - 10 Caps
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Miller's squad is a broadly inexperienced one, with just 12 players having 10 caps or more. Despite this, the new manager is confident ahead of the two games.

"Obviously - on paper - Armenia is the easier of the ties, but they taught us a lesson back in Yerevan so we will give them respect. Ukraine are a classy team, and with players like Shevchenko, you can't go wrong. However, I've picked a squad that gives us lots of options for both matches, though I expect us to line up in a 4-4-2 formation at the moment" he added.

There are one or two suprises in the squad - midfielder Danny Sonner has not been involved for high-flying Nottingham Forest this season, while fullback Mike Duff had suggested that he would happily forgoe his place in the squad to concentrate on making a good start to life at his new club, Reading, having moved from Cheltenham before the season started.

Northern Ireland are currently bottom of Group 6 in the qualifying tournement for Euro 2004 with just a very slim mathematical chance of reaching the playoffs for Portugal.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

retired_confal2

Great idea for a story, entertaining reports and good syntax -this has got it all. More please! :cool:

retired_brinker317

Cheers :thup:

Stuart Fairway (8)

Monday morning - the first of September and the first problem of what has been a successful start to Stuart Fairway's managerial career. Kingsley Black came to see his manager first thing - and let the Englishman know that he planned to call it a day at the end of the season. Fairway was, unsuprisingly, shocked - Black signed on a 2-year contract and here he was, planning to retire at the end of the first year. He asked the playmaker to reconsider, a request which Black accepted.

After getting over the shock of potentially losing one of his key players, Fairway did loose one on Wednesday evening. The training session had been going well, and in an upbeat mood for the squad, who hadn't been informed of Black's potential exit. Gareth Watson started the season very well, but fell awkwardly after a challenge - and, after a scan, was confirmed as being out for around three weeks with a hairline wrist fracture.

Dergview v Crewe Utd - Intermediate League Cup Group 4

Unavailable

Andrew Sproule - Injured - (Shoulder, 1 Day)
Gareth Watson - Injured - (Arm, 3 Weeks)

Dergview (4-4-2); Allison, G Sproule, McCuskie, Dougherty*, Crozier, Burke, Black, McHale, McColgan, McNamee, Savage.

Subs; Coulter, O'Donnell, Campbell

Stephen McNamee jumped at the chance to replace the unfortunate Watson in attack, as Fairway led his side into what looked the easiest of Dergview's five group matches. As has become almost customary, Dergview started very well - and on 4 minutes, took the lead - Paul Savage continuing his excellent run of form with a well taken effort from close range. Dergview completeley dominated, but simply failed to make their advantage count. In the second half, they would be punished - on 58 Crewe equalised through Brian Crawford, the striker powerfully heading home a McKenna corner. Dergview again surged forward in a bid to take the lead - Kingsley Black having the best chance on 77, before the decider came on 84 - and with it, Dergview's first competitive defeat of the season. A long ball forward caught the home side cold, and when Hegarty turned it back across the box, Ronan Gault made no mistake with a powerful header from close range.

Dergview 1 - Crewe Utd 2

Stat Attack

Attendance; 709

Man of the Match; Gary Spencer (Crewe Utd)

retired_brinker317

Paul Miller (4)

Ukraine v Northern Ireland - European Championship Qualifyers Group 6

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>

'www.bbc.co.uk/football - Internationals - 6/9/04

'Miller Men Show Promise, But Fail In Ukraine'

[i]

"New Northern Ireland manager Paul Miller saw his side slump to a 3-0 defeat this afternoon in his first match in charge. Despite the scoreline, the action was in fact a lot closer - and at times, Northern Ireland had plenty of the play.

Early Goals

It was Northern Ireland who had the first real chance of the match on 4 minutes - Lee Hughes and David Healy combining promisingly before the Preston man hit the side-netting. Just seven minutes later, Ukraine would be two goals ahead. On 10 minutes Andrei Shevchenko raced onto a chipped pass to tease and torment defenders Hughes and Duff, holding the ball up well before crossing for Andriy Voronin to head at goal. 'Keeper Roy Carroll blocked his initial effort, but the 1.FC Koln striker was able to react quickest to net the rebound. Just three minutes later Voronin hit the target again - finding space to beat 'keeper Carroll with a wonderful, curled lob shot after a fine pass from skipper Tymoschuk caught the young Northern Ireland defence cold. Although behind, the Ulstermen were still creating chances, and on 27 saw David Healy booked for dissent after teammate Keith Gillespie had - perhaps harshly - been adjudged to have brought a Micheal Hughes header down with his arm.

Second Shock

After replacing an in-pain Healy with Paul McVeigh at half time, Northern Ireland manager Paul Miller was clearly disapointed to see the home side add a third on 48. The powerful Zakarluyka beat Doherty to a loose ball in midfield, allowing Husin to find Nesmachnyi with a fine ball forward. The winger did well, leaving Micheal Duff for dead before advancing down the left flank. He played the ball forward into the path of Ukraine's talismanic striker Andrei Shevchenko , who beat Roy Carroll with a looping, angled shot into the far corner.

From then on, the game appeared lost for Northern Ireland - though they had chances, with Phil Mulryne shooting over the bar on 68 after a Micheal Hughes through pass. Mulryne departed - clearly in pain - on 74, with Miller throwing on Grant McCann and Portadown debutant Richard Clarke in a last-gasp bid to change the result. The substitutions however would not be enough, as a hardworking Ukraine side closed down their sparky and attacking opponents.

"Lessons Learned"

Northern Ireland manager Paul Miller was, understandably, disapointed with his side's result. "Obviously Ukraine are a class act, and to beat them, especially away, would have been something very special" he said. "But we gave it a good shot - I don't think the scoreline fully reflects our effort, and we'll go into the Armenia game hoping for better things. We've got a young and inexperienced side, who will take lessons from this. Playing against Shevchenko, one of the best strikers in the world, was always going to be a test for the boys, but as long as we can take the positives from the game, we can go on to play Armenia with hope"

Ukraine (3-5-2); Shovkovskyi, Dmytrulin, Fedorov, Skrypnyk, Zubov, Nesmachnyi, Husin, Tymoschuk*, Zakarlyuka, Voronin, Shevchekno.

Subs;

Vorobey (Replaced Skrypnyk 64)
Popov (Replaced Zubov 64)
Valeev (Replaced Husin 74)

Unused; Levytskyi, Belik, Shyschenko, Rebrov

Northern Ireland (4-4-2); Carroll, Duff, McCartney, Hughes*, Griffin, Gillespie, Hughes, Mulryne, Doherty, Hughes, Healy

Subs;

McVeigh (Replaced Healy 45)
McCann (Replaced Gillespie 74)
Clarke (Replaced Mulryne 74)

Unused; McGibbon, Taylor, Jeff Whitley, McGlinchley

Man of the Match; Andriy Voronin - Ukraine

Referee; Urs Meier (Germany)

Attendance; 77598

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

As well as a - not unexpected - defeat, Miller would wake up to a second major headache on Sunday Morning. With his squad travelling back together to Northern Ireland ahead of the Armenia game, it became apparent that there would be one definate absentee. Phil Mulryne went off with 16 minutes remaining in Kiev, and scans revealed that the Norwich playmaker had broken ribs - ruling him out for around 4 weeks. With UEFA notified, Miller gave 22-year old Barnsley winger Stephen Carson , a versatile ex-Dundee United player his first international call up.

Speaking to the media, Miller said; "Stephen offers us a lot of options if he's called upon. He can play on the right or left of midfield, and is another potent attacking midfield player very much in the same vein as Phil". Mulryne however wouldn't be his only injury worry - David Healy is doubtful with a strained wrist, while Gavin McCann is slightly less of a worry with a minor knee knock. One thing was certain though - if Miller wasn't to loose the fans very early in his reign then a win at home in midweek would certainly come in handy.

retired_brinker317

Stuart Fairway (9)

Fairway awoke on Monday with a scowl. It had been a bad weekend - a first competitive defeat, a defeat for his adopted nation - although home nation England had sealed an easy 3-0 victory against Macedonia to keep them on course for Euro 2004 - and a negative reply from Kingsley Black , with the veteran deciding to go with his instincts and quit in the summer.

Although his week had started badly, on Tuesday there would be a boost. Midfielder Andrew Sproule , a player who was consistently good during preseason, would at last be fit to return, leaving him with just striker Watson on the sidelines.

Meanwhile his attention turned to the Intermediate League Cup. 3 Games down, 2 to go - Bangor next, in 10 days time - and second in the group. With only the leaders progressing, Fairway's Dergview are currently just a point behind the leaders - their next opponents, Bangor. It was certainly something to ponder. Elsewhere, another manager had things to think about...

retired_brinker317

Paul Miller (5)

"OK lad, you can stay and watch if you want, or you can get the flight back. No worries, see you next time. Yep, Bye".

The phone call was short - but not sweet. Winger Steve Jones had pulled up that morning in training, and though a scan revealed just a bruised rib, he pulled out of the squad at the request of club manager Dario Gradi. Although disapointed, Miller thought it best not to query the decision - especially with Jones not likely to be involved.

Northern Ireland v Armenia - European Championship Qualifying Group 6

Windsor Park

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>

www.bbc.co.uk/football - Internationals - Wednesday 10/9/03

'Miller Jubilant as NI win at last'

"Northern Ireland have not only scored a goal for the first time in 11 games, but have also won their first game of the Euro 2004 qualifying campaign at last - beating Armenia 2-0 at Windsor Park in an impressive display. The Ulstermen, now managed by Englishman Paul Miller, also leapfrogged Armenia to move into Fourth place in Group 6 after their win.

Solid Openings

Miller made two changes to the side who lost against the Ukraine in Kiev on Saturday, bringing in Brian McGlinchley for his debut on the left wing, and recalling Andy Kirk in place of the unfit David Healy up front. The home side started brightly, and could have taken the lead through Kirk on 10 minutes - the Hearts man pulling a shot wide of goal from the edge of the area. A noisy home crowd, however, wouldn't have to wait for long. On 20, they would take the lead - and with a stroke of genius in the buildup. The long ball game is often derided, but can still turn defence into attack when employed at the right moment. Sunderland full back George McCartney did exactly that - picking the ball up deep inside his own half, McCartney carried it forward before launching a superb pass that dropped into Armenia territory around 30 yards from goal. Micheal Hughes ran onto the pass, and after shrugging off defender Nazarian, coolly slotted past 'keeper Berezovskiy to applause and delight of the goal-starved faithful. By contrast, Armenia were poor in attack, and managed just one shot on goal throughout the game - that coming on 26 minutes when Demirdijan fired across goal and wide under pressure from Duff and skipper Aaron Hughes.

In Control

By contrast to the busy first half, the second period was by far the quieter - with Northern Ireland clearly in control of the game, and on 65, they scored the long-awaited second goal of the qualifying campaign. It had always looked likely to arrive, and when sub Paul McVeigh - on as a right winger for the ineffective Gillespie - found space in midfield to roam, Armenia were instantly on the back foot. The Norwich man surged forward as teammates raced to support him, before McVeigh released Lee Hughes . The Birmingham-born hitman - enjoying his first home appearance for his adopted nation - made no mistake, showing what a fine discovery he could prove to be with a well taken shot past Berezovskiy from just inside the box.

"Win We Needed" says Miller"

A jubilant Northern Ireland manager Paul Miller said after the match; "It's the result we wanted - we've got the stigma of not winning, not even scoring, off our backs, and now I hope we can put this bad run behind us. Lee Hughes has done really well tonight, and deserved a goal - but the player who really impressed me is Brian McGlinchley - he's come in tonight, made his debut and ran himself into the ground".

25-year old Plymouth Argyle player McGlinchley did indeed have a good game - a versatile player, Miller opted to use his pace on the left of midfield, moving Micheal Hughes inside to replace the injured Mulryne. It was a gamble that paid off - Armenia shyed away from McGlinchley, with the resulting gaps quickly exploited by an adventurous Northern Ireland midfield quartet. Northern Ireland play their remaining qualifying game against Greece - already assured of at least a playoff spot - next month, before facing games against Japan and Singapore in the Spring.

Northern Ireland (4-4-2); Carroll, Duff, McCartney, Hughes*, Griffin, Gillespie, McGlinchley, Hughes, Doherty, Hughes, Kirk

Subs;

McVeigh - (Replaced Gillespie 45)
McGibbon - (Replaced Griffin 59)

Unused; Taylor, Jeff Whitley, McCann, Carson, Elliott

Armenia (4-4-2); Berezovskiy, Armin, Ovsepyan, Nazarian, Yepiskoposyan, Petrosyan, Yepiskoposyan, Ovsepyan*, Demirdijan, Avetisyan, Aivazian

Subs;

Aivazian - (Replaced Avetisyan 42)
Demirdijan - (Replaced Yepiskoposyan 45)
Sarkisyan - (Replaced Ovsepyan 65)

Unused; Yavruyan, Ovsepyan, Tonoian, Kakosjan

Man of the Match; Brian McGlinchley - Northern Ireland

Referee; Muhittin Bosat (Turkey)

Attendance; 18462

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