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guk99 - Comments

Comments

#308826 Hell to Heaven: Diary of a Football Manager

guk99

11 years ago

4 years ago

107

16 Jan 2016 21:33:50

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Thanks Dan

After that good 2nd season and with the new board sticking with me I decided to stay for a further season to push for that promotion but we just fell short again sadly, I think it's losing good players at vital times cost us. If we'd won promotion I probably would have stayed for another season but after a poor 3rd season where missed out again I decided to take up the Montrose offer and try my hand in Scotland. At the moment, cup runs appear to be my thing as I do well in them.

My aim eventually is to rise and take either the Middlesbrough or Liverpool job, then maybe England if I can make it that far.
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July - August 2018: New Season Begins
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Friday 27th July - Friday 3rd August 2018:

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Smith Prepares For Opening Game:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/2018/301a.jpg

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Saturday 28th July 2018:
Scottish Challenge Cup 1st Round Match:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/2018/301b.jpg

Smith's First Game Ends In Penalty Shootout!
Montrose's new manager will have discovered quickly he will have his work cut out if he wishes to see his club achieve anything this season as his team struggled at times to overcome Highland League team Formartine Utd in the 1st Round of the Challenge Cup.

It was Formartine Utd who took the lead late in the second half of the game. Smith's corner was cleared out, before he received the ball back on the 75th minute where he crossed for Cameron to head home from inside the box to give the away fans the lead. It only lasted a minute or more though as a corner from Webster was sent over for Montrose and Brough rose high to head home and bring his club level.

Extra-time couldn't seperate the two sides, before it drew down to penalties to finish the match off. O'Brien saw his first penalty well saved by Doohan, who was named Man of the Match for Montrose before McDonald later saw his penalty for Montrose saved on the line in dramatic fashion. Unfortunately for Formartine Utd, they couldn't capitalize on the comeback as McLeish saw his penalty well saved by Doohan before Miller stepped up to send Montrose into the 2nd Round of the competition.

Manager's Thoughts:
Not the start I had hoped, as despite us playing a minnows team - we didn't perform as well as I had believed we could and will take some tinkering and work to get the team up to scratch for the new season. We just about got through on Penalties which sees us into the next round, although were lucky not to have been beaten thanks to our new keeper Ross Dohan who also picked up the Man of the Match.

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Scottish Challenge Cup 2nd Round Draw:
Arbroath vs Montrose
The tie to be played on Tuesday 21st August 2018 at Gayfield Park.

Montrose are set to face arch rivals Arbroath in the 2nd Round of the Challenge Cup.
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Season Ticket Sales:
Montrose have announced the final sales figures for season tickets. The ticket office has confirmed that the club have sold 143 season tickets for this season, exacly the same level as last season.
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Saturday 4th August - Friday 10th August 2018:

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Saturday 4th August 2018:
Scottish League Cup 1st Round Match:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/2018/301c.jpg

Montrose Crash Out In 1st Round!
Montrose put up a good fight, but the opposition of a Championship side in St. Mirren was just too much for them as they lost the game by a single goal, although Montrose's manager won't be too disheartened by the result against a much stronger opponent in his first defeat as Manager.

The only goal of the game came just before half-time as St. Mirren broke on the counter as the ball found it's way out wide on the left side to Morgan who played it into the box where Reilly found it and space as he turned sharply, found his spot and cracked it into the far corner.

Manager's Thoughts:
A very difficult tie against a very good side, and we gave it our best but they were simply put - too good for us. We crash out in the 1st round, but I couldn't be angry with the lads as they were just outplayed on the pitch by better players.

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Montrose Awarded:
Montrose have been given £10.5k after losing against St. Mirren in the Scottish League Cup First Round.
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Montrose Set New Record:
Montrose have confirmed that the attendance of 263 for the match against St. Mirren in the Scottish League Cup First Round sets a new record low for the club. Montrose's previous lowest attendance was 278, set against Annan on Tuesday 8th December 2015.
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Saturday 11th August - Friday 17th August 2018:

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Saturday 11th August 2018:
Ladbrokes League Division 2: Match #1:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/2018/301d.jpg

Montrose Open League With Bore Draw!
Montrose opened their league account with a draw against East Stirlingshire in John Smith's first official league game as manager. James Brough picked up the Man of the Match award for his domineering performance in defence for Montrose as he helped keep East Stirlingshire to just a single shot on target.

There wasn't a lot to talk about in this bore draw, with Vildier the only talking point as he put the ball in the net in the 40th minute from a free-kick taken by Burns only for the referee to blow his whistle for offside. Montrose did lose their striker Kirwan in the 25th minute after a heavy challenge that could spring trouble for his chance in the next few games as he limped off the pitch. John Smith will have been the happier of the two managers after the game to come away with a point in his first league game in charge for Montrose.

Manager's Thoughts:
Not the best start to our campaign in the league, with little to no action to speak of as we battled to play well but couldn't get our passing and movement up to standards yet. The draw puts us in 7th spot to start off.

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Player Returns From Injury:
Jack Kirwan has sustained a twisted knee after being the victim of a heavy challenge in the match against East Stirlingshire.
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Tuesday 14th August 2018:
Ladbrokes League Division 2: Match #2:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/2018/301e.jpg

Smash & Grab!
Montrose pulled off a surprise today as they played a smash and grab against Stranraer to steal a victory, albeit they controlled the game from kick-off and didn't even allow their opponets to get a single shot on target.

Mark Whatley picked up Man of the Match for his performance in the midfield for Montrose while new striker Sally started the game and helped his team get the only goal to give John Smith his first league victory at his new club in only his second league game in charge.

Webster ran onto a loose ball that was played out on the right wing, close to the byline as he turned and whipped it into the box. Sally was there, but it was Stranraer's own mix-up that cost them the game as McDonald's clearance rebounded off one of his own players and allowed Sally to get the ball and smash it into the net to secure a big away win for Montrose.

Manager's Thoughts:
A fantastic win, as we stole a victory by grabbing a late, late goal to come away with the three points. The big win allows us to end the week in 3rd spot.

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Saturday 18th August - Friday 24th August 2018:

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Saturday 18th August 2018:
Ladbrokes League Division 2: Match #3:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/2018/301f.jpg

Montrose Win Again!
Montrose's manager appears to have turned things around at the club since joining them, albeit it's still early in the season but the players are working hard in keeping possession and have notched up two wins on the trot to have a great start to the new campaign. Although Montrose didn't get a shot on target, they still were able to win with a disastorous own goal for Annan.

Mark Whatley once again picked up the Man of the Match for his performance in midfield, where in the 40th minute of the match a corner by Crawford was sent over only to find Moffatt send the ball into his own net as he tried to clear it, as he was left standing there alone with his head in his hands.

Manager's Thoughts:
A great performance summed up by Whatley's Man of the Match as we picked up another win and somehow were able to hold Annan off. This second win in the league has pushed us up to 2nd place now.

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Tensions Rise For Big Derby Cup Tie:
Montrose and Arbroath meet on Tuesday to contest the 2nd Round of the Scottish Challenge Cup. The two teams have a heated rivalry, and are set to go head to head at Gayfield Park with a bumper crowd expected.

Past players and Managers have given their thoughts over the past few days, with former Montrose man Marvin Andrews stating the importance of the Angus Derby to the club's supporters. The two managers have different views on the upcoming cup tie, with Abroath manager Barry Ferguson not showing too much emotion about the heated rivalry while Montrose's new man, John Smith is playing it up as a huge match and looking forward to it.
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Tuesday 20th August 2018:
Scottish Challenge Cup 2nd Round Match:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/2018/301g.jpg

Smith Edges Out Ferguson!
Montrose qualified into the third round of the Scottish Challenge Cup after beating their arch rivals Arbroath after the game went to penalties. Doohan in goal for Montrose once again kept a clean sheet for the fourth game running, to sum up Montrose's good team performance and start to the league campaign.

Gavin McMahon picked up Man of the Match while McDonald almost snatched it late in extra-time as in the dying seconds his close range strike was well stopped by the Arbroath keeper and cleared that took the match into a penalty shootout. Montrose slotted each penalty away with calm expertise, while Stewart saw his penalty well saved by Doohan before Whatley stepped up and smashed it into the net to send Montrose through to the next round and put a dent in their arch rivals claim of bragging rights for the game.

Manager's Thoughts:
We played quite well, got men behind the ball and battled when we lost it to try and regain it. We could have won in the dying seconds of extra-time, but penalties secured us the win to see us into the 3rd Round of the Challenge Cup.

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Smith's Mind Games Outsmart Ferguson:
Montrose got the better of Arbroath tonight in a cup tie that saw the match come to a climax in drimatic fashion of sudden death in a penalty shootout. Arbroath's manager let it be known that he believes Smith's mind games before the match helped Montrose rise to the occasion and got the better of him on the day, something Smith is dismissing in the belief that Ferguson is a good manager and doubtless he will have been affected by any off-field antics between the two before hand.
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Scottish Challenge Cup 3rd Round Draw:
Airdrie vs Montrose
The tie to be played on Saturday 13th October 2018 at the Excelsior Stadium.
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Saturday 25th August - Friday 31st August 2018:

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Saturday 25th August 2018:
Ladbrokes League Division 2: Match #4:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/2018/301h.jpg

Montrose Hold Berwick To Score Draw!
The top two sides in the league met today as both walked away with a single point and Montrose continued their good campaign of remaining unbeaten in the league so far. Midfielder Robbier Crawford picked up the Man of the Match for Montrose, setting up the equalizer for his side in the first half.

Montrose's manager John Smith will have been disappointed with the way Berwick scored the opener, when a free-kick for Montrose deep at the edge of Berwick's box was quickly countered with only one Montrose player left back to defend the attack and was left wide open for Henderson to send the ball over to his free man Misanjo, who needed two bites at the cherry after Doohan pulled off a good first save as he closed him down just inside the box but Misanjo got the rebound and was able to send it into the net.

Montrose equalized just minutes later though as they kept hold of the ball well, and passed it around as they searched for the opening. The ball went back to Doohan in goal, before he moved it out to the left wing, as it was moved forward quickly before it found Sally who saw Crawford run in through the middle and slid it through. He drove into the box and slid it past the keeper's outstretched hand to bring Montrose level.

Kane of Berwick was sent off late in the game as Crawford collected the ball and drove in on goal once again before he got brought down by Kane who was shown the immediate red card for a goalscoring opportunity snatched from Montrose's hand, but as they pushed forward to try and grab a late winner against the ten mean reamining - it didn't come as Berwick held out for the draw.

Manager's Thoughts:
A good point against the league leaders, especially after conceding such a bad goal in which they countered and found us with a 2 on 1 attack. While the draw isn't too bad considering we were playing away, it does see us drop down to 4th spot.

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Team of the Week:
Robbie Crawford was selected in the Scottish League 2 Team of the Week.
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Montrose Make Two Signings On Deadline Day:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/2018/301i.jpg

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/2018/301j.jpg

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August 2018: Other News:

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New Appointments/Firings:
03/08 - U.C.D. have sacked manager Paul O'Neill.
03/08 - Cork City have dismissed their manager Liam Murphy.
10/08 - Cork City have placed Stuart Ashton in temporary charge as manager.
10/08 - Cobh Rambles have sacked manager Stephen Henderson.
20/08 - Shamrock Rovers have sacked their manager Tom Mohan.
21/08 - U.C.D. have appointed Graham Doyle as their new club manager.
28/08 - Cobh Ramblers have unveiled Anthony Gorman as their new manager.
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Manager's Monthly Thoughts:
A pretyt good month to kick off the campaign of my first season in charge of Montrose. Penalties appear to be my fortay as in my previous employment with Loughgall, as we progressed in two rounds of the Challenge Cup thanks to them. We crashed out to St. Mirren but they are a top side, while our league campaign started well with 2 wins and 2 draws to start.

September sees us continue our league campaign with an away match against rivals Arbroath (01/09) before a two-week break and then face a home tie to Stirlingshire (15/09) then away to Elgin (22/09) before finishing the month off with a mid-week game to Turriff (25/09).

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#308588 Hell to Heaven: Diary of a Football Manager

guk99

11 years ago

4 years ago

107

15 Jan 2016 20:24:19

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Pre Season News/Reviews 2018:
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Montrose Snap Up Aberdeen Loanee:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/2018/300a.jpg

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New Signings:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/2018/300b.jpg

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/2018/300c.jpg

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Scottish League Cup 1st Round Draw:
Montrose vs St. Mirren
Tie to be played on Saturday 4th August 2018
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Scottish Challenge Cup 1st Round Draw:
Montrose vs Formartine United
Tie to be played on Saturday 28th July 2018
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Scottish Ladbrokes League 2 Promotion Odds:
Montrose have been named as 40-1 with the bookmakers who don't believe the team has enough quality to make an impact on the division and should be looking to avoid the embarrassment of finishing bottom.
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Sqaud Win Bonuses:
Montrose have informed the players the squad win bonuses for the upcoming season stands at £28k for the league and £12k for the Domestic Cups.
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Montrose Captains:
Montrose have named James Brough as the new Captain who replaces Graham Webster, while Neil Janczyk remains as Vice-Captain.
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Pre-Season Friendlies:
Saturday 30th June 2018:
Montrose 0 - 1 Brechin City
Brechin took the win on the 65th minute, when a nice passage of play between McNeil and Smith resulted in Smith driving into the box and slotting it into the far corner for the win.
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Pre-Season Friendlies:
Saturday 7th July 2018:
Kirkcaldy YMCA 0 - 3 Montrose
Montrose picked up their first win under the new manager with a good 3-0 victory. The first goal came in the 32nd minute from a cross by Crawford on the right wing, where Sally got to the ball and smashed it past the keeper. The second in the 69th minute came once more from a Crawford cross, where Brisbane headed it back across goal and hit the far post before Sally nipped in to finish it off from close range and his 2nd of the game. Crawford completed the support again with a cross from just inside the edge of the box where this time Brisbane finished it off at the second time of asking. Stephen Simmons picked up the Man of the Match.
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Pre-Season Friendlies:
Saturday 14th July 2018:
Hill of Beath Hawthorn 2 - 2 Montrose
Montrose had to fight back from 2-1 down at half time to show their grit in fighting for their new manager, even in a friendly. Hill took the lead in the 18th minute when they countered Montrose, and McLaren played a ball over the top for Thoirs to run onto from the left wing and slide it past the keeper. The second came from a cross deep in the Montrose half as a throw-in was taken where Whatley tackled Thoirs in the box only to see it clear to Williamson who slotted it home for a 2-0 lead.

Montrose pulled a goal back just before the half-time whistle, when Brough sent a ball over the top as Webster reached it before the keeper and rounded him before sliding it into the empty net to give them some hope while also picking up the Man of the Match award. Montrose pulled level in the dying minutes when they broke forward in numbers, and Milne got the ball on the left of midfield as he drove inside the box before crossing it to Kirwan who headed it past the keeper to force an amazing fightback.
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Pre-Season Friendlies:
Monday 23rd July 2018:
Montrose 0 - 1 Aberdeen
Montrose fought hard against Premiership side Aberdeen in this friendly played due to the strong connections between both clubs. It took till injury time for Aberdeen to break down Montrose though as Ferguson whipped in a cross from the left to find Stobbs who broke free of his man and slotted it past the keeper in a good match.
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Pre Season 2018: Other News:

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New Appointments/Firings:
24/06 - AFC Fylde have announced Paul Hegarty has left his position as manager and retired.
29/06 - Crawley have unveiled Mick Neville as their new manager.
09/07 - Sunderland have confirmed Tony Mowbray as their new manager.
10/07 - Tonbridge Wells have hired Danny Johnson as their new manager after leaving Radcliffe Boro.
10/07 - AFC Fylde have announced Darren Peacock as their new manager.
12/07 - St. Neots have hired Simon Redhead as their new manager.
25/07 - Coventry have unveiled Paul Cook as their new manager.
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World Cup:
Group E:
England 3 - 0 Argentina
Costa Rica 1 - 2 England
England 3 - 0 Congo

World Cup 2nd Round:
Portugal 0 - 1 England

World Cup Quarter-Final:
England 1 - 0 Brazil

World Cup Semi-Final:
Algeria 0 - 2 England

World Cup Final:
Argentina 3 - 2 England
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World Cup WInners:
Argentina have won the World Cup after defeating England in the final 3-2.
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World Cup Best Player Award:
1. Angel Di Maria (Argentina)
2. Sergio Aguero (Argentina)
3. Eugene Konoplyanka (Ukraine)
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Wold Cup Golden Boot Award:
1. Mario Mandzukic (Croatia)
2. Harry Kane (England)
3. Sergio Aguero (Argentina)
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World Cup Best Young Player Award:
1. Ryan Hull (USA)
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World Cup Best Goalkeeper Award:
Joe Hart (England)
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World Cup Goal of the Tournament:
1. Ramon Azeez (Nigeria)
2. Cesar Azpillcueta (Spain)
3. Yahia Al-Shehri (Saudi-Arabia)
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World Cup Dream Team:
J. Hart (England)
J. Silva (Argentina), D. Lovren (Croatia), J. Stones (England), T. Jedvaj (Croatia)
R. Sterling (England), A. Di Maria (Argentina), R. Pereyra (Argentina), S. Ferghoull (Algeria)
S. Aguero (Argentina), M. Mandzukic (Croatia)
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Manager's Monthly Thoughts:
I began my reign as the new manager of Montrose on the 28th May 2018. I still have reservations about taking on the role, but feel ready to jump into this with both feet.

The Boards aim is for the club to stay clear of relegation, while my own personal is to achieve mid-table, or higher if possible depending on the start we get. Already several new signings have joined the club - all of which I am happy with, while I have decided to change Captains - wether this backfires on me, only time will tell but felt Brough brought more experience, leadership and depth to that of last seasons captain.

The pre-season friendlies were a mixed bag, as I tried to get my formation and style in shape to prepare the lads for the upcoming season that will kick off with a couple of cup matches before the league begins.

My first match was a disappointing defeat to Brechin City - although they are 2 leagues above us in the Championship, we lost in the dying seconds. Despite a positive view in defeating minnows Kirkcaldy, the players failed to impress from the start against Hill of Beath who shocked us in taking the lead - but the lads fought back to get something out of the match which gives me hope. Our final match was more of a run-out against Premiership opposition Aberdeen and we performed okay considering the opponents we faced and keeping the scoreline to a respectable low score.

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#308525 Hell to Heaven: Diary of a Football Manager

guk99

11 years ago

4 years ago

107

15 Jan 2016 13:15:16

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Post Season News/Reviews 2018:
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Saturday 28th May 2018:
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Montrose Get Their Man!:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/2017/211a.jpg

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John Smith Moves To Scotland In New Job!:

Loughgall's manager, John Smith today made the huge leap to become the new manager of Montrose who are currently in the Ladbrokes League 2 division of Scotland. It's understood Smith was approached several months back by the Chairman and asked wether he wished to apply and be interviewed for the position - Smith accepted, and weeks later was informed the job was his if he wished it but requested it be put on hold till the season was over to allow him to complete his job with Loughgall.

Smith, only 23 years old and born in the North-East of England in Middlesbrough was believed to have thought hard about taking up the new challenge and a bigger responsibility of moving to Scotland after doing well for Loughgall in Northern Ireland, but it's believed the opportunity like this doesn't come around too often for someone with his little experience and is excited to take on the challenge of competing in Scotland.

Smith helped Loughgall during a transition when they had no manager and applied back in 2015, in which he was accepted and welcomed to the football club with open arms. Spending three years with Loughgall, Smith helped guide the club to finish 5th in his first season in charge as well as reach the Quarter-Finals of the Northern Irish Mid Ulster Cup.

During his second year with the club, he helped guide Loughgall to a respectable 4th place in the league after a Stage II playoff, just missing out on possible promotion by a single point. He also guided his team to the Semi-Finals of two major Cup competitions in the Northern Irish Cup and Northern Irish Mid Ulster Cup, as well as leading his team to capture the Nothern Irish Intermediate Cup.

Last season, Smith continued his progress albeit the club's league performances faltered at times - they still finished in a respectable 5th place after the Stage II playoff games. Smith once again also helped guide his team to retain the Northern Irish Intermediate Cup for the second year running, as well as reach the Semi-Final of the Northern Irish League Cup, and Final of the Northern Irish Mid Ulster Cup to which they lost on Penalties to Portadown.

It was questioned at the beginning of this past season if Smith was still going to remain with the club when a takeover occured, but the new board of directors kept faith in him and secured a new contract for a third year after his excellent performance the previous year.

Smith is believed to have let those around him know that he believes he has done all he can with the club - despite the board's requests for him to remain and continue his rather successful reign as manager, as he sets out for pastures new in Scotland in a job with Montrose that could make or break him as a manager. Despite still being young, he has already garnered interest from several clubs over the past year with his good managerial record and cup runs for Loughgall.

Smith left the club with these parting words for the Loughgall fans:
"I'd like to thank everyone at the club, especially the previous chairman John McCann for placing his faith in me as an inexperienced manager to take over the role and help guide the club forward, as well as the new board of directors who took over the club and kept their faith in securing me for a further third year as manager. I believe I have achieved all I can at this time with the club, and it is with a heavy heart that I decided to take up the opportunity of managing Montrose in Scotland as opportunities of this magnitude do not come around that often.

I wish Loughgall all the best in their search for a new manager, and would like to say a thank you to the players who worked under me - those who still remain and those who have departed over the period I was in charge. Most of all, I'd like to thank the fans as without them the club could not have achieved the success we had and their support in helping guide the club to two successful cup victories and several good seasons and believe with the right man they will proceed into winning the league in the forseeable future."

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Chairman's Message!:

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Clyde Manager Shock At New Manager:

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Montrose - A Background:

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Montrose Team Report!:

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Montrose League & Cup Review:

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Montrose Players Season Ratings:

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Smith Sends Apologies To Loughgall Fans For Leaving:

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Smith Signs First Player For Montrose:

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Montrose Release Players:
Montrose have released the following players after their contracts came to an end. Dale Davidson, Christopher Angus and Jordan Herron
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Annual Fee Received:
Montrose have been paid £22.92k as part of their contrinued footballing partnership with Aberdeen.
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New Staff Hired:

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More Signings For Montrose:

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http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/2017/211s.jpg

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Ladbrokes League 2 Fixtures Announced:
Montrose will kick off the 2018/19 season at home to East Stirlingshire on Saturday 11th August. Their first away game will be against recently relegated Stranraer (14/08) and will end the season against East Fife (04/05). The Gable Endies fans will doubtless look forward to their first derby of the season against Arbroath at Gayfield Park (01/09.
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Season Expectations:

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Post Season 2018: Other News:

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New Appointments/Firings:
26/05 - Ayr United have appointed Gary Bollan as their new manager.
27/05 - Manchester City have announced the departure of manager Manuel Pellegrini who has stepped back and taken on the role of Director of Football within the club.
01/06 - St. Johnstone have hired Gary Locke as their new manager.
02/06 - Carrick have appointed Jim Chapman as their new manager.
05/06 - Kidderminster have unveiled Keith Briggs as their new manager.
06/06 - Birmingham City have appointed Matty Taylor as their new manager.
07/06 - Bromley appoint Kenny Pavey as their new manager.
07/06 - Brentford have hired Fernando Hierro as their new manager.
08/06 - Stockport hire Luke Garrard as their new manager.
08/06 - Swansea have promoted Johan Mjallby to the role of manager.
08/06 - Portsmouth have appointed Dean Saunders as their new manager.
08/06 - Manchester City have named Josep Guardiola as their new manager after leaving Bayern Munich.
09/06 - Middlesbrough have unveiled Stefano Mauri as their new manager.
09/06 - Ipswich Town have unveiled Oscar Garcia as their new manager.
10/06 - Cheltenham have signed Lee Holmes as their new manager.
10/06 - Arsenal have appointed Joachim Low as their new manager.
11/06 - Blackburn Rovers have announced former player Shay Given has returned as manager.
13/06 - Cambridge Utd have appointed David Adams as their new manager.
13/06 - Wycombe Wanderers have appointed Alan Knill as their new manager.
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Ronald Koeman Announced England World Cup Squad:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/2017/211j.jpg

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European League Draw:
England (8th) have found themselves drawn in Group 4 along with France (5th) and Holland (16th) in the European International League Divsion A group draw.
Scotland (43rd) have found themselves drawn in Group 1 along with Iceland (53rd) and Slovenia (49th) in the European International League Divsion C group draw.
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International Friendlies:
England 4 - 0 Austria
Cameroon 2 - 3 England
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Next: Pre-Season Begins At New Job!
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#308411 Hell to Heaven: Diary of a Football Manager

guk99

11 years ago

4 years ago

107

14 Jan 2016 19:10:41

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End of Season Review: 2017-2018:

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NIFL C1 Stage II League Table:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/2017/210c.jpg

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Seasons League Positions (Graph):

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/2017/210d.jpg

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Cup Competitions Review:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/2017/210e.jpg

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Loughgall's End of Season Awards:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/2017/210f.jpg

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Loughgall's 2015/2016 Season Review:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/2017/210g.jpg

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Loughgall's End of Season Confidence Review:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/2017/210h.jpg

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Loughgall's Season Injury List:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/2017/210i.jpg

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Loughgall's Stats:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/2017/210j.jpg

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Loughgall's Best Eleven:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/2017/210k.jpg

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Manager's Season'sThoughts:
My third season with Loughgall and a season I hoped we could see promotion but the team just didn't rise to the occasion this season. Our league performances were average, while our cup performances once again were quite good as we reached two finals and won the Intermediate Cup for the 2nd year running.

Over the season, I've been offered several Interviews for Manager positions with other clubs, several of which I feel I couldn't help as they were virtually relegated as it was and I would be out of a job within months, or weeks of joining them. I failed in the Altrincham job, but I have been approached for the Montrose job and are seriously considering joining them as their new manager and making a move to Scotland.

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Next: New Job On The Horizon?
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#308410 Hell to Heaven: Diary of a Football Manager

guk99

11 years ago

4 years ago

107

14 Jan 2016 19:08:49

May 2018:

=========================================================================
Manager To Leave?:
Loughgall's chairman, Aaron Butcher has invited manager John Smith to enter into discussions into a new contract with the club's board. It's believed he has declined the invitation to begin talks and rumours circulating around the area is that he could be on his way to Morton who have approached him to become their new manager.
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Nothern Irish Cup Winners:
Lurgan Celtic have won the Northern Irish Cup after a 1-0 win over Cliftonville at Windsor Park.
=========================================================================
Player of the Year Award:
West Bromwich Albion's Jonny Evans has won the Northern Irish Player of the Year award. The 30 year-old had a solid year, with an average rating of 7.22 in 27 games.
=========================================================================
Staff Members Sign New Deal:
Under 18s Manager Glenn Taggart
Scout Pat Wall
Under 18s Fitness Coach James Slater
Hea of Youth Development James Storey
Scout Paul Carlyle
Physio Gerard Stevenson
Assistant Manager Jason Lindsay
Under 18s Assistant Manager Jonathan Watson
Fitness Coach Conor McKee
=========================================================================
Staff Members Reject New Deal:
Head Physio Conor McCartney
Chief Scout Jim Kelly
=========================================================================
League Award:
Loughgall have been given £1.0ek for their final position in the NIFL Championship League 1.
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Top Goalscorer:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/2017/210a.jpg

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May 2018: Other News:

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New Appointments/Firings:
04/05 - St. Mirren have appointed Jeff Spiers as their new manager.
05/05 - Wycombe Wanderers have sacked their manager Jim Bentley.
06/05 - Blackburn fire their manager Aitor Karanka.
06/05 - Cambridge have sacked manager Guy Branston.
06/05 - Cheltenham Town have sacked their manager Steve Tilson.
06/05 - Ipswich Town have fired manager Mick McCarthy.
06/05 - Kidderminster have sacked manager Luke Gerrard.
06/05 - Portsmouth have dismissed manager Matty Taylor.
06/05 - Cliftonville have fired manager Michael Duff.
06/05 - St. Johnstone have sacked Malky Mackay as their manager.
07/05 - Morecambe have unveiled Lee Clark as their new manager.
09/05 - Cliftonville have announced Mark Duff as their new manager.
13/05 - Swansea City have sacked manager Huw Jenkins.
14/05 - Brentford have sacked their manager Lee Carsley.
15/05 - Arsenal have terminated the contract of their manager Jurgen Klopp.
15/05 - Middlesbrough have sacked their manager Nigel Clough.
15/05 - Carrick have sacked their manager Jimmy Quinn.
20/05 - Albion Rovers have sacked manager Jim Chapman.
=========================================================================
Best Player In Europe Awards
1. Lionel Messi (FC Barcelona)
2. James Rodriguez (Real Madrid)
3. Luis Suarez (FC Barcelona)

European Golden Shoe:
1. Ayoze Perez (Newcastle)
2. Jackson Martinez (Atletico Madrid)
3. Edinson Cavani (PSG)
=========================================================================
Other League/Cup Reviews:
European Champions Cup
Manchester City defeated Barcelona 1-0 to win the European Cup.

Euro Cup
Roma win 2-1 against Athletic Bilbao to win the Euro Cup.

Euro Super Cup
Wolfsburg won the Euro Super Cup after beating Chelsea 2-1.

English Premier Division
Chelsea were crowned once more as Champions of the Premiership with 28 wins and amassing 87 points, 8 points ahead of 2nd place Manchester Utd. Arsenal secured 3rd and Tottenham grabbed 4th to secure Champioins Cup spots. Manchester City (5th) and Southampton (6th) see them enter the Euro Cup, as well as Stoke (7th).

Brentford saw themselves relegated after winning just 5 games all season, while West Brom and Watford join them in the Championship. Bournemouth just survived by the skin of their teeth of 1 point to secure Premiership opponents next season once more.

English Sky Bet Championship
Cardiff saw themselves named Championship winners with 26 wins and 85 points, 3 points ahead of Leicester who join them in the Premiership. Hull saw off Derby in the playoff to secure their spot next season in the top league.

Scunthorpe found themselves relegated to League 1 after 10 wins in the season, falling 6 points behind Walsall who also join them moving down a division. Barnsley and Blackburn saw themselves ease away in the last few matches to escape the battle and continue in the Championship for another season.

Sky Bet League 1
As expected, Sunderland bounce back to the Championship by winning the league 1 title with 26 wins and 86 points, but just ahead by 2 points of 2nd place MK Dons who join them. Bolton saw off Preston to rise also.

Oxford, Portsmouth and Cambridge found themselves down the bottom and relegated to League 2.

Sky Bet League 2
Fleetwood walked away with the League 2 title with 24 wins and gaining 84 points, 7 points ahead of 2nd place Barnet who are also joined by Leyton Orient and Oldham to move up to League 1 next season.

Bristol Rovers couldn't find a win on the final day as they salvaged a point only to see them relegated by just 1 point from York who escaped even with a final day defeat.

Vanarama National League
Eastleigh were named Vanarama National League Champions with 30 wins from 46 games and 98 points, a good 9 points more than 2nd place. Gateshead secured promotion after winning the playoff despite finishing 3rd.

Southport, Stockport and Sutton Utd were all relegated from the division, while Chester and Oxford survived for another season in the league.

Vanarama National League North
AFC Fylde have won promotion by winning the league on 79 points, 2 more than their 2nd place opponents. Tamworth who finished 4th secured their promotion via the playoffs.

Ilkeston, Kettering and FC United saw themselves relegated whle Corby just scraped out with a final day draw.

Vanarama League South
Hemel Hempstead won promotion along with Maidenhead who won the playoffs, while Farnborough, Kingstonian and Whitehawk were relegated as Truro despite defeat just escaped the drop despite equal points with Whitehawk.

English FA Trophy
Man Utd beat Man City on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the curtain raiser Charity Shield.

English FA Cup
Watford surprised everyone when they beat Chelsea 2-1 in the final to win the FA Cup.

Capital One Cup
Man Utd beat Crystal Palace 3-1 to win the Capital One Cup.

Johnson's Paint Trophy
Bristol City defeated Rochdale 1-0 to win the cup.

English FA Trophy
Grimsby beat Wrexham 2-1 to win the trophy.
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Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership
Celtic retained the title again winning 24 games and on 80 points and entry into the Champions League, 18 points more than 2nd place Dundee Utd, while Dundee came 3rd to join their neighbours 2 in the Euro cup draw along with Rangers who enter the competition despite just avoiding the drop on goal difference. Motherwell and St. Johnstone found themselves relegated.

Ladbrokes Scottish Championship
Hibernian won the title with 17 wins and 65 points, 2 points more than 2nd place Kilmarnock who also see themselves promoted. Ayr are relegated.

Ladbrokes Scottish League 1
Queen of the South are promoted winning the league by just 2 points, while Stranraer find themselves relegated.

Ladbrokes Scottish League 2
Clyde are promoted by 7 points, whle Albion Rovers find themselves relegated.

Scottish Cup
Hibernian beat Invernett CT 2-1 to win the Scottish Cup.

Scottish League Cup
Celtic completed the double by winning the League Cup 3-1 against Hearts.

Scottish League Challenge Cup
Alba won the Challenge Cup after beating Cowdenbeath on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the final.
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Next: End of Season Review
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#308409 Hell to Heaven: Diary of a Football Manager

guk99

11 years ago

4 years ago

107

14 Jan 2016 19:07:45

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April 2018:
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Sunday 1st April - Friday 6th April 2018:

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Manager To Leave?:
Loughgall's chairman, Aaron Butcher is rumoured to have invited manager John Smith into discuss a renewal of contract talks with the club's board today - but rumours are circulating that Smith has declined to discuss the situation at this time with the club.

Inside sources are saying that Smith believes he has taken the club as far as he can and wants a fresh start elsewhere. With the manager making headway with Loughgall over the past two years, reaching several semi-finals and finals of cup competitions - while also winning one last season, and the chance of another this season - Smith could be a wanted man by some of the lower league clubs elsewhere in the country.
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Board Unhappy With Manager Speaking Out!:
Loughgall's board are believed to be reportedly upset to hear that manager, John Smith has publicly stated that he would be interested in managing Bangor City in the Welsh Premier Division.

The directors feel that Smith still has a job to do at Lakeview Park and he should remain true to the club's players and fans by remaining where he is.
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Tuesday 3rd April 2018:
Nothern Irish Championship League 1 - Stage II: Playoff Match #1:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/2017/209a.jpg

Loughgall Crash & Burn!
Loughgall crashed to a heavy defeat in the opening match of the Stage II playoff games to Institute, despite taking a 2-0 lead in the match at the Riverside Stadium.

Hillen scored a belter of an opener in the 1st minute, just 38 seconds on the clock when he struck a sweet shot from outside the box that saw it fly into the top right corner to open the scoring in the game. Loughgall bided their time and held onto the ball in the 4th minute when a ball forward from Henderson was stopped by King - but his block was put into the path of Hillen who slid it home to score his second of the game and put Loughgall 2-0 up with just 5 minutes gone.

In the 15th minute, Institute pulled one back on their fightback as Forker played the ball to Rooney inside the box who got past his man and drove it into the near post to score. They pulled level just a minute later when a cross was cleared out of the box only to see Wright strike it on the volley and smash it into the roof of the net to bring his team back into the match.

Institute took the lead for the first time in the 40th minute in exactly the same way as before, where Forker found the ball on the right wing and sent it in to Rooney who broke free and stuck it in the same place as his first. Rooney got his hat-trick in the 67th minute from a free-kick by Hume who sent it into the box where he struck it home from close range to give the home side the win and shock Loughgall in the fightback that didn't look on after only 5 minutes in.

Manager's Thoughts:
Disastorous start, we were cruising after several minutes but saw it all fall apart and allowed them back into the game and win the match comfortably in the end. Bitterly disappointed at how we threw the match away. This leaves us in 6th spot in the Stage II playoffs.

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Job Interview:
Altrincham Chairman Adam Hanson has invited Loughgall's manager, John Smith to attend an interview with Altrincham's board as they wish to discuss the possibility of becoming their new manager. Altrincham currently stand in 8th spot in the Vanarama National League North, just 8 points off the play offs with 4 games left.

It is understood John Smith has attended the interview and awaits the outcome.
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Job Interview:
Montrose Chairman Derek Smith has invited Loughgall's manager, John Smith to attend an interview with Montrose's board as they wish to discuss the possibility of becoming their new manager. Montrose currently stand in 8th spot in the Vanarama Ladbrokes League 2 (Scotland), just 5 points off the relegation spot with 3 games left.

It is understood John Smith has attended the interview and awaits the outcome.
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Saturday 7th April - Friday 13th April 2018:

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Job Interview Failed:
Loughgall's manager, John Smith has been informed that Altrincham's board have carried out the interview process and decided against offering the job. They have hired Tommy Wright as their new manager.
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Tuesday 10th April 2018:
Nothern Irish Championship League 1 - Stage II: Playoff Match #2:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/2017/209b.jpg

Loughgall Fail To Impress!
Loughgall had more possession than their opponents in the game, but saw themselves fall to another defeat in their final push to claim a playoff spot as they gave away a goal each half of the match.

The first came in the 35th minute as a Robinson free-kick saw it drive around the wall and into the net. The second came in the 68th minute when Scott played in Maguire through the centre who cooly slotted it past the keeper to give the away side a comfortable 2-0 win.

Manager's Thoughts:
Another bad performance and another loss sees us lose ground in the playoffs. We find ourselves stuck in 6th spot now and need to do something if we have hope of moving forward.

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Saturday 14th April - Friday 20th April 2018:

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Saturday 14th April 2018:
Nothern Irish Intermediate Cup Final:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/2017/209c.jpg

Loughgall's Retain Imntermediate Cup!
A brace by striker Hillen, named Man of the Match was able to finally see off Knockbreda in the final played at the Seaview in today's Intermediate Cup final that saw Loughgall retain the title they won last year. Some will claim that Loughgall struck lucky with Knockbreda seeing their side down to ten men for the last half of the match, as well as extra-time but they possessed the most shots and could have scored by more on another day.

It took till early in the second half before the first goal was scored when a penalty was awarded to Knockbreda after Lowe clattered Phair inside the box as the referee pointed to the spot. Erwin stepped up to see his spotkick saved by Morris in goal, but he was able to get to the rebound and see it safely home to secure the opening goal for his side. Knockbreda went down to ten men in the 60th minute as McCullough upended Burns to pick up his second yellow card of the game - resulting in a red card and early bath which turned the game on it's head.

In the 62nd minute, Glenholmes cross found Hillen nip in as he stuck his foot out and see his shot ripple the back of the net to secure a comeback for Loughgall. In the opening minutes of extra-time, Hillen capitalized on a mistake in Knockbreda's defence as he ran onto a deflected clearance and sliced his shot in at the near post to score his second of the game and put his side in the lead.

Knockbreda's manager, Stephen Uprichard stated after the game that he believed the sending off of their man Steven McCullough was unjustified and the wrong decision which destroyed their game thereafter and allowed Loughgall back into the match. Loughgall's manager, John Smith was heard to say that while he was unclear on the sending off, he is delighted for his team at winning this competition for the second year running.

Manager's Thoughts:
A very difficult match but the sending off changed everything I believe and allowed us back into the game as we came from behind to win the Intermediate Cup for the 2nd year running, thanks to a brace by Hillen who was dangerous up front throughout the game. I hope this can be the jumpstart we need to push on in the last few games.

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Nothern Irish Intermediate Cup Winners:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/2017/209d.jpg

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Fans Jubilant In Victory:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/2017/209e.jpg

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Two Times Winners:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/2017/209f.jpg

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Loughgall Rewarded:
Loughgall have been awarded £6.65k for playing in the Northern Irish Intermediate Cup Final.
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Loughgall Rewarded:
Loughgall have been awarded £14.64k for winning against Knockbreda in the Northern Irish Intermediate Cup Final.
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Board Happy With Intermediate Cup Win:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/2017/209g.jpg

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Squad Bonus Payout:
Loughgall have paid out £4k to be shared among the squad on a pro-rate basis after winning the Intermediate Cup.
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Loughgall Set New Record:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/2017/209h.jpg

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Players Leaves:
Loughgall have announced that winger Conor Glenholmes has left the club on a free transfer. It is understood he is upset with manager, John Smith who hasn't played him as much as he had hoped despite assurances in the issue and was left with no choice but to demand to leave the club with immediate effect.
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Tuesday 17th April 2018:
Nothern Irish Championship League 1 - Stage II: Playoff Match #3:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/2017/209i.jpg

Loughgall Rescue Point!
Loughgall rescued a point against Limavady Utd today on a wet afternoon at Lakeview Park that has put a dent in their hopes of reaching the playoffs.

Sloppy passing allowed Limavady to break on Loughgall as Moore broke down the left side and played it into the box for Jennings to put it into the net and give the away side the lead. Loughgall struck level in injury time as they closed down the opposition, and they got the ball back. Burns picked up the ball in midfield, as he turned and looked forward before playing it through to Beacom who came in on the right wing and cooly slotted it past the keeper to secure a big point in the match for Loughgall in a game they looked dead and buried in.

Manager's Thoughts:
A game we really had to win if we had any thoughts of climbing the table but we were poor, and their keeper pulled off a magnificent save to keep it at 0-0 in the first half. We rescued a point in the end, but I feel it's too late now and we remain in 6th spot with 2 games left and we desperately need a win next game or else.

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Player Suspended:
Declan Carville and Ben Willson have both been given an automatic one match ban after collecting 32 points. Meanwhile, Matty Lowe has been given an automatic one match ban after collecting 20 points.
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Player Injured:
Gary Henderson has sustained a dislocated shoulder whilst being tackled in the match against Liverpool Under 21s in a B game. He will be out of action for 3 months.
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Player Injured:
Aaron Sills has suffered a facial injury after jumping for a header during the match against Liverpool Under 21s in a B game. He will be out of action for 12-15 days.
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Saturday 21st April - Friday 27th April 2018:

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Montrose Approach Loughgall Manager:
Montrose Chairman, Derek Sim is believed to have contacted John Smith, manager of Loughgall and offered him the job of becoming their next manager after being impressed with his record so far with his club.

It is understood that Smith has asked Montrose to put any talks of possibly taking over until the end of the season, as with only two games left in the Stage II play-offs for the NIFL C1 League - Loughgall have a very slim chance of still making the play-offs, albeit it will need a virtually impossible task of others performing poor against them and other teams helping them on the days in question.

Inside sources claim that Smith could make the jump to the Scottish Ladbrokes League 2 side at the end of the season when his contract runs out as he has struggled this season to get his team performing to the standards he's expected after such a good run last season, despite reaching one semi-final, two cup finals and also winning the Intermediate Cup for the second year running.
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Saturday 21st April 2018:
Nothern Irish Championship League 1 - Stage II: Playoff Match #5:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/2017/209j.jpg

Loughgall Rescue Point!
Loughgall were almost down to bare bones in today's match with three players suspended and another three out with injuries picked up in the last week or so. Despite this, they put up a brave performance that saw them leave the field with a point but saw any chance to reach the playoffs go up in smoke as they have once again struggled to perform in the Stage II round for the second year running.

The game ended up a boring 0-0 draw, despite a few chances for either team but both struggled to make something out of the important game as they each walked away with a point while Anderson picked up Man of the Match for Loughgall in midfield.

Manager's Thoughts:
A game that was make or break and sadly we couldn't pull off the win and this sees us with no chance anymore of doing much in the Stage II playoffs sadly. Another year of disappointment in the league that looks promising but fails miserably in the very end as we finish in 6th spot still.

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Loughgall Player Named In Team of the Week:
Gareth Buchanan was named in the Team of the Week.
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Saturday 28th April - Monday 30th April 2018:

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Saturday 28th April 2018:
Nothern Irish Championship League 1 - Stage II: Playoff Match #6:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/2017/209k.jpg

Loughgall Fight To Win!
Loughgall played at the top of their game today as they beat the champions Dergview in the final match of the Stage II playoffs - which will be adding questions to manager John Smith as to why they waited till the last game of the season to get a result and play as they did today.

The only goal of the game came from a Penalty in the 7th minute, after Maxwell brought Burns down in the box as he drove in on goal. Ferguson stepped up and smashed it home to secure a big win for Loughgall, while Dergview failed to impress despite winning the league.

Manager's Thoughts:
A performance I expected at the start, the boys left it till our final game to outperform and beat the Champions of the league and win 1-0. The win moves us up one spot to allow us to finish in a more respectable 5th in the league - albeit, if the league had run as normal we could have ended in 7th spot.

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Loughgall Player Named In Team of the Week:
Gareth Buchanan, Andrew Ferguson and Matthew McMahon were named in the Team of the Week.
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April 2018: Other News:

=========================================================================
New Appointments/Firings:
01/04 - Stirling have unveiled Todd Lumsden as their new manager.
03/04 - Millwall have announced the appointment of Neil Lennon as their new manager.
03/04 - Bath City have hired Carl Heeley as their new manager.
06/04 - Hampton & Richmond have appointed David Holdsworth as their new manager.
09/04 - Altrincham have unveiled Tommy Wright as their new manager.
14/04 - Morecambe have sacked their manager Kevin Blackwell.
28/04 - Stockport have parted company with manager Keith Briggs.
28/04 - Birmingham City have sacked their manager Tim Sherwood.
28/04 - Bromley have dismissed manager Daryl McMahon.
28/04 - Mansfield have sacked manager Ian Dawes.
28/04 - Ayr United have sacked manager Paul Sheerin.
29/04 - Wakehurst have dismissed their manager Nail Amos.
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Manager's Monthly Thoughts:
We ended the league in 5th spot, a little more respectable considering the season we had where we bounced around a lot with some bad results throughout. We were able to win the Intermediate Cup for the 2nd year running though which is one of the positives of the season - as well as Hillen's great performances in front of goal since joining us.

The final league tabled ended as follows:

The Stage II Mini-Group ended as follows:

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#308195 Hell to Heaven: Diary of a Football Manager

guk99

11 years ago

4 years ago

107

13 Jan 2016 20:19:04

=========================================================================
March 2018:
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=========================================================================

Thursday 1st March - Friday 9th March 2018:

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Saturday 3rd March 2018:
Nothern Irish Championship League 1 - Match #21:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/2017/208a.jpg

Loughgall Lose Big Match!
Loughgall may have put in two good displays to win in their previous matches, but fell back to earth with a crash as they saw their side lose to Institute in a disaster of a match for them.

Some nice passing by Institute saw Mitchell play in Hume who struck it well past the keeper to give the home side the lead. Doherty finished the game off in the 72nd minute from a free-kick by Black that found him at the far post as he smashed it into the net to secure the win and three points against a lasklustre Loughgall side.

Manager's Thoughts:
A very bad day at the office, as after a good couple of games we were just outclassed and outperformed by a better team on the day. I'm bitterly disappinted at this loss which sees us drop down again to 8th spot in the league and with one game left we need to go all out if we want to make those playoffs for promotion in the future.

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Saturday 10th March - Friday 16th March 2018:

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Saturday 3rd March 2018:
Nothern Irish Intermediate Cup Semi-Final:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/2017/208b.jpg

Loughgall Need Pens To Reach Final Again!
Loughgall reached the final of the Intermediate Cup for the second year running, but it took penalties to get there and an own goal as they have a chance of retaining their cup.

Ballymoney Utd took the lead in the 35th minute after a cross found McDowell inside the box whose shot was blocked only to see McCann drive into the box and sent it into the back of the net. Loughgall came back in the 80th minute as they broke forward with the ball as Hillen found Ferguson, who played in Carville who was nominated as Man of the Match as his shot looked to have been possibly saved by the keeper, only to see it deflect off the defender and see it go into the back of the net.

In extra-time, Carville scored to put Loughgall in the lead in the 100th minute as Ferguson crossed to find him in the box and he slotted it home. In the 109th minute, Connor played in Mitchell who drove on and was able to slide it past the keeper who rushed out to bring his side level and take it into the penalty shoot-out.

Penalties saw the first three men, one from Loughgall and two from Ballymoney have their spotkicks saved - before McDowells kick later was saved and Hillen stepped up to send his side into the final of the competition and hope of winning it.

Manager's Thoughts:
A good win against a very good side that saw us struggle at times but we held on and our penalties in past helped us prepare for this despite having one saved early on. Buchanan once again the hero in our goal on Penalties.

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Player Suspended:
Defender David Armstrong has been given an automatic one match ban after collecting 20 points.
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Saturday 17th March - Friday 23rd March 2018:

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Match Postponed:
The match between Loughgall vs Knockbreda has been postponed due to a waterlogged pitch at Lakeview Park. The fixture has been re-arranged for Tuesday 20th March 2018.
=========================================================================
Players Sold/Left:
Loughgall have announced that full centre-back Cathal McQuillan has joined Ards Rangers on a free transfer after struggling to find himself break into the first team.
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Tuesday 20th March 2018:
Nothern Irish Championship League - Match #22:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/2017/208c.jpg

Loughgall Fire Four Past Knockbreda!
Loughgall finished off the normal season with four great goals to send the home fans away happy against Knockbreda on a slightly damp evening at Lakeview Park.

The opener in the 17th minute came from a counter as Clarke played it forward for Hillen to get onto, as he sent it across to the far edge of the box where Burns put his laces through it and see it fly into the far corner to give them the perfect start to a big match. In the 27th minute, Ferguson converted from the Penalty spot to give the home side a 2-0 lead after Heneghan clattered Hillen inside the box and the referee gave the penalty kick to Loughgall.

A third came not long after in the 34th minute, when Montgomery's free-kick was played forward to Burns who played it to Hillen who latched onto it in the box and cracked it into the near post past the keeper. The final goal came just before half-time in the 45th minute as Burns, named Man of the Match was able to cross as it found the head of Hillen who nodded it home to secure a huge win for the home side.

Manager's Thoughts:
A great performance to end the normal season - a game we won comfortably and left me asking why we couldn't perform like this every week. In the end, it saw us finish the standard season in 6th and make the top half of the playoffs thankfully.

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/2017/208g.jpg

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Saturday 24th March - Saturday 31st March 2018:

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Player Injured:
Sean Cleary has suffered a sprained ankle after jumping for a header during the match against Sport & Leasure Reserves in a B game. He will be out of action for 7-9 weeks.
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Thursday 29th March 2018:
Nothern Irish Mid Ulster Cup Final:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/2017/208d.jpg

Loughgall Lose On Penalties!
Loughgall gave it all but just couldn't pull off the upset as Portadown secured a cup victory in the final played at the Newry Snowgrounds on a breezy and wet evening.

Both goals came in the first hald as a corner went over everyone before Breen got to the ball, turned and sent it back in where it found Stafford who drove it home to give Portadown the lead in the 22nd minute. Burns, captain of Loughgall brought his side back level in the 29th minute after a nice ball played to him by Carville saw him get inside the box and smash it home to give his side hope.

A second half and extra-time was unable to break either side down before the match went into Penalties. Despite Loughgall's good times from the spot in the cup runs of past, they were unable to pull off another as they saw their side fall at the final hurdle of the game.

Thompson and Redman (Portadown) as well as Anderson and Montgomery (Loughgall) saw their early kicks saved, before Hillen saw his shot well saved for Paton to step up and secure glory for Portadown as he slotted it home and ran to celebrate with his players and fans.

Manager's Thoughts:
A very tough game, and I was happy to take it to Penalties in the end but we just fell short against a very good side who on another day we maybe could have beaten. In the end we reached the final and I hope this heartbreak won't hurt the lads in the hope of pushing for a spot in the league Stage II playoffs.

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Northern Irish Mid Ulster Cup Payout:
Loughgall have paid out £1.2k to be shared among the squad on a pro-rata basis after finishing runners-up in the Mid Ulster Cup.
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=========================================================================

March 2018: Other News:

=========================================================================
New Appointments/Firings:
13/03 - Shrewsbury Town have unveiled Paul Konchesky as their new manager.
15/03 - Arbroath have unveiled Barry Ferguson as their new manager after leaving Stirling.
15/03 - Accrington have named John Dreyer as their new manager.
16/03 - Worcester have unveiled Steve Castle as their new manager.
17/03 - Altrincham have sacked their manager Matt Jansen.
17/03 - Millwall have sacked manager Mark Cooper.
20/03 - Dollingstown have appointed Dean Smith as their new manager.
29/03 - Berwich hire Jason Dair as their new manager after leaving Montrose.
31/03 - Bangor City have sacked their manager Neville Powell
31/03 - Dorchester have unveiled Jamie Howell as their new manager.
=========================================================================
International Friendlies:
England 4 - 1 Iran
Georgia 1 -1 Northern Ireland
=========================================================================
=========================================================================

Manager's Monthly Thoughts:
We ended the normal season in 6th spot, and a mixed season in the league as I expected better from us but we just haven't achieved our best in games. This month also saw us reach the final of the Intermediate Cup, as we lost to Portadown in the final of the Mid Ulster Cup sadly but put up a good battle and lost on pens.

Stage II begins in April with the league being split into 2 sections, top 6 and bottom 6. We just made the top half and it currently begins as follows:

April features Stage II of the league competition, as we begin with an away match to Institute (03/04), home to Larne (10/04), before we head off to face Knockbreda (14/04) in the Intermediate Cup Final on a Neutral ground. Our last league games come in the shape of Limavady Utd (17/04) at home, away to Dunganonn (21/04) then finish home to Dergview (28/04).

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#308194 Hell to Heaven: Diary of a Football Manager

guk99

11 years ago

4 years ago

107

13 Jan 2016 20:18:03

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February 2018:
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Thursday 1st February - Friday 9th February 2018:

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Saturday 3rd February 2018:
Nothern Irish Championship League 1 - Match #18:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/2017/207a.jpg

Loughgall Go Down With Ease!
Loughgall were helpless as they were destroyed by Annagh in this league encounter. Although Annagh looked dominant throughout, it wasn't until the 57th minute that they scored when a corner by Donnelly found Stretton in the box who headed home to give them the lead.

The second goal came ten minutes later when in the 69th minute the ball was passed around outside the box before it found Magee who played it back inside for Forsyth who turned and struck a sweet strike into the far corner to secure the good win for the away side as Loughgall couldn't raise their game to put up any form of a fight.

Manager's Thoughts:
A very bad game and an awful performance saw us lose the match too easily for me, and I wasn't happy with the team at the end of the match. Although we lost, other games went for us that saw us remain in 8th in the league.

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Friday 9th February 2018:
Nothern Irish Championship League 1 - Match #19:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/2017/207b.jpg

Loughgall Edge Out Opponents!
Loughgall took the game to Distillery at Lakeview Park and picked up the three points to help them in the league as Hillen scored a brace to give them a valuable win.

The first goal came in the 14th minute, when Henderson picked up on a loose pass in his own half as he saw the opening and played it forward towards Hillen who was in-between the two defenders spaced out and allowed to run onto the ball and through on goal. Closed down just at the edge of the box, Hillen took his strike and smashed it low into the corner to help Loughgall take the lead.

Hillen scored his second, when Glenholmes collected the ball on the left side and played him in as he paced past his marker and into the box before curling the shot around the keeper and into the net. Distillery pulled one back in the 72nd minute when a ball played across was not defended well and allowed Smyth to collect and turn to play it back towards O'Sullivan who cracked it home from close range to score but his side couldn't find that important equalizer as Loughgall held out for a win.

Manager's Thoughts:
A good return to form as we saw off Distillery in a tight match to see us rise to 6th spot in the league.

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Saturday 10th February - Friday 16th February 2018:

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Tuesday 13th February 2018:
Nothern Irish Championship League 1 - Match #20:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/2017/207c.jpg

Loughgall Rescue Point!
Loughgall rescured a point away to Portstewart at Seahaven today that saw the home side the better of the two and will be disappointed at not securing the three points on the day, while Matty Lowe dominated the midfield for Loughgall and secured the title of Man of the Match.

Portstewart played it out from defence that saw the ball swing from the left side to right wing where Donnell whipped it to the far post and find Donan running in and smash it past the keeper to give the home side the lead. Loughgall secured a point through sloppy play by the home side that allowed them the ball and they drove on as Carville saw a magnificent strike from a good 40 yards out hit the post, rebound off the back of the keeper as Hillen rushed in and able to knock it into the net from close range to give the away side a point from nothing.

Manager's Thoughts:
We had to come from behind to get anything out of this game, and worked hard to earn it in the end as we find ourselves drop down one to 7th in the league.

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Saturday 17th February - Friday 23rd February 2018:

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Saturday 17th February 2018:
Nothern Irish Intermediate Cup Quarter-Final:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/2017/207d.jpg

Loughgall Save Cup Run!
Loughgall had to come from behind after a poor first-half display to fight back and see them into the semi-finals of the Intermediate Cup once more as they saw off Glebe at Riada Stadium.

Glebe scored the first goal that shocked the away side in the 11th minute when a ball by Ewart was played inside to Mawhinney who struck it sweetly as it sliced into the near post to give them the lead. Loughgall fought back minutes into the second-half when Henderson played it out to Glenholmes on the left wing, who crossed to the near post to find Hillen drive forward and slot it home to bring them level.

Loughgall finally secured the comeback to see them into the semi-finals in injury time, when in the 116th minute Beacom crossed from the right byline to find Glenholmes come in and smash it inside the net to give the away team some breathing room as they sailed onto the final whistle and secure a place in the next round.

Manager's Thoughts:
We weren't that good at the start, but thankfully a few words changed us and we came out in the second-half to come back and pick up the win against a good side. This puts us in the semi-final, a competition we won last year.

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Northern Irish Intermediate Cup Semi-Final Draw:
Ballymoney United vs Loughgall
The tie to be played on Tuesday 13th March 2018.
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Saturday 25th February - Friday 31st February 2018:

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Tuesday 27th February 2018:
Nothern Irish Mid Ulster Cup Semi-Final:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/2017/207e.jpg

Loughgall Take The Spoils!
Loughgall put on a display that any manager would have been proud of, as they blew away the Danske Bank Premier League side Glenavon with ease to secure a spot in the final of the Mid Ulster Cup.

Although Loughgall looked comfortable throughout the game, it took till the second-half to find their feet in front of goal. They scored their first when McNally tried to play it past Burns who blocked the pass and it fell to Hillen who ran onto the ball and drive towards the box. He got inside, before rounding the keeper and taking him out of position to score into an empty net.

The seond goal saw Carville play Glenholmes through from the left wing as he slotted it past the keeper to the shock of the Glenavon fans but ecstasy of the Loughgall fans. They sealed the win in style when Glenholmes corner was met by McMahon's thumping header that flew into the back of the net.

Manager's Thoughts:
Absolutely fantastic, a performance worthy of winning the cup - albeit this is only the semis. We were told we had no chance in this match, but we rose to the occasion and destroyed the Premiership side over every inch of the pitch and should have won by more.

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Player Suspended:
Midfielder Matthew McMahon has been given an automatic one match ban after being sent off in the cup match with Glenavon.
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Northern Irish Mid Ulster Cup Final:
Portadown vs Loughgall
The tie to be played on Thursday 29th March 2018.
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February 2018: Other News:

=========================================================================
New Appointments/Firings:
10/02 - Bradford PA have hired Anthony Johnson.
12/02 - Plymouth have announced Warren Feeney as their new manager after leaving Dagenham & Redbridge.
13/02 - Clyde have unveiled James McFadden as their new manager after leaving Elgin City.
14/02 - Welling have unveiled Gavin Rose as their new manager after leaving Dulwich Hamlet.
17/02 - North Ferriby have signed Marcus Law as their new manager.
18/02 - Hartlepool have unveiled Lee Johnson as their new manager.
19/02 - Margate have hired Hayden Bird as their new manager after leaving Whitehawk.
21/02 - Fleetwood have unveiled Declan Farmer as their new manager after leaving Northampton.
23/02 - Notts County have announced John Coleman as their new manager after leaving Accrington.
24/02 - Worcester have unveiled Carl Heeley as their new manager.
24/02 - Stranraer have sacked their manager Brian Reid.
24/02 - Knockbreda unveil Stephen Uprichard as their new manager.
24/02 - Salford have signed David Bayliss as their new manager.
26/02 - Bristol City have unveiled Kristian O'Leary as their new manager.
27/02 - Shrewsbury have sacked their manager John Dreyer.
27/02 - Dagenham & Redbridge have announced John Sheridan as their new manager.
28/02 - Gateshead have unveiled Paul Cox as their new manager.
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Manager's Monthly Thoughts:
We ended the month in 7th spot after a good win saw us rise slightly but a draw and defeat pushed us back down the league. We reached the final of the Mid Ulster Cup, and Semis in the Intermediate Cup - if we can win one we've done well again, if we can win both we've overachieved in the cups.

March concludes the standard season before the Stage II begins, as we begin with an away tie to Stute (03/03),before we have an Intermediate Cup Semi-Final clash with Ballymoney Utd (13/03), before our final league game against Knockbreda (17/03). Our final game of the month sees us face Portadown in the Mid Ulster Cup Final.

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#308121 Hell to Heaven: Diary of a Football Manager

guk99

11 years ago

4 years ago

107

13 Jan 2016 13:41:00

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January 2018:
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Monday 1st January - Friday 5th January 2018:

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Tuesday 2nd January 2018:
Nothern Irish Championship League 1 - Match #17:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/2017/206a.jpg

Loughgall Held To Draw!
Loughgall will have considered themselves slightly unfortunate to only collect a point in a match they could have won had it not been for a late equalizer.

Loughgall took the lead in the 33rd minute as Burns broke free down the right wing and had plenty of time to pick his spot, where he saw Hillen and played it into the box for him to head into the near post to give the away side the lead. Dungannon came level and secured a point for their side late in the 86th minute when a corner was cleared but they held the ball well and attacked once more where it found Quinn who found Carney on the far post who headed it home to the delight of the home fans.

After the game, Loughgall's manager was said to be angry at letting the lead slip away in a match they dominated and claimed they should have got more out of it while Dungannon manager, Chris McConnell agreed that his side were lucky to have escaped with a point and Loughgall should have won it. Matty Lowe picked up Man of the Match for his domineering performance in midfield for Loughall.

Manager's Thoughts:
We should have won this game, but we couldn't hold on to the lead in a match we controlled for most of the game. We walk away with a disappointing draw that keeps us in 8th spot.

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Saturday 6th January - Friday 12th January 2018:

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Saturday 6th January 2018:
Nothern Irish Cup 5th Round:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/2017/206b.jpg

Loughgall Crash Out Of Cup!
Loughgall were 2-0 down and looked buried at half-time as they struggled to overcome powerful side Ballymena Utd in this cup tie that saw Loughgall crash out of the cup for another year.

Ballymena controlled the match from kick-off, and it was in the 29th minute when a ball that should have been cleared found it's way from Casement's ball over the top towards Shevlin who found space as he drove inside the box and slotted it past the keeper. The second, and killer goal came just before half-time when Clarke collected the ball from a throw-in deep in Loughgall's half before he turned and played it into the box for Cushley who took a step to the side and drove it into the low corner to secure the win.

McMahon, who despite being named Man of the Match saw himself on the scoresheet brought a glimmer of hope to the away side in the 89th minute from a free-kick crossed in by Burns as he broke behind the wall and headed past the keeper to score a goal which in the end couldn't help his side as they walked away and out of the cup.

Manager's Thoughts:
We gave it everything but really, Ballymena Utd were just too good for us on the day despite our best efforts to get back into the game after going 2-0 down at half-time. We go out of the cup, but can be proud of the lads effort.

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Job Interview:
Albion Rovers Chairman Pat Gillooly has invited Loughgall's manager, John Smith to attend an interview with Albion's board as they wish to discuss the possibility of becoming their new manager. Albion currently stand in 10th spot, last place with slight chance of survival this season in the Ladbrokes League 2 (Scotland).

It is understood John Smith has declined the invitation.
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Players Sold:
Loughgall have announced that full back Ross Black has joined Institute on a free transfer. Loughgall's supporters and manager are understood to be very unhappy with this decision to leave the club at this time.
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Saturday 13th January - Friday 19th January 2018:

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Match Postponed:
The match between Loughgall vs Distillery has been postponed due to a waterlogged pitch at Lakeview Park. The fixture has been re-arranged for Tuesday 30th January 2018.
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Player Injured:
Aaron Sills has suffered a damaged heel after being on the receiving end of a tackle in the match against Lurgan Celtic Reserves in a B match. He will be out of action for 2-3 weeks.
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Saturday 20th January - Friday 26th January 2018:

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Job Interview:
FC United of Manchester's Chairman Andy Walsh has invited Loughgall's manager, John Smith to attend an interview with United's board as they wish to discuss the possibility of becoming their new manager. United currently stand in 20th spot, 3rd from bottom in the relegation zone in the Vanarama National League North - with a chance of still escaping the battle.

It is understood John Smith has declined the invitation.
=========================================================================
Saturday 20th January 2018:
Nothern Irish Mid Ulster Cup Quarter-Final:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/2017/206c.jpg

Loughgall See Off Dollingstown!
Loughgall's Hillen scored a brace to secure a good win for his side in a comfortable match that never really saw them need to get into second gear to win the match, as it sees them go into another semi-final of a cup competition.

The first came in the 23rd minute when Burns crossed from the right edge of the box which passed everyone - including the keeper who let it go only to see Hillen slide in and knock it into the empty net. He scored his second of the day on the 36th minute when Henderson played a ball over the top and he rounded the keeper to cooly slide it home and secure the win, as well as pick up the Man of the Match for his outstanding performance.

Dollingstown could have scored a concelation goal, when in the 86th minute Burns was adjudged to have pushed Walker in the box and the referee pointed to the spot. Montgomery stepped up only to see Buchanan - who has a fantastic penalty save record stop the ball getting past him and clear it to keep a clean sheet.

Manager's Thoughts:
A good, comfortable victory as we walked away with the win and into the semi-finals of another competition.

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Player Returns From Injury:
Goalkeeper Elliott Morris has begin full training following his lay-off from a chest injury.
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Northern Irish League Cup Winners:
Crusaders have won the Northern Irish League Cup after a 5-1 mauling over Coleraine at Solitude.
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Northern Irish League Cup Review:
Loughgall were named by FourFourTwo as one of the overachievers in the competition.

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/2017/206f.jpg

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Northern Irish League Cup Payout:
Loughgall have paid out £725 to be shared among the squad on a pro-rata basis after reaching the Semi-Final in the League Cup.
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Northern Irish Mid Ulster Cup Semi-Final Draw:
Loughgall vs Glenavon
The tie to be played on Tuesday 27th February 2018.
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Saturday 27th January - Wednesday 31st January 2018:

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Saturday 20th January 2018:
Nothern Irish Mid Ulster Intermediate Cup 4th Round:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/2017/206d.jpg

Loughgall Ease Into Next Round!
Loughgall secured a 1-0 victory against lowely side Derriaghy to secure a place in the Quarter-Finals of the Intermediate Cup for another year.

Glenholmes drove at the defence in the 29th minute as he played in Johnston who saw his strike from close range stopped by the keeper - only to have Carville run in and snatch the rebound into the net to secure the win and help him pick up Man of the Match in a game his side never looked like losing.

Manager's Thoughts:
A solid win against a side we should easily have beaten, but a few changes seemed to disrupt our play but we are through to the next round of the cup.

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Northern Irish Intermediate Cup Quarter-Final Draw:
Glebe vs Loughgall
The tie to be played on Saturday 17th February 2018.
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Fixture Re-Arranged:
The Portstewart vs Loughgall NIFL Championship League 1 match has been re-arranged for Tuesday 13th February due to the clash with the Glebe vs Loughgall Intermediate Cup match.
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New Signing:
Loughgall have announced that full-back Dale Montgomery has agreed terms with the club on a free transfer.
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New Staff Member:
Loughgall have announced that Gerard Stevenson has agreed terms with the club to become a Physio. Dundela will receive £1,900 in compensation for their loss.
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Player Returns From Injury:
Aaron Sills has begin full training following his lay-off from a damaged heel.
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Match Postponed:
The match between Loughgall vs Distillery has been postponed due to a waterlogged pitch at Lakeview Park. The fixture has been re-arranged for Friday 9th February 2018.
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January 2018: Other News:

=========================================================================
New Appointments/Firings:
01/01 - Oxford United have terminated the contract of manager Chris Wider.
02/01 - Gap Connah Quay have parted company with manager Andy Morrison.
05/01 - Kingstonian have hired Alan Devonshire as their new manager.
06/01 - Brackley have named Jimmy Albans as their new manager.
07/01 - Truro have unveiled Adam Flanagan as their new manager.
09/01 - Aston Villa have comfirmed Roberto Donadoni as their new manager after leaving Bologna.
12/01 - York have unveiled Andy Scott as their new manager after leaving Hartlepool.
12/01 - Sutton Utd have announced Mark Goldberg as their new manager.
13/01 - Hednesford have unveiled Tim Harris as their new manager after leaving Gloucester.
13/01 - Portsmouth have sacked their manager Paul Cook.
13/01 - Bala Town have sacked manager Colin Caton.
13/01 - Wycombe Wanderers have dismissed their manager Gareth Ainsworth.
13/01 - Watford have unveiled Carlo Ancelotti as their new manager.
14/01 - Charlton Athletic have announced Jean-Francois Gillet as their new manager.
14/01 - Ebbsfleet have unveiled John Eustace as their new manager.
14/01 - Bristol Rovers have unveiled Darrell Clarke as their new manager.
14/01 - Hibernian have announced Ian Murray as their new manager after leaving St. Mirren.
15/01 - Albion Rovers have unveiled Jim Chapman as their new manager after leaving East Stirlingshire.
16/01 - Sligo Rovers have unveiled Aaron Callaghan as their new manager.
17/01 - Chesterfield have unveiled John Morling as their new manager.
17/01 - Rangers have announced Maurice Malpas has been sacked as manager.
18/01 - Burton have unveiled Dean Smith as their new manager.
20/01 - Maidenhead have hired Rob Smith as their new manager.
20/01 - Plymouth have sacked manager Derek Adams.
20/01 - Solihull Moors have terminated the contract of their manager Dennis Greene.
20/01 - Ilkeston have sacked manager Justin Merritt.
20/01 - West Bromwich Albion have dismissed manager Tony Pulis.
24/01 - Morecambe have unveiled Kevin Blackwell as their new manager.
26/01 - Corby have unveiled Steve Housham as their new manager.
26/01 - Portsmouth have unveiled Matty Taylor as their new manager.
28/01 - St. Mirren have appointed Ian Murray in temporary charge of first-team affairs.
29/01 - Gloucester have hired Kevin Wilson as their new manager.
30/01 - FC United have confirmed Billy Heath as their new manager after leaving North Ferriby.
31/01 - Rangers have unveiled George Burley as their new manager.
31/01 - East Stirlingshire have named Craig Tully as their new manager.
31/01 - Wycombe Wanderers have named Jim Bentley as their new manager after leaving Fleetwood.

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End of Year World Awards:
World Golden Ball Award
1st: Lionel Messi. (FC. Barcelona)
2nd: Christiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
3rd: James Rodriguez (R. Madrid)

World Player of the Year Award
1st: Lionel Messi. (FC. Barcelona)
2nd: James Rodriguez (R. Madrid)
3rd: Christiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)

European Golden Boy Award
Abdelhak Nouri (AFC Ajax)

World Team of the Year Award:
M. Neuer (Bayern Munich)
Marcelo (R. Madrid), L. Bonucci (Juventus), A. Laporte (Man Utd), Marquinhos (PSG)
K. DeBruyne (Man City), A. Florenzi (Man City)
C. Ronaldo (R. Madrid), Neymar (FC Barcelona), J. Rodriguez (R. Madrid)
L. Messi (FC Barcelona)
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Manager's Monthly Thoughts:
We ended the month still in 8th spot after only playing 1 league match this month due to cup matches getting in the way, while going out in the Irish Cup but proceeding on in the others.

February sees us begin with an home league tie to Annagh (03/02) before we face Distillery (09/02) at home, then away to Portstewart (13/02) in the league. An away tie against Glebe (17/02) in the Intermediate Cup Quarter-Final before a match against Glenavon (27/02) in the Mid Ulster Cup Semi-Final at a Neutral ground to end the month.

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#308120 Hell to Heaven: Diary of a Football Manager

guk99

11 years ago

4 years ago

107

13 Jan 2016 13:39:39

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December 2017:
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Friday 1st December - Friday 8th December 2017:

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Saturday 2nd December 2017:
Northern Irish Cup 4th Round:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/2017/205a.jpg

Loughgall Stylish In Big Win!
Loughgall saw off minnows Lower Maze in style as they put four goals past the smaller side to secure themselves into the next round of the Irish Cup.

The first came from a free-kick in the 13th minute, as Beacom played it into the box from the left side of midfield where Hillen got to it and sent it to goal - only to see the keeper pull off a good save, but Armstrong followed up and cracked it into the net to score his first goal for the club.

The second came in the 20th minute, as Beacom was once again instrumental as he drove down the left wing and crossed as this time Hillen's powerful header was able to sail into the far corner of the net and secure a 2-0 lead. Loughgall were 3-0 up by half-time when Beacom drove off on another run before crossing to the far post where Burns came running in to score and put away any doubts of Maze Town making a comeback.

Just after half-time, Donnelly sent the ball into the box where it found Gallagher who turned his man on the spot and struck a sweet shot that flew past the keeper to give the away side something to remember on the day. But this was Beacom's day as he picked up Man of the Match as he collected it on the left side and sent it to the far post where Carville saw his shot saved and an almighty scramble for the ball saw it end up in the net by Lynch in defence who held his head in his arms in defeat.

Manager's Thoughts:
A fantastic performance and one we are capable of on the right day as we dismantled the amateur side and cruised to a comfortable victory despite concening a goal.

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Northern Irish Mid Ulster Cup Quarter Final Draw:
Dollingstown vs Loughgall
The tie to be played on Saturday 20th January 2018.
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Fixture Re-Arranged:
The Loughgall vs Distillery NIFL Championship League 1 match has been re-arranged for Tuesday 16th January 2018 due to the clash with the Dollingstown vs Loughgall Mid Ulster Cup match.
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Saturday 9th December - Friday 15th December 2017:

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Saturday 9th December 2017:
Nothern Irish Championship League 1 - Match #15:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/2017/205b.jpg

Loughgall Upset Leaders!
Loughgall came away from Inver Park, home of league leaders Larne after snatching a goal and three points as they limited the home side to just a single shot on target throughout the entire match.

The only goal came in the 13th minute as Hillen outside the box was able to turn sharply and play in Burns who was unmarked on the edge as he drove inside and slotted it home to give the away fans the delight of picking up a good victory against the leaders.

Manager's Thoughts:
An amazing performance that saw us beat the league leaders Larne as we dominated from kick-off and took the game to our opponents with some great chances. Despite the great win, we saw our team drop down to 8th in the league.

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Loughgall's Players Named In Team of the Week:
Andrew Ferguson, David Armstrong and Ross Black were named in the Team of the Week.
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Northern Irish Cup 5th Round Draw:
Ballymena Utd vs Loughgall
The tie to be played on Saturday 6th January 2018.
=========================================================================
Fixture Re-Arranged:
The Dungannon vs Loughgall NIFL Championship League 1 match has been re-arranged for Tuesday 2nd January 2018 due to the clash with the Ballymena Utd vs Loughgall Irish Cup match.
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Tuesday 12th December 2017:
Nothern Irish League Cup Semi-Finals:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/2017/205c.jpg

Loughgall Unlucky In Defeat!
Loughgall pushed Coleraine of the Dankse Bank Premier League all the way, but in the end they just failed to secure a final place as they saw themselves go out on Penalties after putting up a good battle in a great match between two top sides.

Loughgall took the lead in the 13th minute when Beacom played it across for Hillen to head it home to take a 1-0 lead. Coleraine saw a lucky break in the 19th minute, when a ball crossed by Leonard saw a clearance deflect off McMahon in the box and land at the feet of Hale who needed two chances to put it past the keeper and equalize for his side.

Loughgall retook the lead just before half-time as Carville played in burns who ran past his marker and slotted it around the keeper to put his side back in front. Coleraine will have to send a thank you card to Loughgall after this match though, as they saw their mistake once more lead to an equalizer in the 85th minute. A corner played in saw Law's strike well saved, which rebounded and bounced around before an attempted clearance saw it come off Burns and into his own net to bring them back level.

In the penalty shoot-out that followed, Burns saw his penalty kick saved, then Hale saw his potential winning spot kick saved also as it went to sudden death. Armstrong finally saw his kick saved by the keeper, which allowed Moan to drive it home and secure the final for Coleraine in a match they will have considered themselves lucky to have won.

Manager's Thoughts:
I couldn't have asked for anything more from the lads in todays game. We should have won the match had it not been for a fluke own goal and a bad first goal to give away, but the lads can be proud of our game today as we took a Dankse Bank Premiership side all the way and it could have been either team to go through to the final on Penalties.

=========================================================================
Cup Run Reward:
Loughgall have been given £2.41k after losing against Coleraine in the Northern Irish League Cup Semi Final.
=========================================================================

Saturday 16th December - Friday 22nd December 2017:

=========================================================================
Player Injured:
Gary Henderson has suffered a bruised rib after jumping for a header during the match against Ards Reserves in a B match. He will be out of action for 11-14 days.
=========================================================================
Job Interview:
Airdrieonians Chairman Tom Wotherspoon has invited Loughgall's manager, John Smith to attend an interview with Airdrie's board as they wish to discuss the possibility of becoming their new manager. It is understood Smith has accepted the opportunity to be interviewed, claiming jobs like this do not come along every day.
=========================================================================

Saturday 23rd December - Friday 31st December 2017:

=========================================================================
Saturday 23rd December 2017:
Nothern Irish Intermediate Cup 3rd Round:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/2017/205d.jpg

Loughgall Edge Nervy Cup Tie!
Loughgall, despite seeing themselves knocked out of the semi-final in their previous match were able to raise their game slightly and see off Crusaders Reserves in a nervy game that ended 2-1.

Loughgall took the lead in the 6th minute as they attacked with the ball which found Burns, named Man of the Match who whipped it in from the right wing to find Beacom at the left post to slide it home. They could have taken a 2-0 lead in the 31st minute as Friars brought down Hillen in the box only to have Beacom's penalty kick saved by Quinn to keep them in the match.

Loughgall were able to take a 2-0 lead eventually from a throw-in near the halfway line as it was played forward where Hillen was smart enough to head the ball on towards Burns who ran in behind everyone and strike it into a virtually open net as the keeper rushed out and misjudged the ball's path.

Crusaders saw them pull a goal back in the 54th minute to create an edgy atmosphere thereafter as Verner scored from a scrambled corner kick to bring them within touching distance - but in the end they couldn't find the one more they needed as Loughgall saw themselves over the line to win and guide themselves into the next round of the compeition.

Manager's Thoughts:
We got lucky with that game, against a side that are considered Reserves but took us apart.

=========================================================================
Northern Irish Intermediate Cup 4th Round Draw:
Derriaghy C.C.F.C. vs Loughgall
The tie to be played on Saturday 27th January 2018.
=========================================================================
Fixture Re-Arranged:
The Dungannon vs Loughgall NIFL Championship League 1 match has been re-arranged for Tuesday 2nd January 2018 due to the clash with the Ballymena Utd vs Loughgall Irish Cup match.
=========================================================================
Job Interview:
Barry Town Chairman Mathew Sheehan has invited Loughgall's manager, John Smith to attend an interview with Barry's board as they wish to discuss the possibility of becoming their new manager. Barry Town currently stand in 12th spot, last place with slim chance of survival this season in the Dafabet Welsh Premier League division.

It is understood John Smith has declined the invitation.
=========================================================================
Job Interview Failed:
Loughgall's manager, John Smith has been informed that Airdrieonians board have carried out the interview process and decided against offering the job. They have hired Gavin Arthur as their new manager.
=========================================================================
Saturday 26th December 2017:
Nothern Irish Championship League 1 - Match #16:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/2017/205e.jpg

Loughgall Fight For Draw!
Ballyclare will have hoped for a win, but came out of todays game with a draw in this boxing day clash. Gardiner scored the opener for the home side in the 11th minute from the penalty spot after Black clattered McIlveen inside the box as the referee pointed straight to the spot.

McConnell played Carville inside, who grabbed Man of the Match in the 70th minute which allowed him space to take aim and strike it low into the far corner past the keeper's fingertips to bring Loughgall level and give them a good point away to Ballyclare.

Manager's Thoughts:
A bad performance in which we never really looked deadly with the ball, and lucky enough to come away with a draw against Ballyclare today. This draw has kept us into 8th place in the league.

=========================================================================
Player Injured:
Sean Cleary has suffered a bruised head after the defensive midfielder landed heavily during a training session. He will be out of action for 9-12 days.
=========================================================================
Player Injured:
Goalkeeper Elliott Morris has sustained a chest injury while lifting weights during training. He will be out of action for upto 4 weeks.
=========================================================================
Job Interview:
Newtown Chairman Elwyn Preece has invited Loughgall's manager, John Smith to attend an interview with Newtown's board as they wish to discuss the possibility of becoming their new manager. Newtown currently stand in 11th spot, 2nd from bottom with only a hope of survival this season in the Dafabet Welsh Premier League division.

It is understood John Smith has declined the invitation.
=========================================================================
=========================================================================

December 2017: Other News:

=========================================================================
New Appointments/Firings:
02/12 - Liverpool have sacked manager Paco Jemez after players lost confidence in him.
02/12 - Leamington have sacked their manager Carl MacAuley.
02/12 - Drogheda Utd have hired Kevin Deery as their new manager.
04/12 - Raith Rovers have unveiled Colin Cameron as their new manager.
04/12 - Hearts of Midlothian have sacked their manager Billy Stark.
05/12 - Stockport have announced Keith Briggs as their new manager.
05/12 - Chester have unveiled John Askey as their new manager.
05/12 - Macclesfield have parted company with their manager Darren Peacock.
05/12 - Finn Harps have unveiled Steven Gray as their new manager.
06/12 - Shelbourne have promoted Martin Murray to the role of manager.
07/12 - Glenavon have named Gary Haveron as their new manager after leaving Warrenpoint.
08/12 - Notthingham Forest have appointed Quique Flores as their new manager.
09/12 - Luton have sacked manager Adrian Boothroyd.
09/12 - Airdrie have departed company with their manager Gary Bollan.
12/12 - Liverpool have unveiled Frank de Boer as their new manager after leaving Crystal Palace.
17/12 - Aberdeen have sacked their manager George Burley.
18/12 - Glentoran have unveiled Paul Gaston as their new manager.
19/12 - Leamington have named Mark Hawkes as their new manager after leaving Kingstonian.
22/12 - Crystal Palace have unveiled David Moyes as their new manager.
23/12 - Doswell have dismissed Paul Doswell from his job as manager.
23/12 - Hednesford have sacked their manager Nicky Law.
23/12 Truro have terminated the contract of their manager Shaun Reid.
23/12 - Aston Villa have parted company with their manager Carlo Ancelotti.
24/12 - Hearts have unveiled Paul Lambert as their new manager.
25/12 - Macclesfield Town have brought Adam Murray back to the club as their new manager.
25/12 - Warrenpoint unveil Liam Feeney as their new manager.
26/12 - Airdrieonians have unveiled Gavin Arthur as their new manager.
27/12 - Luton Town have appointed Paul Ince as their new manager.
28/12 - Sigo Rovers have announced Eddie Wallace has left the club as manager and retired.
30/12 - Abderdeen have unveiled Alex McLeish as their new manager.
30/12 - Watford have sacked their manager Fernando Hierro.
30/12 - Charlton Athletic have dismissed manager Karel Fraeye.
30/12 - Burton Albion have parted company with their manager Jackie McNamara.
30/12 - Albion Rovers have sacked manager George Borg.
30/12 - Chesterfield have dismissed manager Dean Saunders.
30/12 - Bromley have named Daryl McMahon as their new manager after leaving Ebbsfleet.
=========================================================================
World Cup Group Stage Draw:
Group E:
England (8th), Argentina (1st), Congo (49th), Costa Rica (23rd)
=========================================================================

Manager's Monthly Thoughts:
We ended the month in 8th spot after a win and draw in the league. We also saw our side knocked out of the League Cup at the semi-final stage unfortunately, but move on in the other two cups.

The new year of January 2018 sees us kick off the year with an away match to Dungannon (02/01) in the league before an away tie to Ballymena Utd (06/01) in the Irish Cup 5th Round. A league match home to Distillery (16/01) is followed by an away match to Dollingstown (20/01) in the Mid Ulster Cup Quarter-Final, before we end the month with an away tie to Derriaghy (27/01) in the Intermediate Cup 4th Round.

=========================================================================

#307978 Hell to Heaven: Diary of a Football Manager

guk99

11 years ago

4 years ago

107

12 Jan 2016 20:52:41

=========================================================================
November 2017:
=========================================================================
=========================================================================

Wednesday 1st November - Friday 10th November 2017:

=========================================================================
Player Signs New Deal:
Loughgall have announced that Kevin Anderson has signed a new contract with the club.
=========================================================================
Player Returns From Injury:
Anto Burns has begin full training following his lay-off from broken ribs.
=========================================================================
Northern Irish Mid Ulster Cup 1st Round Draw:
Loughgall vs Dungannon Swifts
The tie to be played on Saturday 25th November 2017.
=========================================================================
Fixture Re-Arranged:
The Loughgall vs Donegal Cletic NIFL Championship League 1 match has been re-arranged for Tuesday 21st November 2017 due to the clash with the Loughgall vs Dungannon Mid Ulster Cup match.
=========================================================================
Staff Member Leaves:
Loughgall have announced that Head Physio Jim McVeigh has signed for Donegal Celtic after leaving the club. Loughgall will receive £4,100 in compensation for the loss of their staff member.
=========================================================================
Northern Irish Cup 4th Round Draw:
Loughgall vs Lower Maze
The tie to be played on Saturday 2nd December 2017.
=========================================================================
Tuesday 7th November 2017:
Northern Irish League Cup Quarter Final Match:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/2017/204a.jpg

Loughgall Rise To Occasion!
Loughgall saw themselves sail into the semi-finals of the League Cup after knocking out Ballymena Utd in a close fought encounter between two good sides on the day.

Loughgall took the lead in the 29th minute, when Beacom took a free-kick from just outside the box and he lobbed it inside where Carville had broken free behind the wall and headed it into the corner to give the away side the perfect start to the cup tie.

Ballymena drew level just a minute or so later, when Cushley sent the ball over from a corner to find the head of Gault who put it into the net to bring the home side back into the match. The winner came late, in the 89th minute of the game as Beacom sent the ball in from a corner as it drove low towards Burns who found himself unmarked near the penalty spot and he side-footed it into the corner to give Loughgall the victory and see them through into the next round of the competition.

Manager's Thoughts:
A fantastic result against a much better side as we pushed them all the way and came out with a great result that saw us through to the semi-finals, and see our fans celebrate by chanting our names at the end.

=========================================================================
New Staff Member:
Loughgall have announced that Conor McCartney has agreed terms with the club to become the new Head Physio, following Jim McVeigh's departure days prior.
=========================================================================

Saturday 11th November - Friday 17th November 2017:

=========================================================================
Northern Irish League Cup Semi-Final Draw:
Loughgall vs Coleraine
The tie to be played on Tuesday 12th December 2017.
=========================================================================
Saturday 11th November 2017:
Northern Irish Championship League Match #13:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/2017/204b.jpg

Loughgall Rescue Point In Dramatic Fashion!
Loughgall struggled against a good Limavady Utd side today, but were able to dig down deep and snatch a point from the game by scoring in injury time to break the home fans hearts with a big goal.

The opener came just before half-time when Kirgan had the ball on the left wing and crossed to find Jones nip in front of his marker and head it home as the keeper's fingertips were unable to keep the ball out of the back of the net. Loughgall got themselves a point as they pushed on late in the second half, where Ferguson in defence sent the ball forward as it found Hillen who ran onto it and slotted it calmly past the keeper who rushed out to the huge relief of the away fans at pulling off a snatch and grab draw out of nothing.

Manager's Thoughts:
A good result against a very tough side who are performaing well and started at 4th in the league. Despite going down to a late first-half goal, we kept in the game and I pushed the team forward in the dying 10 minutes in hope of rescuing a point and it came up trumps with a good point saved from nothing by the lads.

This point sees us drop down to 6th spot in the league.

=========================================================================
Loughgall's Players Named In Team of the Week:
Elliott Morris and Andrew Ferguson were named in the Team of the Week.
=========================================================================
Player Returns From Injury:
Conor Glenholmes has begun full training following his lay-off from a back strain.
=========================================================================

Saturday 18th November - Friday 24th November 2017:

=========================================================================
Saturday 18th November 2017:
Northern Irish Intermediate Cup 2nd Round:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/2017/204c.jpg

Loughgall Comfortable In Victory!
Loughgall controlled the game and never looked like losing, defending well from the back and not allowing the minnows any sniff at goal as they secure a victory to see them into the next round of the Intermediate Cup.

The only goal of the game came in the 4th minute as Burns whipped a ball in behind the defence from the right side, where Johnston ran in behind and was able to help it on past the keeper and score a good goal.

Manager's Thoughts:
A nice result despite the thought we should have won by more than the single goal, and I pushed the lads on in the second-half but couldn't find that killer goal to finish the game off unfortunately. We go through to the next round.

=========================================================================
Northern Irish Intermediate Cup 3rd Round Draw:
Crusaders Reserves vs Loughgall
The tie to be played on Saturday 23rd December 2017.
=========================================================================
Fixture Re-Arranged:
The Ballyclare vs Loughgall NIFL Championship League 1 match has been re-arranged for Tuesday 26th December 2017 due to the clash with the Crusaders Reserves vs Loughgall Intermediate Cup match.
=========================================================================
Smith Marks Century In Management:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/2017/204d.jpg

=========================================================================
Player Leaves Club:
Loughgall have announced that right-back Sean Roddy has joined Ards Rangers on a free transfer, sending shock to the fans who expected him to stay with the club after putting in a number of good displays lately. Roddy was part of the side that won the Northern Irish Intermediate Cup in 2017 under current manager, John Smith.

This will surely allow new signing, Ben Wilson to step up and make his debut as he tries to fill his shoes with little else to compete now for that position in the side.
=========================================================================
Tuesday 21st November 2017:
Northern Irish Championship League Match #14:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/2017/204e.jpg

Loughgall Lose At Home!
Loughgall and Donegal had little chances in the match, but it was Donegal who came away with all three points thanks to a goal in the first half of the game. Loughgall's manager will be looking at this match as disappointing considering it to be his 100th game in charge and one he'll quickly want to forget.

The goal came in the 29th minute as Carlin sent over a free-kick from the left side as Loughgall's players rushed out without noticing Campbell who stayed onside and got on the end to cooly put it past the keeper and give the away side the victory and points on the day.

Manager's Thoughts:
A dissapointing performance that saw us lose the game by a single goal. Donegal are on a good run of games and we pushed them but our overall on the field game let us down. Not a way to mark my 100th match in charge, but I hope we can move on quickly.

Despite the bad result, we held onto our 6th spot in the league.

=========================================================================
Loughgall's Players Named In Team of the Week:
Elliott Morris was named in the Team of the Week.
=========================================================================
Player Suspended:
Loughgall's Matty Lowe has picked up an automatic one match ban after collecting 20 points.
=========================================================================
=========================================================================

Saturday 25th November - Friday 30th November 2017:

=========================================================================
Saturday 25th November 2017:
Northern Irish Mid Ulster Cup 1st Round:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/2017/204f.jpg

Loughgall Seal Win!
Loughgall will have found themselves lucky to have come away from todays cup tie with a win and see them through to the next round after a smash and grab goal in extra-time.

Burns was the winner on the day, as in the 110th minute McMahon ran towards the box where he played Burns in who just got ahead of his marker and was able to get his toe to the ball and send it past the keeper to secure the win.

After the match, Dungannon's manager was unhappy with the state of the pitch but stated that he did feel Loughgall deserved the goal they got at the end of the day.

Manager's Thoughts:
A good win in extra-time after a disappointing result in our last game, as we picked up and took the game to Dungannon Swifts - who despite their attack and chances failed to do a lot with the ball as we got the win and through to the next round.

=========================================================================
Northern Irish Mid Ulster Cup Quarter Final Draw:
Dollingstown or Warrenpoint vs Loughgall
The tie to be played in January 2018.
=========================================================================
=========================================================================

November 2017: Other News:

=========================================================================
New Appointments/Firings:
01/11 - Brighton have assigned Remi Garde as their new manager.
03/11 - Boston Utd have unveiled Simon Mensing as their new manager.
04/11 - Nottingham Forest have announced the departure of their manager Alexander Zickler.
09/11 - Mansfield have unveiled Ian Dawes as their new manager after leaving Chester.
12/11 - Shelbourne FC have parted company with manager Larry Mahoney.
12/11 - Finn Harps have sacked their manager John Frances Doogan.
12/11 - Drogheda United have announced the departure of their manager Gary Rogers.
17/11 - Birmingham City have announced the appointment of Tim Sherwood as their new manager.
18/11 - Stockport have appointed Alex Hay as their new manager.
18/11 - Raith Rovers have announced the appointment of Danny Lennon as their new manager.
21/11 - Glenavon have sacked their manager Stephen McBride.
30/11 - Glentoran have parted ways with their manager Darren Kelly.
30/11 - Bromley have sacked their manager Mark Goldberg.
=========================================================================
International Friendlies:
Russia 1 - 1 England
France 2 - 0 Northern Ireland
=========================================================================

Manager's Monthly Thoughts:
We ended in the month in 6th spot but will need to improve soon as we drew and lost our only league matches this month, while doing well in the cups.

December sees us with 2 league matches and 3 cup ties for the month. We begin with an Irish Cup 4th Round home tie with Lower Maze (02/12), before we go away in the league to Larne (09/12) then home to Coleraine (12/12) in the League Cup Semi-Final. An away tie against Crusaders Reserved (23/12) in the Intermediate Cup 3rd Round before we finish off with a Boxing Day league match away to Ballyclare (26/12).

=========================================================================

#307899 Hell to Heaven: Diary of a Football Manager

guk99

11 years ago

4 years ago

107

12 Jan 2016 15:44:02

Thanks Dan

I'm enjoying it so far. I need to catch up to where I currently am in the game to where my posts are though right now, as I'm just finishing the season off and need to write up and sort out the pics for the next few months of posts to go up soon.
=========================================================================
October 2017:
=========================================================================
=========================================================================

Sunday 1st October - Friday 6th October 2017:

=========================================================================
Tuesday 3rd October 2017:
Northern Irish League Cup 3rd Round:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/2017/203a.jpg

Loughgall Scrape Through!
Loughgall today went through to the next round of the League Cup after a thrilling 3-2 victory over Championship League 2 side Coagh Utd with a last gasp winner to secure victory for the home side in a tough battle.

The League 2 side scored the opener in the 27th minute, when Cunha struck from outside the box to see Buchanan make a good save and deflect it away - only for it to fall at the feet of Colbert who placed it into the near post to give the away fans something to cheer.

Ten minutes later and Loughgall brought the game level, with Burns on the right wing as his first cross was cleared back to him. He swung it in again, this time the ball found Johnston up front whose delicate header saw it sail past the keeper. Just after half-time and Clarke made a good run, collecting the ball outside the box before making pace to the left side of midfield before he sent it into the box where it found Burns at the far post who slotted it home for the home fans to enjoy.

In the 54th minute, Cabral placed a nice shot into the corner from the Penalty spot after Scott broke free of Ferguson who followed after and clattered into him for the penalty kick. It looked like going to extra-time before Burns was the architect once more, as he collected the ball on the right and ran with it to cross from the byline. His cross met Clarke at the far end who nodded it home to secure the win for Loughgall and break the hearts of their opponents in the dying seconds of the game.

Manager's Thoughts:
A tough match, one in which we should have won more comfortably but Coagh put up a battle and we just about scraped through in the end.

=========================================================================
Northern Irish League Cup Quarter Final Draw:
Ballymena United vs Loughgall
The tie to be played on Tuesday 7th October 2017.
=========================================================================
Fixture Re-Arranged:
The Loughgall vs Dergview NIFL Championship League 1 match has been re-arranged for Tuesday 24th October 2017 due to the clash with the Dundela vs Loughgall Intermediate Cup match.
=========================================================================
=========================================================================

Saturday 7th October - Friday 13th October 2017:

=========================================================================
Saturday 7th October 2017:
Northern Irish Championship League 1: Match #10:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/2017/203b.jpg

Loughgall Fall At Knockbreda!
Loughgall couldn't stop Knockbreda from coming away from Breda Park with a win, despite some efforts on target. The only goal of the game came late in the second-half when Johnston took a corner for Addis to rise above all inside the box and head it home to give the home fans the victory in this tight match.

Manager's Thoughts:
A disappointing result. We could have come away with a point but just failed in the dying minutes to hold on and by the time they had scored it was too little, too late for me to make much of an impact by getting the lads to push forward.

This defeat sees us go down one place as we drop to 6th in the league.

=========================================================================
Player Injured:
Anto Burns has sustained broken ribs after being the victim of a heavy challenge in todays match with Knockbreda. He will be out of action for 4-5 weeks.
=========================================================================
=========================================================================

Saturday 14th October - Friday 20th October 2017:

=========================================================================
Saturday 14th October 2017:
Northern Irish Championship League 1: Match #11:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/2017/203c.jpg

Loughgall Fight Back To Earn Draw!
Loughgall fought back from a goal down in the first-half to walk off the pitch with a good point in a game that was a little on edge of going too far with Institute having five of their players booked, and Loughgall seeing two of theirs also go into the referee's book for fouls.

The opener in the 21st minute saw Loughgall give the ball away too easily, allowing Institute to break forward with some nice quick exchanges of passing. This allowed Mitchell to hold the ball up outside the box and see Wright's run in behind the defence who left him unmarked as he slotted it past the keeper to score.

Loughgall pulled level in the 54th minute when a corner by Black saw McMahon's header blocked, only for Ferguson to snatch on the rebound and drive it home to give the home fans something to cheer about. Both sides tried to get a winner but failed as the referee brought the game to an end.

Manager's Thoughts:
A very difficult side to beat, and lots of bookings distrupted this game. It took a set-piece for us to pull level, and at least earn us a good point.

A draw that sees us remain where we are, 6th place in the league.

=========================================================================
Player Injured:
Mark Hillen has suffered a bruised head after jumping for a header during todays match with Institute. He will be out of action for 8-11 days.
=========================================================================
Loughgall's Players Named In Team of the Week:
Andrew Ferguson was named in the Team of the Week.
=========================================================================
New Signing:
Loughgall have announced that centre-back David Armstrong has joined the club on a free transfer.
=========================================================================
Player Injured:
Conor Glenholmes has sustained a back strain while lifting weights during training. He will be out of action for 4-6 weeks.
=========================================================================
=========================================================================

Saturday 21st October - Friday 27th October 2017:

=========================================================================
New Signing:
Loughgall have announced that full-back Ben Wilson has joined the club on a free transfer.
=========================================================================
Tuesday 24th October 2017:
Northern Irish Championship League 1: Match #12:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/2017/203d.jpg

Hat-Trick Hero Destroys Dergview!
Loughgall saw their striker Hillen pull off a great hat-trick as he walked off the pitch to a standing ovation and with the match ball as he destroyed Dergview in front of the home fans at Lakeview Park, while being named Man of the Match.

The first of the three came in the 4th minute, when McConnell sent the ball into the box from the corner as Buchanan tried to clear in defence only to see it rebound off Hillen to give the home side a great start to the day. Hillen's second came during a counter in the 77th minute when Steenson collected the ball on the right wing and ran with it, before he crossed to see Hillen dash to the near post and head it into the net to give them a comfortable 2-0 lead.

The final goal to seal his hat-trick came in the 84th minute as Loughgall had the ball and worked it well from the left wing across to the centre of midfield. McMahon played it up to Carville who slid it through the gap between the defenders where Hillen ran onto it and smashed it into the corner to give him the match ball upon the final whistle.

Manager's Thoughts:
A magnificent performance by the lads, none more so than the hero himself Hillen who played out of his skin by scoring a hat-trick and worked hard throughout in moving the ball around the field to set up the chances.

This victory helped us move up slightly to 4th spot with a magnificent victory and a hat-trick from our striker, Hillen.

=========================================================================
Loughgall's Players Named In Team of the Week:
Andrew Ferguson, Ross Black and Mark Hillen were named in the Team of the Week.
=========================================================================
=========================================================================

Saturday 28th October - Tuesday 31st October 2017:

=========================================================================
Saturday 28th October 2017:
Northern Irish Intermediate Cup 1st Round:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/2017/203e.jpg

Loughgall Struggle Against Underdogs!
Loughgall continued their good cup run with a nice win against Dundela in a match that needed extra-time to seal the victory for the away side and see them through into the next round of the competition.

Ferguson picked up the Man of the Match for his performance in defence for Loughgall, but it was Beacon who scored the only goal just into the opening minutes of extra-time as his free-kick was cleared out to Lowe who bided his time on the ball before playing it back to Beacon who had made a run in from the left. His first shot was well saved, but he got a second bite at the cherry and finished it off to put it past the keeper and seal the deal.

Manager's Thoughts:
A game we didn't look like losing but took us till extra-time to win it in the end and see us into Round 2.

=========================================================================
Northern Irish Intermediate Cup 2nd Round Draw:
Loughgall vs Rathfern Rangers
The tie to be played on Saturday 18t November 2017.
=========================================================================
Unbeaten Cup Run Record:
Loughgall's twelve games unbeaten run from Saturday 31st October 2015 is a new Northern Irish Intermediate Cup record.
=========================================================================
=========================================================================

October 2017: Other News:

=========================================================================
New Appointments/Firings:
07/10 - Bradford City have unveiled Phil Parkinson as their new manager.
09/10 - Oldham Athletic have announced Mark Yates as their new manager after leaving Crawley.
14/10 - Fulham have appointed Alan Pardew as their new manager.
15/10 - Q.P.R. have unveiled Chris Hughton as their new manager after leaving Brighton.
17/10 - Peterborough have appointd Brian McClair as their new manager.
18/10 - Nuneaton have named Jim Harvey as their new manager.
26/10 - Crawley have unveiled Alan Knill as their new manager after leaving Mansfield.
31/10 - Birmingham City have parted company with their manager Michael Laudrup.
=========================================================================
World Cup Qualifiers:
Group 6:
England 3 - 1 Scotland
Malta 0 - 3 England
Group 3:
Czech Republic 2 - 1 Northern Ireland
Norway 2 - 2 Northern Ireland

England qualify for the 2018 World Cup after winning all their qualifying games to date.
=========================================================================

Manager's Monthly Thoughts:
We ended the month in 4th spot with only 1 win, 1 draw and 1 defeat in the league in a bad month. We qualified in the 2 cup matches we had which is the positive of the month, as well as Hillen's great hat-trick.

November begins with a League Cup Quarter Final away match to Ballymena Utd (07/11), before we go away to Limavady Utd (11/11) in the league. A Intermediate Cup 2nd Round home match to Rathfern (18/11) before we finish home to Donegal Celtic (25/11).

=========================================================================

#307512 Hell to Heaven: Diary of a Football Manager

guk99

11 years ago

4 years ago

107

10 Jan 2016 19:10:25

=========================================================================
September 2017:
=========================================================================
=========================================================================

Friday 1st September - Friday 8th September 2017:

=========================================================================
New Signing:
Loughgall have announced that Goalkeeper Elliott Morris has joined the club on a free transfer.
=========================================================================
Tueday 5th September 2017:
Northern Irish Championship League 1: Match #5

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/2017/202a.jpg

Loughgall Fall To Late Goal!
Loughgall fans walked away with their hearts broken after suffering a defeat in injury time that saw their side lose the match.

Loughgall took the lead in the 5th minute of the game, as Hillen scored a beauty from outside the box that saw it fly into the bottom left corner to give the away fans a dream start to the game. Distillery got back in the match in the 22nd minute, when a corner was whipped over for Corrigan to see his head blocked off the post by Black, before McQuillan blocked a follow up but Southam put his foot in and was able to finally send it into the back of the net from close range to bring the home team level.

Just after half-time, Withers sent over a ball from the left which found Mullan who headed home from close range to put the home side in the lead. Loughgall's players dug deep, and found an equalizer as Clarke collected the ball outside the box and played it through to the right where Hillen - who had just recently joined the club, found himself turning his marker and run in behind to slide it home to bring the away fans back into the match.

In the cruelest of fashion though, once more Loughgall fell to a late goal as they gave the ball away too sloppily, allowing Scullion to send it upfield and for Mullan to chase as he did and broke in behind the defenders and slide it past the keepers hand to seal the fate in injury time to send the home fans into rapture as the Loughgall fans and players looked distraught at the defeat.

Manager's Thoughts:
A lapse of concentration right at the end allowed the opposition to snatch victory from a draw, as we saw it slip away after working hard to try and get something out of this difficult game. Carville picked up the Man of the Match after working tirelessly in midfield. We ended the game in 5th spot despite the loss in cruel fashion.

=========================================================================
=========================================================================

Saturday 9th September - Friday 15th September 2017:

=========================================================================
Saturday 9th September 2017:
Northern Irish Championship League 1: Match #6

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/2017/202b.jpg

Loughgall Suffer Another Defeat!
Loughgall saw their team suffer a second defeat on the bounce, this time in front of their home fans in a game with little chances for either side - Ballyclare stole the win with a goal late in the first half.

McCullough had the ball in the centre-circle as he sent if forward. Anderson went to clear the ball, unaware the keeper was coming out to collect it and sent it into the path of McLaughlin who had an empty net to send it into and pick up the valuable three points for his side. Once again, Carville picked up the Man of the Match and will be disappointing to see his side lose games that they mostly control by his great performances.

Manager's Thoughts:
Another disappointing defeat as we lose by a single goal. Our defence really needs strengthening as we are not looking great at the back. This defeat sends us down to 7th spot.

=========================================================================
Player Returns From Injury:
Anto Burns has begin full training following his lay-off from a facial injury.
=========================================================================
=========================================================================

Saturday 16th September - Friday 22nd September 2017:

=========================================================================
Saturday 16th September 2017:
Northern Irish Championship League 1: Match #7

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/2017/202c.jpg

Loughgall Win At Home!
Loughgall finally turned their possession into a result as they picked up three points with a victory over Dungannon.

The opening goal came in the 12th minute when Roddy sent the ball down the line towards McConnell - who collected the Man of the Match for his performance, as he got to the byline, held it up and crossed to find Hillen near the penalty spot who headed it past the keeper to give the home side the lead.

Dungannon got back into the game just after half-time when in the 53rd minute, Taggart collected the ball back from a throw-in and sent it into the box where Lafferty on the penalty spot struck it at goal only to see it well saved, but he capitalized on the rebound to send it in the second time of asking to draw his team level.

Dungannon could have taken the lead in the 72nd minute when Taggart's corner found Burns in the box only to see his header find the keepers safe hands. The winner came direct from this as Loughgall countered fast as Morris in goal sent the ball to the left towards Clarke who was free and he drove on. Despite a tackle coming his way, he was able to break free of the challenge and get to the box where he sent it over to find McConnell who was free and arrive at the other end and he cooly slotted it home to give the home side the win.

Manager's Thoughts:
A good victory that saw us play well, but keeps us in that 7th place spot in the league after picking up 3 points.

=========================================================================
Loughgall's Players Named In Team of the Week:
Elliot Morris and Marc McConnell were named in the Team of the Week
=========================================================================
=========================================================================

Saturday 23rd September - Saturday 30th September 2017:

=========================================================================
Saturday 23rd September 2017:
Northern Irish Championship League 1: Match #8

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/2017/202d.jpg

Loughgall Unlucky In Draw!
Loughgall will have felt they could have, and should have won todays game that ended in a draw and point for both sides after McMahon saw a beautiful strike from outside the box on a counter-attack strike the post and cleared away. As the final whistle went, it was Annagh Utd who will have welcomed the whistle despite creating the more chances but doing little with it in the end.

Manager's Thoughts:
A tough game that saw us walk away with a draw and a single point after we hit the post, that moves us up slightly to 6th place in the league.

=========================================================================
Loughgall's Players Named In Team of the Week:
Kevin Anderson was named in the Team of the Week
=========================================================================
Saturday 30th September 2017:
Northern Irish Championship League 1: Match #9

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/2017/202e.jpg

Loughgall Control Match!
Loughgall cruised through this game with a victory in a match that they never looked like they would lose. The first goal came in the 11th minute, as the ball was played back and forth across midfield before a ball sent forward found Glenholmes running into the box and unselflishly he played it across goal low to the far post where McConnell came running in and slid it home into the empty net to give the home fans a dream start to the game.

The second came in the 33rd minute, when a ball played from the back was sent across to the left side of the box where Glenholmes got ahead of his man and sent it over to find Hillen head it home from close range to send them 2-0 up in the first half of the game.

Loughgall's third came in unusual fashion when Buchanan, who was put back in goal sent it upfield to find Hillen who could do little but head it on as Madison in goal came rushing out to collect it only to see him fail in controlling the ball as it bounced outside of his box and he almost handballed - as it fell back to Hillen who followed it up and drove into the box on his own and place it into the empty net as the Madison dropped his head in his hands at his own mistake costing them an easy goal while helping Hillen go on to collect Man of the Match.

Portstewart pulled back a single goal late in the 85th minute that did little for the game, as the ball was cleared from a corner to see it head back into the goal mouth and Boylan loop a header into the far corner over Buchanan's hands.

Manager's Thoughts:
A fantastic game that saw us comfortably cruise to the victory which sees us go to 5th in the league now.

=========================================================================
Loughgall's Players Named In Team of the Week:
Gareth Buchanan and Andrew Ferguson were named in the Team of the Week
=========================================================================
Northern Irish Intermediate Cup 1st Round Draw:
Dundela vs Loughgall
The tie to be played on Saturday 28th October 2017.
=========================================================================
Fixture Re-Arranged:
The Loughgall vs Dergview NIFL Championship League 1 match has been re-arranged for Tuesday 24th October 2017 due to the clash with the Dundela vs Loughgall Intermediate Cup match.
=========================================================================
=========================================================================

September 2017: Other News:

=========================================================================
New Appointments/Firings:
23/09 - Bradford City have sacked their manager David Adams.
23/09 - Oldham Athletic have dismissed manager Steve Davis.
30/09 - Peterborough have sacked their manager Martin Allen.
30/09 - Q.P.R. have parted company with manager Quique Flores.
30/09 - Nuneaton have sacked manager Liam Watson.
30/09 - Fulham have parted company with their manager Oscar Garcia.
=========================================================================
World Cup Qualifiers:
Group 6:
Slovakia 0 - 3 England
Group 3:
Northern Ireland 2 - 1 Azerbaijan
=========================================================================

Manager's Monthly Thoughts:
We ended in the month in 5th spot after a bad start to the month with 2 defeats in a row, but battled back to win 2 of the next 3 games and draw the other. The campaign has been average so far in the opening two months, but we will need to improve if we wish to make it in the top 2-3 spots by the end of the season.

Morris has been okay in goal so far, but I feel could do better and Buchanan could be needed at times to change it up sometimes as he's been a loyal servant to the club and been magnificent for us for the past couple of seasons. Meanwhile, Hillen has come into the club and offered more up front - something which we've been lacking as he's scored 5 goals in his opening 5 games.

October begins with a home League Cup 3rd Round tie at home to Coagh Utd (03/10), before we go away to Knckbreda (07/10) in the league. We return in a home match against Institute (14/10) before a break then home to Dergview (28/10).

=========================================================================

#307453 Hell to Heaven: Diary of a Football Manager

guk99

11 years ago

4 years ago

107

10 Jan 2016 14:00:44

=========================================================================
August 2017:
=========================================================================
=========================================================================

Tuesday 1st August - Friday 4th August 2017:

=========================================================================
Player Signs New Deal:
Cathal Beacom has signed a new contract with Loughgall.
=========================================================================
=========================================================================

Saturday 5th August - Friday 13th August 2017:

=========================================================================
Saturday 5th August 2017:
Northern Irish Championship League 1: Match #1

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/2017/201a.jpg

Loughgall Fall Flat!
Loughgall struggled to overcome Dergview, suffering defeat in their opening match of the league despite taking the lead early on in the game.

Loughgall bided their time for the opener, passing the ball around well as Dergview closed them down before McMahon received the ball just outside the box and played a beautiful pass inside to allow Burns to latch onto the end and smash it into the near corner of the goal to put the away side ahead.

It only took a few minutes before Dergview equalized when Beaumont played a ball down the right wing and Reid was able to get past his marker and swing his foot through the ball to send it to the far post where Lynch nipped in to get that all important goal and bring the home side level.

The goal that sealed the win came in the 74th minute when the keeper played a long ball upfield to see Reid nod the ball on as Dunne darted past his man and ran onto the end of it before taking it comfortably around the keeper and sliding it home to give the home fans a dream start in the league as the away fans looked on at what could have been.

Manager's Thoughts:
A disappointing opening match. We had possession but Dergview just closed us down everytime we had the ball and left us to do little but just pass it around, while they made two good runs in behind our defenders to get their goals. The opening day defeat left us in 9th position.

Conor Glenholmes made his debut today, but unfortunately had to go off injured with a gashed leg. Andrew Ferguson and Declan Carville also debuted for us.

=========================================================================
Player Injured:
Conor Glenholmes has substained a gashed leg whilst being tackled during todays game with Dergview. He will be out for 2-3 weeks.
=========================================================================
Season Ticket Sales:
Loughgall have announced the final sales figures for season tickets. The ticket office have confirmed that the club have sold 29 season tickets for this upcoming season. The sales have remained at exactly the same level as last season.
=========================================================================
Northern Irish League Cup Round 2 Draw:
Loughgall vs Annagh United
To be played on Monday 21st August 2017.
=========================================================================
Fixture Re-Arranged:
The Donegal Celtic vs Loughgall NIFL Championship League 1 match has been re-arranged for Tuesday 29th August due to the clash with the Bangor vs Donegal Celtic League cup match on Monday 21st August.
=========================================================================
=========================================================================

Saturday 12th August - Friday 18th August 2017:

=========================================================================
Saturday 12th August 2017:
Northern Irish Championship League 1: Match #2

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/2017/201b.jpg

Loughgall In Cruise Control!
Loughgall looked like a team who were never going to lose this game as they dominated from kick-off and left little for Limavady Utd to do but pick the ball out of the net and run around the pitch with little for their actions for a large percentage of the match.

Despite their control, Loughgall only got a single goal which was able to seal the victory for them as Clarke, despite being tackled was able to still get up and past his man on the left wing as he got to the box and laid it across for Burns to make a run at the far post and head it home as the fingertips of the keeper couldn't keep him out.

Manager's Thoughts:
A good victory in which we cruised the match with very little effort or struggle against a good side. This win moves us up into 6th position in the league, and our first win of the season.

=========================================================================
Player Injured:
Anto Burns has suffered a dead leg after pulling up short whilst chasing the ball during todays game with Limavady Utd. He will be out for 6-8 days.
=========================================================================
Player Signs New Deal:
Kevin Anderson has signed a new contract with Loughgall.
=========================================================================
=========================================================================

Saturday 19th August - Friday 25th August 2017:

=========================================================================
Player Returns From Injury:
Conor Glenholmes has begin full training following his lay-off from a gashed leg.
=========================================================================
Fixture Re-Arranged:
The Distillery vs Loughgall NIFL Championship League 1 match has been re-arranged for Tuesday 5th September due to the clash with the Ballymena Utd vs Distillery Steel & Sons Cup match on Saturday 2nd September.
=========================================================================
Monday 21st August 2017:
Northern Ireland Irish Cup 2nd Round:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/2017/201c.jpg

Loughgall Sail Into Next Round!
Loughgall saled into the next round of the Irish Cup with a 1-0 victory over Annagh Utd, with the opposition offering little to stop the home side go through leaving their away fans frustrated at the lack of chances they created throughout the whole match.

It took Loughgall late in the second half to get the important goal that sent them through, as McMahon - who picked up the Man of the Match, picked up the ball outside the box and played in Burns who saw his shot well saved but substitute Steenson followed up as he slotted it home to give the home fans the win and send them into the next round.

Manager's Thoughts:
A thoroughly professional job as we only allowed Annagh to have 1 shot through the whole game, and that was off-target. We controlled the match throughout and deserved our victory which I had hoped had been by a larger margin.

=========================================================================
Northern Irish League Cup Round 3 Draw:
Loughgall vs Coagh Utd or Warrenpoint
=========================================================================
=========================================================================

Saturday 26th August - Thursday 31st August 2017:

=========================================================================
Saturday 26th August 2017:
Northern Irish Championship League 1: Match #3

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/2017/201d.jpg

Thriller At Lakeview!
Loughgall just squeezed out the opposition, despite Larne's best efforts to get something out of this match as we saw five goals including a late, late winner to snatch the points for the home side in an entertaining match.

Carville - who picked up the Man of the Match, collected the ball on the left side of midfield, where he whipped it into the box low to find Burns who turned sharply and cracked it past the keeper to give the home side the lead in the 21st minute. Larne pulled level in the 30th minute when they kept the ball on the right side of the field before Lavery collected it at the edge of the box and played it in the box for Maguire to swing his leg and see it sail past the keepers and and into the back of the net.

Carville fought hard to get involved in the play as Loughgall lost the ball a number of times as he retained it back for them which lead to their second goal in the 68th minute. A ball played out to Burns on the right wing was crossed to find Johnston free in the box who cooly slotted it home to give the home fans the lead once again. In the 79th minute, Robinson brought the away side level once more as he slotted it home from the penalty spot after Anderson was adjudged to have a foot up on Gray inside the box despite it looking a little harsh.

In the dying seconds of the game, Loughgall attacked with numbers as the ball was played from the left wing across midfield where Carville sent it to McMahon who slotted it in behind the defence for Burns to run onto it and he curled it around the keeper to snatch the victory in this enthralling match in which either side could have easily stole the winner.

Manager's Thoughts:
We had possession and turned it into goals on this occasion, despite Larne's resistance to stay down as we just about snatched a winner at the end of the game to secure a good 3 points in the end. A good victory sees us move up a spot to 5th place in the league now.

=========================================================================
Loughgall's Players Named In Team of the Week:
Gareth Buchanan, Anto Burns, Declan Carville and Matthew McMahon were named in the Team of the Week
=========================================================================
Tuesday 29th August 2017:
Northern Irish Championship League 1: Match #4

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/2017/201e.jpg

Smith Left Fuming At Ref!
Loughgall's manager had to hold back his anger after the final whistle as he was left fuming with the referee after todays game that saw his team draw against Donegal Celtic and also see Kevin Anderson sent off in the dying seconds of the match while the home side picked up four yellow cards.

Donegal Celtic controlled much of the match and looked the more deadlier as Loughgall could be considered lucky by some to have come away with a point. Clarke scored the opener in the 30th minute when he was brought down on the left wing while running free as Mullan picked up a yellow for his challenge. It lead to Black taking the free-kick as he whipped it across inside the five-yard box where Clarke got on the end and headed it home to give the away fans a sense of hope.

Smith was incensed when Burns was fouled and the referee allowed play to continue as his player was left to hobble around the pitch for several moments which allowed Donegal Celtic to score the equalizer. Some nice quick passing outside the box saw it fall to Carson who cracked it into the far corner to seal the comeback.

The sending off came in injury time, when we had time-added on more than it should have been which frustrated Smith on the Loughgall bench as he saw a ball played forward and Ferguson and Anderson cause a mix-up which allowed Scullion to get on the ball and look to run through on goal only to see Anderson pull him back. The referee immediately pulled out a red card without hesitation despite Ferguson being close to both men as he saw his marching orders, but Loughgall were able to hold on till the end.

Manager's Thoughts:
A very hard result to take, as although they had the better chances I was disappointed in decisions made in the game that I feel cost us dearly in the end. Despite the draw, we remain in 5th place.

=========================================================================
Player Injured:
Anto Burns has suffered a facial injury after jumping for the ball during todays game with Donegal Celtic. He will be out for 12-15 days.
=========================================================================
Northern Irish League Cup Round 3 Draw:
Loughgall vs Coagh Utd
To be played on Tuesday 3rd October 2017.
=========================================================================
Player Suspended:
Central Defender and Vice-Captain Kevin Anderson has been given an automatic one match ban after being sent off in the league match with Donegal Celtic.
=========================================================================
New Signing:
Loughgall have announced that striker Mark Hillen has joined the club on a free transfer.
=========================================================================
=========================================================================

August 2017: Other News:

=========================================================================
New Appointments/Firings:
30/08 - Longford have announced that Alan Reynolds has returned as manager of the club.
=========================================================================
World Cup Qualifiers:
Group 6:
Slovenia 1 - 2 England
Group 3:
Northern Ireland 1 - 2 Germany
=========================================================================

Manager's Monthly Thoughts:
We ended in the month in 5th spot after an okay start to the campaign. A bad opening game saw us lose before we began picking up points with a couple of good wins and a draw away to finish off the month.

September sees us begin with an away match in the league to Distillery (05/09), before we have two home matches against Ballyclare (09/09) and Dungannon (16/09). We head away to Annagh Utd (23/09) before finishing the month with a home tie to Portstewart (30/09).

=========================================================================

#307229 Hell to Heaven: Diary of a Football Manager

guk99

11 years ago

4 years ago

107

09 Jan 2016 17:28:13

=========================================================================

Pre-Season: July - August 2017:

=========================================================================
John Smith Signs New Contract:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/44u.jpg

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/44t.jpg

=========================================================================
Player Released:
Loughgall have announced the following players have been released on a free transfer.
Stein Montgomery
Jim O'Hanlon
=========================================================================
Player Leaves:
Ards Rangers have signed Ciaran Boyd on a free transfer from Loughgall.
=========================================================================
New Players Signed:
Loughgall have signed the following players:
Conor Glenholmes (winger) - Free Transfer
Cathal Beacom (Midfielder) - Free Transfer
Declan Carville (Midfielder) - Free Transfer
Andrew Ferguson (Centre-Back) - Free Transfer
=========================================================================
Players Sign New Contract:
Loughgall have announced the following players have signed new deals to remain with the club:
Sean Roddy (full-back)
Andrew Ferguson (centre-back)
=========================================================================
Staff Released:
Loughgall have announced the following Staff Members have been released after refusing new contracts.
Ross Oliver (Assistant Manager)
Shane Coney (Scout)
Matt Lyons (Scout)

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/2017/200a.jpg

=========================================================================
New Staff Hired:
Loughgall have announced the following Staff Members have agreed terms to join Loughgall.
Jim Kelly (Chief Scout)
Glenn Taggart (Under 18s Manager)
Paul Carlyle (Scout)
Jason Lindsay has signed a new contract and changed job from Under 18s manager to the role of Assistant Manager.
=========================================================================
Loughgall Invitation To Testimonial Accepted:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/44v.jpg

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Frienlies Arranged:
Loughgall have arranged friendlies with the following clubs.
Tuesday 18th July 2017 (Seapatrick) (home)
Monday 24th July 2017 - Brentwood (away)
=========================================================================
Profit Announced:
Loughgall have announced a profit of £80k for the last financial year, a healthy 23 percent of their turnover. The club profits were boosted by good gate receipts and merchandising over the season which totalled £45k.
=========================================================================
Seasons Odds:
Loughgall have been stated as 20-1 to win the league, slightly better than last season with Dungannon the favourites at Evens. Institute are 7-4, Knockbreda 14-1, Dergview 33-1 and Donegal Celtic 33-1. The bookmakers believe Loughgall are far behhind the teams in this division in terms of quality, and if they can perform well against them they may be able to achieve promotion.
=========================================================================
FourFourTwo's Team To Watch:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/2017/200b.jpg

=========================================================================
Captains Armband:
Loughgall have confirmed that Anto Burns has been named as Captain, after taking over the position towards the end of last season when Neil Alderdice left. Steven Ferguson remains as Vice-Captain.
=========================================================================
Squad Win Bonus:
Loughgall have informed the players that a bonus of £3k for the NIFL Championship League 1 and £8k for Domestic Cups has been confirmed for the upcoming season.
=========================================================================
Tuesdsy 18th July 2017: Pre-Season Friendly:
Seapatrick 0 - 3 Loughgall
Loughgall came away with a good, solid 3-0 victory in their first pre-season friendly. The opener came in the 55th mintue when Glenholmes crossed from the left for the ball to cannon off defender Kennedy to go past his own keeper for an own goal. The second goal came just a minute later, virtually from the kick-off as Glenholmes received the ball on the left wing and crossed to the far post to find McConnell running in to knock it home. The final goal came in the 64th minute when the roles were reversed, as McConnell ran into the box with the ball and crossed towards Glenholmes at the far end who nodded it back across goal and into the net for a comfortable win.
Tuesdsy 24th July 2017: Pre-Season Friendly:
Loughgall 0 - 0 Brantwood
Loughgall came away from this pre-season friendly with a 0-0 draw and found six of their players booked throughout the match in a game that created very little real chances for both sides although Brantwood gave a good acount for themselves by having the most chances.
Monday 31st July 2017: Pre-Season Friendly - Sean Morgan Testimonial:
Armagh vs Loughgall
Loughgall suffered defeat in the Sean Morgan Testimonal for the Armagh goalkeer, as the home side picked up the win in the dying mintues of full time. Turkington took a free-kick that found McParland in the box who beautifully struck it home to give the home side the win.
=========================================================================
=========================================================================

Pre-Season: July - August 2017: Other News:

=========================================================================
New Appointments/Firings:
28/06 - Ards have promoted Michael Maguire to the role of manager.
30/06 - Yeovil Town have confirmed Paul Sturrock has left as manager after rejecting the new contract offer.
30/06 - Ilkeston have confirmed Tommy Lawson has left as manager.
01/07 - Ayr have unveiled Paul Sheerin as their new manager.
04/07 - Brechin have hired Stuart McLaren as their new manager after leaving Clyde.
05/07 - Cliftonville have hired Michael Duff as their new manager.
05/07 - Mamchester United have unveiled Unai Emery as their new manager.
06/07 - Gateshead unveil Adam Eckersley as their new manager.
08/07 - Margate have announced Tony Burman as their new manager.
08/07 - Aston Villa have unviled Carlo Ancelotti as their new manager.
08/07 - Dover have hired Danny Hollands as their new manager.
12/07 - Yeovil have promoted Terry Skiverton to the role of manager.
18/07 - Ilkeston have hired Justin Merritt as their new manager after leaving Brackley.
18/07 - Clyde have announced Craig Tully has returned to the club as their new manager.
=========================================================================
World Cup 2022 Moved:
Due to club protests about scheduling, the 2022 World Cup will be hosted by Morocco rather than Qatar.
=========================================================================
Euro U21's Championships:
England have won the Under 21s European Championships after beating Belgium 2-0 in the final played in Poland. This is the first time England have won the tournament since 1984.
England's Raheem Sterling won the Best Player award, while Chuba Akpom won the Golden Boot after scoring 5 goals in 5 games for England.
=========================================================================

Manager's Monthly Thoughts:
We go into the new season with high hopes of doing well. I'm looking for a good league finish, better than the 2 previous seasons and maybe a run for the title if we can perform just as good if not better. The cup runs last season took some out of us I think, but if we can get at least one good cup run I'd be happy.

The new campaign in August sees us kick off our league match away to Dergview (05/08), before we face Limavady at home (12/08), then away to Donegal Celtic (19/08) before a League Cup 2nd Round match (21/08) against unknown opposition at this time. We finish the month with a home match against Larne (26/08).

#307090 Hell to Heaven: Diary of a Football Manager

guk99

11 years ago

4 years ago

107

08 Jan 2016 21:19:18

End of Season Review: 2016-2017:

=========================================================================
NIFL C1 League Table:
(Including Stage II Play-off's)

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/45a.jpg

=========================================================================
Seasons League Positions (Graph):

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/45a2.jpg

=========================================================================
Cup Competitions Review:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/45a3.jpg

=========================================================================
Loughgall's End of Season Awards:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/45b.jpg

=========================================================================
Loughgall's 2015/2016 Season Review:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/45c.jpg

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Loughgall's End of Season Confidence Review:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/45d.jpg

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Loughgall's Season Injury List:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/45e.jpg

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Loughgall's Stats:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/45f.jpg

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Loughgall's Player's Final Review List:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/45g.jpg

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=========================================================================

Manager's Season'sThoughts:
My second season in charge of Loughgall, and I feel I improved more as a Manager as I guided the team to 4th spot in the league after the Stage II Play-offs were taken into account, after finishing 2nd before they began. This was 1 place higher than last season (5th) and a vast improvement as we went on a great run in the league of 14 games before suffering our first defeat.

I do feel that if we had been able to hold onto Alderdice and Mullen then we could have do much better, both were a big loss for us in a short period of time that we struggled to recover from.

This year also saw us go on a couple of good runs in the cup competitions, where we reached two semi-finals, and won the Intermediate Cup - the first trophy in my reign as a Manager. I also picked up my first Manager of the Month award early on in the season, after being runner-up on a few occasions.

A consortium have taken over the club as the Chairman has retired, and despite concerns over the future of my job - I have been welcomed to remain in my position and try to take the club forward if I wish to. I do feel with the new backing, and if we can add a few players I believe we are capable of going for the play-offs this season and possibly another good cup run in one of the competitions.

=========================================================================
=========================================================================
Next: Pre-Season kicks off
=========================================================================
=========================================================================

#307008 Hell to Heaven: Diary of a Football Manager

guk99

11 years ago

4 years ago

107

08 Jan 2016 14:34:27

Thanks Dan, I feel I had a good 2nd season as Manager both in the league and especially in the cup runs we had.
=========================================================================

Post-Season News/Reviews: May - July 2017:

=========================================================================
Chairman Retiring Soon:
Chairman John McCann of Loughgall plans to retire from football next month, after being with the club sinde June 2010.
=========================================================================
Player of the Year Award:
West Bromwich Albion's Jonny Evans has won the Northern Irish Player of the Year award. The 29 year-old has put in some creative performances this year, setting up 2 goals in 31 games with an average rating of 7.08.
=========================================================================
Northern Irish Cup Winners:
Cliftonville have won the Northern Irish Cup after a 2-1 win over Glentoran at Windsor Park.
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Squad Bonus Payout Reward:
Loughgall have paid out £300 to be shared among the squad pro-rata after reaching the Semi-Final of the Irish Cup.
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Loughgall's Hall of Fame:
Loughgall supporter spokesperson, Paul O'Connor has proudly announced that four players have been considered good enough to enter the Loughgall Overall Best Eleven. Matty Lowe was the pick of the four players, the right-back having accumulated 31 appearances and scored 1 goal for the team with an average rating of 7.08. Aaron Sills, Sean Roddy and Cathal McQuillan were the other players selected to become part of Loughgall's proud history.

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Player Leaves:
Gary Spence has been released on a free transfer by Loughgall.
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Manager Offered Interview:
Annagh United's Chairman, Brian McGurgan have approached Loughgall's manager, John Smith and invited him to attend an interview with the chance of possibly being named their new manager if all goes well.
Annagh United finished bottom (12th) in the Dankse Bank Premiership (Ireland) and relegated to the NIFL Championship L1 where Loughgall currently are also positioned.
It is believed John Smith has refused the invitation with plans to continue his job with Loughgall.
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Consortium Completes Takeover:

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Loughgall Manager To Lose Job?:

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New Wage Budget:
Loughgall's new board have set the initial wage budget for the upcoming season at £1.8k and the transfer budge at £0. These values may be altered later based on the agreed setting of the club's season expectations.
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Staff Members Sign New Deal:
Loughgall's scout, Pat Wall has signed a new contract with the club.
Head of Youth Development, James Storey has signed a new contract.
Fitness Coach, James Slater has signed a new contract.
Fitness Coach, Conor McKee has signed a new contract with the club.
Jason Lindsay has signed a new contract to continue his role as Under-18s Manager.
Jonathan Watson has signed a new deal to continue his role as Under-18s Assistant Manager.
Head Physio, Jim McVeigh has signed a new deal with remain with Loughgall.
Director of Football, Johnny Topley has signed a new contract to remain with Loughgall.
Jim White has signed a new deal with remain as B Team Manager of Loughgall.
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League Award:
Loughgall have been given £1.05k for their final position in the NIFL Championship League 1.
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Staff Members Rejects New Deal:
Loughgall's Chief Scout, Matt Lyons has rejected the offer of a new contract.
Assistant Manager, Ross Oliver has also rejected the offer of a new contract.
Scout Shane Coney has rejected the offer of a new contract.
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Loughgall's Manager Survives Consortium Takeove:

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Loughgall Repayments Begin:
Loughgall's board are now required to make monthly payments of £1.5k towards the £140k bank loan taken out earlier.
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Manager Offered Interview:
Peterhead's Chairman, Stewart Gilmour has approached Loughgall's manager and invited him to attend an interview with the chance of possibly being named their new manager if all goes well.
Peterhead just avoided relegation last season finishing 8th in the league, 3 points ahead of Elgin in Ladbrokes League 1 (Scotland).
It is understood John Smith has currently not been offered, or spoken to about a new contract with Loughgall despite being assured of his position to remain as Manager and is considering his options open as he was believed to have been seen attending Peterhead's ground for an interview.
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NIFL C1 New Fixtures Announced:
Loughgall will kick off the new campaign with a trip to Dergview, before their first home counter will be against Limavady Utd. The final game of the season will see Loughgall face Knockbreda FC.
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NIFL C1 TV Money:
Loughgall will receive £2.87k for NIFL Championship League 1 TV rights over the forthcoming season.
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Season Expectations:

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Job Interview Unsucessful:
Peterhead have named Gary Naysmith as their new manager, leaving Loughgall's John Smith still uncertain on his future as he hasn't signed a new contract with only days left before it runs out and receiving assurances by the new board of directors they wished him to continue in his role.
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Post-Season News: May - July 2017: Other News:

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New Appointments/Firings:
04/05 - Wealdstone have announced the departure of manager Gordon Bartlett.
05/05 - Sunderland have unveiled Henk ten Cate as their new manager.
07/05 - Bath sack manager Lee Howells.
07/05 - Blackpool have terminated the contract of their manager Mark Proctor.
07/05 - Macclesfield Town have announced the departure of manager John Askey.
07/05 - Linfield have sacked their manager Pat McShane.
07/05 - Weston-Super-Mare have dismissed their manager Steve Tully.
07/05 - Concord Rangers have sacked their manager Ant Smith.
10/05 - H & W Weldershave hired Peter Mackle as their new manager.
11/05 - Port Vale have terminated the contract of their manager Robert Page.
11/05 - Shrewsbury Town have sacked their manager Micky Mellon.
11/05 - Barnet have promoted current interim manager Kevin Dillon to the role of manager.
11/05 - Dungannon hire Dixie Robinson as their new manager.
14/05 - Queen of the South have sacked their manager Callum Davidson.
14/05 - Annagh Utd have hired Garth Scates as their new manager.
20/05 - Linfield have promoted Alfie Wylie to the role of Manager.
21/05 - Burnley have sacked manager Brian McClair.
21/05 - Derby have fired their manager Paul Clement.
21/05 - Stoke have terminated the contract of their manager David Moyes.
30/05 - Port Vale hire Dean Glover as their new manager.
30/05 - Millwall hire Mark Cooper as their new manager.
31/05 - Kilmarnock have sacked their manager Alex Neil.
01/06 - Blackpool unveil Andy Awford as their new manager.
01/06 - Tamworth have announced Andy Morrel has left as manager after rejecting their new offer of a contract.
01/06 - Ardstraw's manager Rab Irwin has resigned his position with mutial consent from the club.
01/06 - The Tameside Stadium have announced manager Curzon Ashton has ended his reign with the club.
01/06 - Queen of the South have hired Jim McInally as their new manager.
02/06 - Stoke have hired Andre Villas-Boas as their new manager.
03/06 - Cardiff have hired Chris Powell as their new manager.
03/06 - Macclesfield have announced the appointment of Darren Peacock as their new manager.
03/06 - Woking have unveiled Lee Sinnott as their new manager.
04/06 - Burnley have announced the appointment of Steve Clarke as their new manager.
05/06 - Shrewsbury have unveiled John Dreyer as their new manager.
05/06 - Kidderminster have unveiled Luke Gerrard as their new manager.
06/06 - Derby have announced the appointment of Mark Hughes as their new manager.
06/06 - Bath have hired Jody Brown as their new manager.
12/06 - Kilmarnock have appointed Billy Dodds as their new manager.
15/06 - Ards's manager Paul Kirk has ended his reign with the club and resigned.
16/06 - Ayr United have confirmed Dick Campbell has left his position as manager.
16/06 - Cliftonville has announced Tommy Cassidy has left the club as manager and retired from football.
16/06 - Brechin City have confirmed John Coughlin has left as manager after rejecting a new contract.
19/06 - Dover Athletic have announced manager Chris Kinnear has retired and left his role as manager.
19/06 - Margate have parted company with manager Terry Brown.
19/06 - Peterhead have hired Gary Naysmith as their new manager.
20/06 - Man Utd have parted company with Louis Van Gaal who has retired and left his role as manager.
21/06 - Aston Villa have announced manager Claudio Ranieri has left his position and retired.
23/06 - Gateshead's manager Malcolm Crosby has retired from football and his role as manager.
24/06 - Tamworth have unveiled Garry Flitcroft as their new manager.
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Best Player In Europe Awards
1. Lionel Messi (FC Barcelona)
2. James Rodriguez (Real Madrid)
3. Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)
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Other League/Cup Reviews:
European Champions Cup
Chelsea defeated Real Madrid on Penalties after a 1-1 draw in normal time.
Euro Cup
Wolfsburg defeated Dortmund in an all German final on Penalties after a 2-2 draw in normal time.
Euro Super Cup
Manchester City won the Euro Super Cup after beating Gelseknirchen 2-1.
English Premier Division
Manchester City were crowned Premiership Champions after winning 27 of their 38 league games, beating Chelsea into 2nd place by a close 3 points. Arsenal (3rd) and Manchester United (4th) secured the other Champions Cup spots. Tottenham (5th) and Liverpool (6th) and Everton (7th) secured Euro Cup spots.
At the bottom of the table, Q.P.R. came bottom of the league winning only 7 games in a closely fought relegation battle that saw only 4 points seperate the bottom 5 teams. Joining them will be Burnley and Derby who are all relegated into the Championship. Bournemouth, despite losing the final game just escaped relegation on better goal difference.
English Sky Bet Championship
Norwich secured a return to the Premiership as they were crowned Sky Bet Championship winners after winning 25 of their 46 games of the season, securing 87 points - 6 more than their closest opponents Brentford who also secured a fantastic achievement in being promoted. In the play-offs, Wolves secured their place in the top spot after beating Brighton in the final.
Down at the bottom, MK Dons suffered as they won only 11 of their games, and falling 4 points behind the escape zone while they are joined by Millwall and in a huge surprise to everyone - Sunderland find themselves relegatad to League 1 after falling to defeat on the final day while Rotherham picked up a huge point that saw them leapfrog them to escape the relegation and send Sunderland down.
Sky Bet League 1
Scunthorpe were crowned winners of League 1 as they are promoted to the Championship, winning 25 of their league games and winning the league by 3 points over 2nd place Barnsley who are also promoted. Walsall defeated Preston in the play-off final to secure their spot in being promoted despite ending the season in 6th place.
Shrewsbury have the misfortune of being relegated with winning just 9 games for the season and a big 8 points behind the safety zone. They will be joined by Plymouth and Port Vale.
Sky Bet League 2
Bury find themselves being crowned champions of League 2 after winning 27 of their 46 games and amassing 95 points, 8 clear of their opponents Wycombe who finished 2nd and Cambridge who see themselves also automatically promoted. Oxford who came 7th saw themselves rise on the day in the Play-off final to see off Leyton Orient and claim the final promotion spot.
Newport County found themselves relegated after winning 10 games of their season, and falling short by just 2 points above Morecambe who survive another season in the league.
Vanarama National League
Dagenham & Redbridge saw themselves promoted as Champions as they won 30 of their 46 games in the league and gaining 97 points, 8 more than Tranmere who defeated Eastleigh in the play-offs to secure a place back in the league.
Cheltenham, Tamworth and Kidderminster found themselves relegated from the division.
Vanarama National League North
Guiseley are promoted after running away with 92 points to 2nd places 76, while Barrow who finishes 5th secured a promotion through the play-offs after defeating Worcester who finished 3rd. Stalybridge, Rushall and Curzon Ashton find themselves relegated.
Vanarama League South
Oxford City were promoted along with St. Albans who defeated Havant & W in the play-offs. Weston-Super-Mare, Conord Rangers and Wealdstone were relegated.
English FA Trophy
Chelsea defeated Man Utd 2-1 in the curtain raiser Charity Shield.
English FA Cup
Man Utd beat Everton 4-1 in a repeat of last seasons final to win it two years running.
Capital One Cup
Man City beat local rivals Man Utd in the final 3-1.
Johnson's Paint Trophy
Chestefield defeated Exeter 1-0 to win the cup.
English FA Trophy
Mansfield beat Wrexham 2-1 to win the trophy.
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Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership
Celtic won the league with 27 wins from 38 and 85 points, 15pts more than 2nd place Aberdeen, while Hearts came 3rd to see all 3 teams qualify for the Champions Cup. Kilmarnock and Hibernian were relegated from the league.
Ladbrokes Scottish Championship
Motherwell won the title with 23 wins from 36 and a whopping 74 points, 8pts more than Rangers who had to settle for the playoff only where they defeated Kilmarnock to win promotion back to the Premiership. Cowdenbeath and Queen of the South were relegated.
Ladbrokes Scottish League 1
Ayr won the league by a whopping 12 points as Forfar won the play-off to joint hem, while Annan and Elgin City were relegated.
Ladbrokes Scottish League 2
Stenhousemuir won the league by a massive 24 points, wile Queen's Park also saw themselves promoted.
Scottish Cup
Ross County defeated Celtic 2-1 draw to win the Scottish Cup.
Scottish League Cup
Celtic completed the double by winning the League Cup 2-1 against Aberdeen.
Scottish League Challenge Cup
Queen of the South won the Challenge Cup after beating Livingston 2-1 in the final.
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Dankse Bank Premiership
Glenavon comfortably won the Danske Bank Premiership with 25 wins from 38 games and 72 points, 10 pts clear of Crusaders who came 2nd while Cliftonville and Linfield joined them in the Euro Cup. Annagh Utd came bottom and were relegated.
NIFL Championship League 1
Ballinamallard Utd were crowned champions of League 1 with 13 wins from 26 games and scoring 48 points, just 4 points ahead of institute who lost in the play-off promotion to last year's winners Lurgan Cletic who retained their Premiership position. H & W Welders were the worst team and relegated.
NIFL Championship League 2
Knockbreda were crowned champions of League 2 with 14 wins from 22 games and 45 points, 1 point ahead of Bangor who could have jumped above them if they hadn't lost the last game and suffered the fate of losing to Larne who retained their position in the League 1. Meanwhile, Ardstraw are relegated.
Northern Irish Cup
Cliftonville defeated Glentoran 2-1 in the final at Windosr Park.
Northern Irish League Cup
Glentoran beat Portadown 4-0 to lift the League cup at Solitude.
Northern Irish County Antrim Shield
Crusaders beat Ballymena Utd 1-0 in the final.
Northern Irish Steel & Sons Cup
Dongal Cletic lifted the Steel & Sons Cup after beating Brantwood 2-1 in the final.
Northern Irish Intermediate Cup
Loughgall won the final after beating Durgan Celtic 3-2 at Seaview.
Northern Irish Mud Ulster Cup
Glenavon beat Armagh 2-1 in the game played at Grosvenor Stadium.
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World Cup Qualifiers:
Group 6:
England 6 - 0 Malta
Group 3:
San Marino 0 - 6 Northern Ireland
International Friendlies:
England 3 - 0 Wales
Northern Ireland 0 - 2 Albania
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Manager's Monthly Thoughts:
The board are very pleased with my overall leadership of the team, despite being disappointed with our 2-1 victory over Larne in the league. The club has now been taken over by a new consortium as the Chairman steps down and retires. I've still not heard anything about my future despite being given assurances they want to keep me in my position as Manager - and recently had an offer from Peterhead which I attended but failed in my bid in becoming their new manager.

#306917 Hell to Heaven: Diary of a Football Manager

guk99

11 years ago

4 years ago

107

07 Jan 2016 19:35:43

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April 2017:

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Saturday 1st April 2017: NIFL Stage II Play-Offs - Match #1:

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April Fools!
Loughgall dominated possession, like many of their games as of late but couldn't put the ball where it mattered - in the back of the net. They had several good chances during the match but succumb to a 1-0 defeat in the end.
O'Hanlon had a great chance in the 14th minute, only to see his shot from close range saved and cleared. Up the other end, Buchanan pulled off a great save for Loughgall in goal himself as he kept out a strike from just inside the box as he tipped it wide. From the resulting corner, Currie whipped it in to find Boyle who headed it home to give the home team the win in the end, while Sills had a glorious chance mid-way in the second half as he drove into the box only to see a last-ditch tackle stop him from shooting.

Manager's Thoughts:
A dissapointing start to the Stage II campaign with a defeat, although it was against the league leaders but we had a couple of chances but failed to make them pay.

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Saturday 4th April 2017: NIFL Stage II Play-Offs Match #2:

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Sucker-Punched!
Loughgall took a heavy blow in today's game after they took apart Institute with everything but sealing a victory in the match as two goals from Mitchell secured the away team the big three points in the Stage II play-off matches.
Loughgall took the lead in the 11th minute when Black played a ball over the top that allowed Clarke to run onto it, before he held it up for others to arrive in the box then swung it across for Sills to get a glancing head on the cross and watch it sail into the far corner past everyone to give the home team the lead.
Clarke should have made it 2-0 before half-time, before Hoey swung a cross in that hit the crossbar for Institute and cleared by the defence as the away side looked to get back into the match. Minutes before half-time, Fowler found Rooney, who found Mitchell get away from his marker and pick up the ball just outside the box as he struck it sweetly and saw it sail into the right corner of the goal to bring the team level.
If Institute's first goal wasn't a warning for Loughgall, the second in the 62nd minute to take the lead will have stung even more as Hoey crossed the ball from the right wing to find Mitchell in the box who headed home from close range after hitting the crossbar and bouncing over the line as the two players teamed up to work magic once again. Institute walked off with a big three points as Loughgall looked disheartened at another defeat despite their possession and will be wondering what is going wrong after such a good season.

Manager's Thoughts:
A tough one to take, as we controlled the match but allowed Institute to take their chances and pick up the win. It's gonna be tough now to get anything out of this Stage II even with 3 games left to play.

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Saturday 8th April 2017: Northern Irish Cup Semi-Final Round:

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Loughgall Crash Out At Semis!
Loughgall's bad run of defeats continued into the Irish Cup Semi-Final as they crashed out of the competition in extra-time - despite their opposition going down to ten men for the latter half of the game although Cliftonville were fantastic in front of goal and amassed an incredible 27 shots, with 12 on target compared to Loughgalls 4 with 1 on target throughout the whole game.
The opening goal came in the 28th minute as Cleary played a wonderful pass in behind the defence from the centre of midfield to allow Clarke to run onto it just outside the left side of the box. He whipped it across to allow Sills to head it home to give the home fans the lead in this game against the run of play.
Cliftonville finally found an equalizer late in the second half when McDaid got the ball down the right and played it across only for McQuillan to head it away but it fell to the feet of Knowles who came running into the box and smashed the ball into the roof of the net to bring them level. McCartney saw red just minutes later as he picked up his second yellow card of the match and sent off.
Knowles played provider for the winner in the 94th minute, as he sent the ball out left to Ives who sent it to the far post where Murray came in and headed it home to give the away fans the victory and send Cliftonville into the final, as Loughgall's players looked shell-shocked at the defeat after a good cup run that just slipped from their grasp in the semi-finals against a much better team.

Manager's Thoughts:
A dissappointing performance as Cliftonville destroyed us with shot after shot and it could have been worse had it not been for Buchanan in goal who kept them out a number of times. We need to pick ourselves up for the Cup Final next and I hope I can lift my team after 3 bad results so far this month.

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Irish Cup Reward:
Loughgall have been given £3.5k after losing against Cliftonville in the Northern Irish Cup Semi-Final.
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Player Suspended:
Matty Lowe has picked up an automatic one match ban after collecting 20 points.
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Saturday 15th April 2017: Northern Irish Intermediate Cup Final:

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Loughgall Lift Trophy In Classic Final!
Loughgall put in a Jeckyll & Hyde performance as they just blew Donegal Celtic away in the first half of the game, before Donegal came out afterwards and fought back to put a few nerves in the opposition but was unable to get that all important equalizer as Loughgall's players dropped to their knees as the final whistle went and they were crowned Intermediate Cup Winners for the third time of their career.
It all started badly for Donegal, who have the unlikely record of being knocked out of other cup competitions several times already by Loughgall as they went 1-0 down within the 1st minute of the game from kick-off. Just 38 seconds had gone when Clarke sent over a free-kick in Donegal's half and it found Man of the Match McMahon at the far post who had broken free of his man and slotted it home to send the home fans in rapture at this early blow to the opposition.
The second goal came in the 16th minute from a corner by Black who sent it low to the near post where Anderson tried a pot-shot to see it bounce around just outside the goal-line before McQuillan put his foot in to send it across and give Loughgall a 2-0 advantage with only a quarter of an hour gone.
The third goal came in the 34th minute, where Burns saw his corner cleared back where Sills picked it up outside the box and sent it back to Burns who whipped a beautiful and dangerous ball into the box which sailed over everyone and into the back of the net to the delight of the fans as Loughgall sailed into a 3-0 lead.
Donegal upped their game in the second half and just five minutes in, they pulled a goal back in a break-away from Loughgall's throw-in deep in their own half where Devine played the ball into the box and Scullion was able to get to it before anyone else including the keeper and poke it past him to give his team some hope.
Loughgall looked a little nervy and couldn't keep hold of the ball as Carlin picked it up outside the box and played it through for Taggart to slide it past Buchanan who came rushing out to pull Donegal just a single goal behind now with ten minutes left of the match. Despite Donegal's efforts to push on and search for that equalizer, Loughgall held out to the final whistle and celebrated with the fans as they picked up the trophy - the first under manager, John Smith's reign with the club.

Manager's Thoughts:
A Jeckyll & Hyde performance by the lads today, as in the first half we blew Durgan away with 3 excellent goals before the 2nd half we just dropped our game and allowed them to get back into the game and only just held out to win the match.
This is the first trophy I've ever won and I couldn't have been prouder of the lads after the match after a gruelling season.

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Northern Irish Intermediate Cup Winners:

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Intermediate Cup Reward:
Loughgall have been awarded £5k for playing in the Northern Irish Intermediate Cup Final.
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Intermediate Cup Reward:
Loughgall have been awarded £11k after beating Lurgan Celtic in the Northern Irish Intermediate Cup Final.
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Board Happy:

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Players Cup Reward:
Loughgall have paid out £750 to be shared among the squad on a pro-rata basis after winning the Intermediate Cup.
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Tuesday 18th April 2017: NIFL Stage II Play-Offs Match #3:

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Bitter Blow!
Loughgall returned to old ways unfortunately as after the delight of winning the Intermediate Cup - the fans saw their team fall at the hands of Ballyclare.
The game wasn't anything special as both teams looked to pick up points, but a goal with just five minutes left of the game will have broke Loughgall's hearts as Trussell played a ball to Burke who made a run inside the box and he slid it past Buchanan in goal to give his side the victory.

Manager's Thoughts:
A rather bitter pill to swallow as I consider the best team lost this game as we controlled the match, dominated the pitch but lost to a late goal. A 3rd disappointing defeat has put a dent in our play-off hopes now for sure with just 2 games left to get anything out of this season.

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Consortium Takeover - Manager To Lose Job?:

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Saturday 22nd April 2017: NIFL Stage II Play-Offs Match #4:

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Thriller Puts Dent In Play-Off Hope!
Loughgall's hopes of getting in the play-offs were virtually all but over after this thrilling encounter that saw both teams just forget about defence and go for hope in winning the match that entertained the supports.
Loughgall took the lead twice, but failed to hang onto it as Dergview kept fighting back to get something out of the game. It all began in the 2nd minute when Burns played a through-ball to Sills who ran through the centre of their defence to get the ball in the box and cooly despatch it into the corner.
The second goal came from a penalty, as Maxwell was adjudged to have held back Burns when he went for a ball at the far post as the referee pointed to the spot. Sills stepped up to get his second of the game and a comfortable lead that was to eventually slip away.
Dergview saw them get back into the match in the 19th minute when Porter picked up a loose ball in his own half and sent it forward for Reid to run onto it and he caught it before sending it past Buchanan into the corner of the net to give the away side some hope. They equalized just before half-time when Atkinson broke down the right and swung it to the far post where Dergview had a number of players forward and it fell to Reid to score his second of the match.
Burns and Sills saw lots of opportunities to get goals, but the keeper and post kept them both out on numerous occasions to their frustration as chance after chance was wasted. Henderson finally give Loughgall hope when in the 80th minute his sublime strike from outside the box flew past the keeper's hands and into the corner to give Loughgall a 3-2 advantage wih ten minutes left.
Unfortunately, it was not to be as Reid played Lecky in behind everyone and he cooly slotted it home to bring the team level with only five minutes left. As the final whistle went, both sets of fans applauded both sides off the field for this truly incredible match that was a pleasure to watch as a neutral.

Manager's Thoughts:
An enthralling match but another one where we should have won after dominating the game only to see us keep giving goals away and it costing us dearly. I saw us hit the post several times, as well as their keeper saving shot after shot as we should have taken one of them or more.The chances of us snatching that final play-off spot now is slim with only 1 game left.
Gary Henderson was named in the Team of the Week.

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Player Returns:
Stein Montgomery has returned to full training following a twisted ankle injury.
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Saturday 22nd April 2017: NIFL Stage II Play-Offs Match #5:

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Loughgall Finish In Style!
Loughgall finally gave their home fans something to cheer on the last game of the season as they brushed aside theiir opponents to pick up the three points with a comfortable win as McMahon picked up Man of the Match for his excellent performance and setting up both goals. Lurgan will be delighed for the season to be over and see the back of Loughgall who have knocked them out of several cups and beat them in a final - that is until the new season gets underway.
It all began on the 12th minute when a throw-in deep in Lurgan's half centred to McMahon who played it down to Henderson outside the box who struck it sweetly to see it fly into the corner to give Loughgall the lead. The killer goal came in the 82nd minute when McMahon played Johnston through as he latched onto the ball and sent it into the far corner to seal the game and give victory to Loughgall in their final game of the season.

Manager's Thoughts:
A thoroughly professional job to finish on a high in front of our home fans by beating Lurgan Celtic once again - this time in the league with a good 2-0 victory. We may have just missed out on the play-offs due to our opening few games lost but we ended well in the end with a couple of thrilling matches to see the season out.
Cathal McQuillan, Kevin Anderson and Ross Black have all been named in the Team of the Week.

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Injury News:
Anto Burns has sustained a twisted knee after chasing the ball during todays match. He'll be out for 4 weeks.
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April 2017: Other News:

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New Appointments/Firings:
01/04 - Aldershot sack manager Paul Doswell
02/04 - Hendnesford hire Nicky Law as their new manager.
02/04 - Hibernian have announced that Alex McLeish will be their new manager.
04/04 - Wigan have unveiled Russell Slade as their new manager.
04/04 - Oldham have announced the appointment of Steve Davis as their new manager.
07/04 - Stalybridge have unveiled Steve Kittrick as their new manager.
07/04 - Alfreton have unveiled Bill Prendergast as their new manager.
16/04 - Aldershot have appointed Darren Sheridan as their new manager.
17/04 - Sunderland have sacked their manager Tim Sherwood.
17/04 - Annagh Utd have sacked manager Brian McGurgan.
19/04 - Welling have unveiled Kevin Wilson as their new manager.
21/04 - Boreham Wood have named Garry Hill as their new manager after leaving Woking.
29/04 - Kidderminster have sacked their manager Neil Young.
30/04 - Cardiff have sacked Paul Lambert as their manager.
30/04 Millwall have parted company with their manager John Berylson.
30/04 - H & W Welders have dismissed their manager Gary Smyth.
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Manager's Monthly Thoughts:
We ended in 4th spot, just missing out on the play-offs by 1 point after a bad run of matches that kicked off our Stage II campaign. We picked up our first trophy though, winning the Intermediate Cup with a thrilling encounter against bitter rivals - Lurgan Celtic, who we've knocked out in 2 other cup competitions as I picked up my first ever trophy as a Manager.

NIFL Championship League 1: Stage II:
We picked up only 4 points in the Stage II play-off round, after a disappointing opening 3 games saw our chances virtually slip away and despite our last two games fighting to regain it, it was just too much in the end.

The board are very pleased with my overall leadership of the team, despite being disappointed with our 2-1 victory over Larne in the league. They are also asking for my continued patience while they deal with the speculation regarding the club's future with a possible takeover on the cards.

=========================================================================
Next: Post-Season (May-July 2017) & End of Season Review
=========================================================================

#306870 Hell to Heaven: Diary of a Football Manager

guk99

11 years ago

4 years ago

107

07 Jan 2016 14:06:34

=========================================================================

March 2017:

=========================================================================
Player Signs New Deal:
Niail Doyle has signed a new contract with Loughgall.
Kevin Anderson has signed a new contract with Loughgall.
=========================================================================

Saturday 4th March 2017: Northern Irish Cup Quarter-Final Round:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/43a.jpg

Loughgall Hold On Strong For Victory!
Loughgall claimed a great victory against past champions Glenavon today in the Quarter-Final of the Northern Irish Cup to see them through to the next round as the fans cheered their team on.

Despite Glenavon having the better chances in the game, Loughgall's only goal and shot on target saw them through on the 11th minute when Black saw the keeper off his line and sent it towards goal as it soared over his hands and into the net from out wide on the left wing as the away fans were in rapture as the players surrounded Black for scoring a vital goal in the game. Glenavon pushed on, but the Loughgall's defence worked hard to keep them out of the game throughout as Black picked up the reward of his goal as being named Man of the Match.

Burns unfortunately went off injured in the game and it looked serious which could lay him out of the next few weeks of games. After the game, Glenavon's manager was aggrieved at losing the game and felt they were robbed as the best team lost, while Loughgall's manager, John Smith appeared delighted with the victory.

Manager's Thoughts:
A great win against a very good team that puts us in the semi-finals of the cup, absolutely delighted with the side in a fighting battle against much better opposition.

=========================================================================
Injury News:
Anto Burns has sustained a twisted ankle after chasing the ball during todays match. He'll be out for 5-6 weeks.
=========================================================================
Northern Irish Cup Semi-Final Round:
Loughgall vs Cliftonville
To be played on Saturday 8th April 2017.
=========================================================================

Tuesday 7th March 2017: NIFL Championship League 1 #21:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/43b.jpg

Loughgall Comeback To Steal Win!
Loughgall collapsed to go 2-0 down to their opponents Dergview before an amazing fightback saw them jump over their opponents and steal the play-off spot with just one game left in a game that showed the determined spirit of the home team as they clawed their way back to pick up a valuable three points while losing Lowe in injury time through injury.

Dergview pulled off a double-salvo in a minute as they started in the 27th minute with a ball into Lecky who was just inside the edge of Loughgall's box as he crossed it towards the 5 yard area, only for Anderson to stick a foot out and catch it as he knocked it past his own keeper to give the away side the lead. The second came straight from kick-off as Loughgall lost the ball to the opposition who broke away before Maxwell received the ball on the left wing and ran with it before crossing into the box to find Higginbotham who headed it past the keeper to put the away side in what they must have thought was an uncatchable 2-0 lead as Loughgall crumbled to pieces.

Loughgall came out in the second half with their heads raised after some half-time words from their manager, John Smith who can't have been happy with their first-half performance as he changed tactics and pushed everyone more forward.

Immediately, just minutes into the second-half Loughgall got a goal back when Henderson had the ball just inside his own half and played it forward to Sills who broke away from his marker and took the ball inside the box where his first shot was blocked by the keeper only to see it fall to him once more and an open goal which he wasn't going to miss from and he didn't as he grabbed the ball from the back of the net and rushed to the half-way line to restart the game as soon as possible.

In the 73rd minute, Loughgall's players got the ball back from Dergview's corner and drove forward as Henderson played Sills through once more with a beautiful pass as he drove into the box and slid it past the keeper's fingers to bring Loughgall level as Dergview's players looked around wondering what was happening to the team.

On the 75th minute, Loughgall pulled off the unlikely surprise of taking the lead when they broke on a counter with a nice pass from Lowe towards Sills who was free, where he played it on towards Steenson who had made a run to join in as he rounded the keeper and scored to give Loughgall a victory out of nothing as they came back to pick up three points in this massive comeback against a team just above them.

Manager's Thoughts:
An amazing fightback in which we were 2-0 down, before I made a changes of tactics and brought on a few players and just threw everyone forward to try and get something out of the match and it worked. The move puts us up to 3rd place after leapfrogging our opponents Dergview with one game left to play.

=========================================================================
Injury News:
Matty Lowe has suffered a damaged heel after jumping to challenge for the ball during todays match. He'll be out for 2 weeks.
=========================================================================
Player Suspended:
Cathal McQuillan has picked up an automatic one match ban after collecting 20 points.
=========================================================================
Player Returns:
Marc McConnell has returned to full training following his strained wrist injury.
=========================================================================
Injury News:
Niaill Doyle has suffered a twisted knee after chasing the ball during a B match. He'll be out for 4 weeks.
=========================================================================
Player Returns:
Jason Johnston has returned to full training following his gashed leg injury.
=========================================================================

Tuesday 14th March 2017: Northern Irish Intermediate Cup Semi-Final:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/43c.jpg

Loughgall Reach Final In Cliffhanger!
Loughgall made it to the final of the Northern Irish Intermediate Cup after a cliffhanger penalty shootout against Ballyclare Comrades to get there after scoring an equalizer in the dying seconds of extra-time to force it to go all the way.

The first goal didn't come till the 111th minute as a cross by Gardiner sent the ball to Brown inside the box whose superb volley came back off the post as it sailed past Buchanan's hands only to rebound to Patterson who got there first and sent it into the back of the net to give Ballyclare the lead.

Ballyclare should have been wary after Loughgall's last match in which they came from behind to win as they drew level in the dying seconds of extra-time when a ball from Black on the left wing saw Steenson make a run at the far post and head it home to bring the Loughgall fans screaming with delight at drawing level so late in the game when they looked dead and buried. Ballyclare's players fumed at believing the goal was offside and argued with the linesman and referee before being forced to restart the game with little time left to continune.

In the penalty shoot-out, McCart saw his 4th penalty spot saved by Buchanan before defender Spence stepped up and smashed it home to send Loughgall through to the final of the competition while Ross Black picked up a Man of the Match for his performance throughout the match.

Manager's Thoughts:
Another tough game against very good opposition that pushed us all the way to penalties, this was after they took the lead but our great spirit of coming back allowed us to score in the dying moments of the game. This sends us to the final of the competition, and my first ever final in my second season in charge.

=========================================================================
Injury News:
Gary Henderson has suffered a twisted knee after pulling up short whilst chasing the ball during todays game. He'll be out for 4 weeks.
=========================================================================
Northern Irish Interemediate Cup Final:
Donegal Celtic vs Loughgall
To be played on Saturday 15th April 2017.
=========================================================================

Saturday 18th March 2017: NIFL Championship League 1 #22:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/43d.jpg

Loughgall Finish In Style!
Loughgall's final game was a 2-0 win against Larne to put them in 2nd spot as the season drew to a close. A fantastic performance by the team saw them score a goal in each half, with the first coming on the 28th minute when Clarke sent a great ball forward behind the defenders that saw Sills latch onto it, run into the box and cooly curl it around the keeper's outstretched fingers to see the away side take the lead.

The second goal came in the 60th minute, when a free-kick from Black just outside the box saw him play it short to O'Hanlon who played it inside the box for McMahon who broke inside to see his shot saved by the keeper, but pick up the rebound to slide it home into the empty net to seal the deal and give Loughgall a fantastic end to the season.

Matthew McMahon picked up the Man of the Match after playing an outstanding game and scoring the second goal for Loughgall.

Manager's Thoughts:
A match we never looked like losing as we gained large possession of the match, and had a superior strike rate with two wonderful goals that saw us over the line with a fantastic end of season game for the club that pushed us into 2nd place in the league.

Cathal McQuillan and Matthew McMahon were named in the Team of the Week.

=========================================================================
NIFL Championship League 1 - Next Stage:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/43g.jpg

=========================================================================
Player Returns:
Matty Lowe has returned to full training following his damaged heel injury.
=========================================================================
Injury News:
Stein Montgomery has sustained a twisted ankle after turning awkwardly during a training session. He'll be out for 5-6 weeks.
=========================================================================
Loughgall Takeover On Cards:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/43h.jpg

=========================================================================
Northern Irish Mid Ulster Cup Winners:
Glenavon have won the Northern Irish Mid Ulster Cup after beating Amagh 2-1 at the New Grosvenor Stadium.
=========================================================================
Squad Cup Bonus:
Loughgall have paid out £150 to be shared among the squad on a pro-rata basis after reaching the Semi-Finals of the Mid Ulter Cup.
=========================================================================
=========================================================================

March 2016: Other News:

=========================================================================
New Appointments/Firings:
04/03 - Albion Rovershave unveiled George Borg as their new manager after leaving Bishop Sotrtford.
06/03 - Warrenpoint have named Gary Haveron as their new manager after leaving Carrick.
06/03 - Southend have announced Paul Dickov as their new manager.
07/03 - Swindon have announced Danny Wilson as their new manager.
07/03 - Altrincham have unveiled Matt Jansen as their new manager after leaving Chorley.
11/03 - York have sacked their manager Nick Barmby.
11/03 - Kingstonian have sacked their manager Tommy Williams.
12/03 - Chester have unviled Ian Dawes as their new manager.
12/03 - Portadown have announced Paul Trainor as their new manager after leaving Coleraine.
14/03 - Newport County have sacked their manager John Sheridan.
14/03 - Wigan Athletic have announced the departure of their manager Gary Caldwell.
14/03 - Oldham Athletic have sacked their manager Lee Clark.
15/03 - Elgin City have named James McFadden as their new manager.
18/03 - Dungannon have sacked their manager Oran Kearney.
18/03 - Hibernian have announced the departure of their manager Alan Stubbs.
20/03 - Carrick have unveiled Jimmy Quinn as their new manager.
23/03 - Kingstonian have named Mark Hawkes as their new manager.
23/03 - Preston have revealed former manager of the club, Phil Brown as their new manager.
23/03 - Chorley have hired Kevin Wilkin as their new manager after leaving Stalybridge.
25/03 - Welling United have sacked their manager Alex Pike.
28/03 - York have unveiled Paul Ince as the club's new manager.
28/03 - Coleratine have announced John Quigg as their new manager.
31/03 - Newport County have named Kevin Blackwell as their new manager after leaving Boreham Wood.
=========================================================================
World Cup Qualfiers:
Group 6:
England 4 - 1 Lithuania
Group 3:
Northern Ireland 1 - 0 Norway
=========================================================================

Manager's Monthly Thoughts:
We ended the league in 2nd spot, after a fantastic campaign in which we only lost 2 games, drawing 11 and conceding just 17 goals in 22 games. Our cup runs have also been impressive, seeing us reach a final, a semi and a possible other final if we can beat Cliftonville in another cup match.

Unfortunately I learned we have five more games in the league to play due to the next stage taking place I wasn't aware of which sees us play the other top 5 teams around us in a single match to see who claims promotion.

The board are very pleased with my overall leadership of the team, despite being disappointed with our 2-1 victory over Larne in the league. They are also asking for my continued patience while they deal with the speculation regarding the club's future with a possible takeover on the cards.

April sees us kick off with double league match in this Stage II section, first away to Ballinamallard Utd (01/04) then home to Institute (04/04), before we have two cup matches on neutral grounds with a Irish Cup Semi-Final tie against Cliftonville (08/04) then we play Donegal Celtic in the Intermediate Cup Final (15/08). Our final three games in the league follow with an away tie to Ballyclare (18/04), home to Dergview (22/04) and then home to Donegal Celtic (29.04). If we reach the final of the Irish Cup then this is likely to be played sometime this month also.

#306824 Hell to Heaven: Diary of a Football Manager

guk99

11 years ago

4 years ago

107

07 Jan 2016 08:47:18

=========================================================================

February 2017:

=========================================================================

Saturday 4th February 2017: Northern Irish Cup 6th Round:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/42a.jpg

Cup Run Continues!
Loughgall battled to a hard fought victory against Ballinallard United in the Irish Cup match today, as they go through to the next round with a 1-0 victory away to the opposition.

While Ballinamallard Utd may have had the most chances, it was Loughgall who controlled the game with possession as they passed the ball around and tried to bide their time to score. The only goal came in the 46th minute, where straght from kick-off by Ballinamallard, Loughgall gained possession and Clarke on the right wing played it across the field to McMahon who saw Burns out on the right wing who received the ball before dribbling past the defender and sending it into the box. Both goalkeeper and defender missed the ball as it fell to Sills who nipped in and knocked the ball home to give the away fans the victory in this close match.

Sean Roddy picked up Man of the Match at right-back for Loughgall by putting in a wonderful display of defending to keep the home side out.

Manager's Thoughts:
A good professional display against a tough side as we comfortably beat them 1-0.

=========================================================================
Northern Irish Cup Quarter-Final Round:
Glenavon vs Loughgall
To be played on Saturday 4th March 2017.
=========================================================================
Fixture Re-Arranged:
The Loughgall vs Dergview NIFL Championship 1 match has been re-arranged for Tuesday 7th March 2017 due to the Irish Cup match.
=========================================================================

Tuesday 14th February 2017: NIFL Championship League #20:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/42b.jpg

Loughgall Stand Tall Against League Leaders!
Loughgall fought back after going behind to the league leaders Institute to grab themselves a big point with only two games left in the league and just outisde the play-off spots, on a breezy and sleet night at the Riverside Stadium.

Hoey crossed from the centre of the right side of the field into the box on the 30th minute to find Mitchell get ahead of his man and head it past Buchanan in goal to put the home side in the lead. In the unlikeliest of circumanstances, Loughgall got themselves level and earned a point in injury time as a long ball kicked upfield by keeper Buchanan was latched onto by Mullen who broke free of his defener and slotted it past the keepers fingertips as he drove into the box to score against his old club.

Manager's Thoughts:
A brilliant comeback to earn us a great point, but feel the cup runs lately have taken a lot out of us in the league. This draw moves us up one place to 4th now and joint with Ballyclare, while only 2 points behind Ballinamallard Utd, 4 behind league leaders Institute.

=========================================================================

Saturday 18th February 2017: Northern Irish Intermediate Cup Quarter-Final Round:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/42c.jpg

Loughgall In Semis!
Loughgall struggled against last seasons winners Ards, but thanks to a red card for the home side and some wonderful display of passing by Burns they were able to see off their opponents in extra-time to see themselves go through to their second semi-finals of a cup competition on this fantastic series of cup runs the club appear to be on.

Muldrew saw himself go off injured in the first half for Ards, before in the final minute John Carlin saw himself receive a red card for a reckless two-footed tackle on Henderson mid-way in the Ards half of the field - a tackle he didn't need to make which made it more difficult for the home side to get anything from there on.

In extra-time, Loughgall turned their possesion play into goals finally in the 105th minute as Steenson broke down the right wing after coming on a s sub and drove into the box where he sliced it back for Burns who was waiting and cooly slotted it into the far corner to give the away fans something to cheer finally. The final goal came to kill the match off came on the 110th minute, when Burns crossed from a corner kick found Lowe inside the box whose header sailed into the far corner of the goal to secure a victory and continue their run in the competition.

Manager's Thoughts:
It took us till extra-time but we finally got that goal that saw us comfortably control the game and finish it off in style.

Gareth Buchanan has been named in the Team of the Week.

=========================================================================
Injury News:
Warner Mullen has sustained a facial injury after jumping to challenge for the ball during todays match. He'll be out for 12-15 days.
=========================================================================
Northern Irish Intermeciate Cup Semi-Final Round:
Loughgall vs Ballyclare Comrades
To be played on Tuesday 14th March 2017.
=========================================================================
Injury News:
Jason Johnston has sustained a gashed leg after being on the receiving end of a tackle in a B match. He'll be out for about 3 weeks.
Marc O'Connell has sustained a strained wrist while lifting weights during training. He'll be out for 2 weeks.
=========================================================================
Shock As Striker Leaves Club:
Loughgall's fans were unhappy today to hear their striker, Warner Mullen has left the club on a free transfer and joined Ards Rangers. Loughgall only have a couple of young strikers left at the club now to fill the important role as the season begins to draw to a close.
=========================================================================

Saturday 18th February 2017: Northern Irish Intermediate Cup Quarter-Final Round:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/42d.jpg

Loughgall Crash Out!
Loughgall's possession and limited chances proved fruitless as they succumb to a team who were on a good run of games, despite being a division lower than the home side as Loughgall crashed out of the Mid Ulster cup at the Semi-Final stage of the competition, while Gary Henderson picked up Man of the Match for the home side.

The game created little throughout as both sides tried to break down the opposition but struggled to get that vital goal before the game went to extra-time, and finally Penalties to secure who would qualify into the final.

Armagh scored all of their four goals needed to see off the home side, while Anderson and Roddy saw their shots saved which knocked them out of the competition on penalties despite having a good record over the past few months being on the other end of the final scoreline.

Manager's Thoughts:
A tough one to take, as I thought we should have beaten Armagh but I underestimated the side who were lower than us and we paid the price as we got took to Penalties and knocked out. While I'm disheartened at the way we fell short, we have been playing magnificent lately and getting through to a final may have just been too much - but I do have hope for the other cups we are still in. I think the sudden departure of striker Mullen stunned us in this game and we could have done with him playing this match.

=========================================================================
=========================================================================

February 2016: Other News:

=========================================================================
New Appointments/Firings:
01/02 - Nuneaton have hired Liam Watson as their nea manager after leaving Bradford PA.
04/02 - Q.P.R. have sacked manager Steve Clarke.
06/02 - Birmingham have unveiled Michael Laudrup as their new manager.
07/02 - Rushall have placed Assistant Manager Jason Jarrett in charge of first-team affairs until further notice.
07/02 - Cheltenham have unveiled Steve Tilson as their new manager.
07/02 - Norwich have hired Teemu Tainio as their new manager after leaving Nottingham Forest.
09/02 - AFC Fylde have named Paul Hegarty as their new manager after leaving Berwick.
11/02 - Southend have sacked manager Phil Brown.
11/02 - Eastbourne Boro have dismissed manager Mark Stimson.
14/02 - Colchester have unveiled Mark Robins as their new manager.
18/02 - Albion Rovers have sacked manager Darren Young.
18/02 - Warrenpoint have parted company with their manager Barry Gray.
18/02 - Swindon have sacked manager Gary Megson.
18/02 - Bradford PA have unveiled Steve Housham as their new manager.
22/02 - Q.P.R. have unveiled Quique Flores as their new manager.
24/02 - Berwick have named Steve McGarry as their new manager.
24/02 - Chester have sacked their manager Lee Sinnott.
25/02 - Elgin City have sacked their manager Jim Weir.
25/02 - Portadown have sacked their manager Andy Todd.
27/02 - Eastbourne Boro have hired Rob Smith as their manager after leaving Corby.

=========================================================================

Manager's Monthly Thoughts:
We ended our month in 5th spot and picked up a good point against one of our contenders for the top spots, while having a fantastic cup run. With 2 games left now in the league, we could snatch something out of nothing and end up on a high while also finding ourselves in a Quarter and Semi-Final of two cup competitions and if we can reach the final in at least one of them then I'd be very happy.

March sees an away tie to Glenavon (04/03) in the Irish Cup Qtr-Final before a league match home to Dergview (07/03), an Intermediate Semi-Final enounter on neutral ground against Ballyclare (14/03) before we finish the month with our final league game of the campaign to Larne (18/03).

#306750 Hell to Heaven: Diary of a Football Manager

guk99

11 years ago

4 years ago

107

06 Jan 2016 20:36:45

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January 2017:

=========================================================================

Tuesday 3rd January 2017: NIFL Championship League #17:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/41a.jpg

Loughgall Win At Home!
Loughgall put up a battling display to see off opponents H & W Welders in todays game on a wet pitch at Lakeview Park to secure another victory in their hopes of scrapping for a play-off spot in the league.

The only goal of the game came from Man of the Match Gary Henderson who was instrumental in the move that set it up, as he played the ball forward to Mullen who switched play on to Clarke on the left wing, before Mullen got it back inside the box before seeing himself surrounded. He found space though to play a nice through-ball to Henderson who had followed in and found himself free inside the box as he cooly side-footed the ball into the corner of the net to secure the win and all three points for the home side.

Manager's Thoughts:
A fighting performance by the lads today with a good 3 points on the board for us that moves us up to 3rd place and in the last play-off spot at the moment with 5 games left to play with 2 of those matches coming against those above us.

=========================================================================

Saturday 7th January 2017: Northern Irish Cup 5th Round:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/41b.jpg

Loughgall Through To Next Round!
Loughgall controlled today's cup tie against opponents Lurgen Celtic who were helpless as the home side despatchd them with relative ease to see themselves through to the next round of the cup.

The opening goal came in the first half, when in the 27th minute the ball was struck across from the right wing to the left with some nice passing before Mullen got into the box and latched onto Clarke's wonderful cross to head home from close range.

The second came in the 55th minute as a throw-in deep in the oppositions half was moved around well before Cleary had the ball on the edge of the box and played it to Clarke, who picked up Man of the Match stood to his right, who then found Burns central of the box who ran onto it and struck it sweetly to give the home fans a 2-0 lead. Lurgan pulled a goal back late in the 85th minute through a bad pass which lead to Graham and Davidson teaming up with some nice quick exchanges of passes outside the Loughgall box before Graham cracked it into the far corner, but in all it was too late for the away side as Loughgall continued their great cup run.

After the game, Lurgan Celtic's manager, Paul McAtee has a few choice words to speak about today's game as he labelled the pitch a disgrace and was defiant in waving off Loughgall's hand of friendship to let things be after the final whistle by stating "Smith has got me pegged very wrong if he thinks i'm giving up that easily. We will bounce back from this and put him back in his place next time around!". John Smith refuses to be called into a war of words with the oppositions manager and brushed it aside with a smile and a victory against his opposite number.

Manager's Thoughts:
A great performance against what I considered a good opposition, but our passing and display off the ball proved too much for them as we won it more comfortably than the score-line states. The fans were jubilant at the final whistle as they sang the players names.

Kevin Anderson and Gary Henderson were named in the Team of the Week.

=========================================================================
Northern Irish Cup Sixth Round:
Ballinamallard United vs Loughgall
To be played on Saturday 4th February 2017.
=========================================================================
Fixture Re-Arranged:
The Ballinamallard United vs Loughgall NIFL Championship 1 match has been re-arranged for Tuesday 31st January 2017 due to the Irish Cup match between the two.
=========================================================================
Injury News:
Jim O'Hanlon has sustained a facial injury after landing heavily during a training session. He'll be out for 12-15 days.

Meanwhile Matthew McMahon has resumed full training after a damaged foot injury.
=========================================================================
Player Joins On Loan:
Carrick's Fra Brennan has joined Loughgall on loan until the end of the season.
=========================================================================
Shock As Captain Leaves Club:
Loughgall's fans were shocked today to hear Captain and experienced defender, Neil Alderdice has selected to leave Loughgall and sign for Ballinamallard Utd on a free transfer as he welcomed the move and the chance of a fresh start. Loughgall's manager was heard to state he is "extremely disappointed at this exit by such a great player for the club who has lead the team both on and off the pitch and is a bitter blow for the team, one of which we must now overcome!"
=========================================================================
New Captain Steps Up:
Following on from Neil Alderdice's departure from Loughgall, manager John Smith has declared winger Anto Burns as the new Captain to lead the team forward. "He has everything you need to move this team on, he is a quality player who although is still young brings lots of experience and passion on the pitch which is what we need."
=========================================================================
Manager Offered Interview:
East Stirlingshire have approached Loughgall's manager and invited him to attend an interview with the chance of possibly being named their new manager if all goes well.

East Stirlingshire currently stand at 7th place in Ladbrokes League 2 (Scotland) and have an outside chance of reaching the play-offs being just 7 points behind with 12 games left.

It is believed John Smith has refused the invitation with plans to continue his job with Loughgall.
=========================================================================

Tuesday 17th January 2017: NIFL Championship League #18:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/41c.jpg

Loughgall Lose Battle!
Loughgall walked away from today's NIFL Championship League 1 game with no points after being pushed all the way by their opposition, Limavady Utd who are fighting to keep out of the relegation battle.

The opening goal in this great match came in the 4th minute when Jennings saw his header well saved by Buchanan, but he couldn't hold onto it as it bounced free allowing Jennings a second bite at the cherry to knock it into the net to give the home side the lead. Henderson and Mullen played some wonderful passing back and forth outside the box, before Henderson saw Burns run from the right wing as he played the ball through and Burns struck it home past the keeper to bring Loughgall level in the 31st minute.

Loughgall then took the lead minutes later when Henderson put another beautiful ball through behind the defence allowing Mullen to break free of his marker and smash it home from inside the box. The home side drew level in the 71st minute when Friel on the right wing sent a cross into the box, where Moore from just a few feet out met the ball only to see Buchanan pull off a magnificent save only to see it rebound off defender Spense and cross the line to the heartache of the Loughgall players.

The winner came in the 75th minute when Spense brought down Klobusek in the box which allowed Cully to step up to the penalty spot and cooly slot it home to give the home side the win and all three points.

Manager's Thoughts:
Despite a good fighting performance, we lost only my 2nd match of the season in the league against a team who pushed us to the limits and just desired the 3 points that little bit more. This defeat knocks us down a spot to 4th place.

=========================================================================
Northern Irish League Cup Winners:
Glentoran have won the Northern Irish League Cup with a 4-0 win over Portadown in the final at Solitude.
=========================================================================
Player Suspended:
Matty Lowe has been given an automatic one match ban after collecting 20 points.
=========================================================================

Saturday 21st January 2017: Northern Irish Mid Ulster Cup Quarter-Final Round:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/41d.jpg

Loughgall Do Double Over Lurgan Celtic!
Loughgall's Matthew McMahon saw two yellow cards turn into red on his return to action today, but that won't spoil the party as Loughgall saw off their opponents Lurgen Celtic by dumping them out of the cup on Penalties after a wonderful match. This is the second time Loughgall have dumped Lurgan Celtic out of a cup, with the other just a week prior in the Irish Cup 5th Round.

The first goal came in the 15th minute when Rodgers crossed from the left wing to see Graham's wonderful header hit the far post before Davidson ran in and slotted it away to give the away side the lead. The home side got back into it just before half time in the 45th minute when Burns made a fantastic run with the ball from the centre spot to the right wing before he crossed it into the box where Mullen picked it up, got past his man and drove it calmly past the keeper's hands to bring them level.

Loughgall finally took the lead in the 54th minute when Clarke and Boyd worked well down the left which allowed Boyd to break in from the left wing and send it over to find Mullen run in, but although he went for the ball - no one got a touch on it as it sailed into the corner of the net allowing Boyd to claim the big goal. Malone pulled Lurgan back level with a cracker of a strike worthy of getting something out of the game from a good 30 yards out as it flew into the top corner with venom.

After extra-time, it went to the shoot-out of penalties and Buchanan pulled off another great save with Graham's first spot-kick for Lurgan that allowed Loughgall to take the lead before Brennan saw his shot sail inches wide that brought Lurgan back into the game with a chance. As the game went into the dreaded sudden death as Whiteside saw his shot saved by Buchanan, before the Loughgall goalkeeper himself stepped up to take a spot-kick next and struck it past his opposite number to send Loughgall through once more.

Manager's Thoughts:
A fantastic display of fighting spirit saw us through this game as we knocked Lurgen Celtic out of another cup and go through for the first time in my career as manager to the semi-finals of a competition.

Gary Henderson was named in the Team of the Week.

=========================================================================
Player Suspended:
Matthew McMahon has been given an automatic one match ban after being sent off in the cup tie. He has also picked up an automatic one match ban after collecting 42 points.
=========================================================================
Injury News:
Jim O'Hanlon has resumed full training after a facial injury.
=========================================================================
Northern Irish Mid Ulster Cup Semi-Final Round:
Loughgall vs Armagh
To be played on Tuesday 28th February 2017.
=========================================================================
Northern Irish League Cup Winners:
Glentoran have won the Northern Irish League Cup with a 4-0 win over Portadown in the final at Solitude.
=========================================================================
Player Suspended:
Matty Lowe has been given an automatic one match ban after collecting 20 points.
=========================================================================

Saturday 28th January 2017: Northern Irish Intermediate Cup 4th Round:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/41e.jpg

Loughgall Comfortable In Victory!
Loughgall on another day, against better opposition may have struggled to get past their opponents in this match but on the day they pulled off an expected victory to go through to the next round on a cold and snowy day.

Despite their control and possession of the ball, Loughgall's only goal came from Sills on the 76th minute who broke away on a counter before sending it left to Clarke who ran to the box and crossed it inside as Sills ran onto the ball only to see his strike well saved from close range, but the ball bounced free for him to get a second chance which he took and put the away side through to the next round of the competition. Kevin Anderson in defence for the away side played magnificent to keep the oppsition from creating little on the day and walked away with the Man of the Match.

Manager's Thoughts:
A good professional display against a lower side as we comfortably beat them 1-0.

=========================================================================
Northern Irish Intermediate Cup Quarter-Final Round:
Ards vs Loughgall
To be played on Saturday 18th February 2017.
=========================================================================
Fixture Re-Arranged:
The Institute vs Loughgall NIFL Championship 1 match has been re-arranged for Tuesday 14th February 2017 due tot he Irish Intermediate Cup match.
=========================================================================

Tuesday 31st January 2017: NIFL Championship League 1 #19:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/41f.jpg

Loughgall Rescue Draw!
Loughgall came with a game plan in tonights match and they walked away with what could at the end of the season be a valuable point as they pulled a draw out of the bag with the only shot they had on goal.

It took till late in the second half before we saw our opening goal as McCartney crossed from the left to find McIlwaine run in and head home at the far post to the delight of the home fans. In the 81st minute, Burns received the ball on the right - just inside the oppositions half as he played it forward into space where Sills ran onto it and got inside the box as he slotted it past the keeper to bring the away team level and pick up a good point for the side.

Manager's Thoughts:
We got the minimum I wanted from this tough encounter as we came from behind to rescue a point. This draw against one of the top teams in the league knocks us down to 5th in the league but only a couple of points behind play-offs.

=========================================================================
=========================================================================

January 2016: Other News:

=========================================================================
End of Year World Awards:
World Golden Boot Award
1st: James Rodriguez (Real Madrid)
2nd: Lionel Messi (FC Barcelona)
3rd: Christiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)

World Player of the Year Award
1st: James Rodriguez (Real Madrid)
2nd: Neymar (FC Barcelona)
3rd: Christiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)

European Golden Boy Award
Luke Shaw (Manchest United)

World Team of the Year Award:
M. Neuer (Bayern)
D. Alaba (Bayern), J. Boateng (Bayern), L. Bonucci (Juventus), P. Lahm (Bayern)
K. DeBruyne (Man City), J. Rordriguez (R. Madrid)
Neymar (FC Barcelona), C. Ronaldo (R. Madrid), L. Messi (FC Barcelona)
L. Suarez (FC Barcelona)
=========================================================================
New Appointments/Firings:
01/01 - St. Johnstone sack manager Tommy Wright.
02/01 - Arbroath sign former player Craig Tully as their new manager.
02/01 - Watford have parted company with manager Quique Flores.
05/01 - AFC Telford have appointed Steve McNulty as their new manager.
07/01 - The New Saints have terminated the contract of their manager Craig Harrison.
07/01 - Sutton Utd have appointed Kenny Pavey as their new manager.
09/01 - Weston-Super-Mare have unveiled Steve Tully as their new manager after leaving Truro.
09/01 - Crewe have appointed David Crosby as their new manager.
10/01 - Madistone have announced the departure of manager Jay Saunders.
14/01 - Lincoln have appointed Darren Edmondson as their new manager.
15/01 - St Johnstone have announced Malky Mackay as their new manager.
17/01 - Oxford City have uneviled Chris Moyses as their new manager.
17/01 - Bradford City have appointed David Adams as their new manager.
17/01 - Nuneaton have sacked manager Dean Holdsworth.
18/01 - Watford have appointed Fernando Herro as their new manager after leaving Norwich.
18/01 - Drogheda Utd have named former player Gary Rogers as their new manager.
18/01 - Leicester City have appointed Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink as their new manager after leaving Birmingham City.
21/01 - Colchester have sacked manager Tony Humes.
21/01 - Cheltenham Town have announced the departure of manager Richard Hill.
22/01 - East Stirlingshire have named Jim Chapman as their new manager after leaving AFC Fylde.
23/01 - Barnet have appointed Kevin Dillon as their new manager.
24/01 - Truro have named Shaun Reid as their new manager.
27/01 - Maidstone have unveiled Pat Baldwin as their new manager.
=========================================================================

Manager's Monthly Thoughts:
We ended our month in 5th spot and picked up a good point against one of our contenders for the top spots, while having a fantastic cup run. With only three games left in the league, I'm hoping we can push on and steal a vital spot higher up.

February sees us play a number of games, beginning with an Irish Cup 6th Round tie to Ballinamallard Utd (04/02), before we play away in the league to Institiute (14/02), away to Ards (18/02) in the Intermediate Cup Qtr-Final, then finish off with a huge match in an Mid Ulster Semi-Final match against Armagh (28/02) on neutral ground.

#306693 Hell to Heaven: Diary of a Football Manager

guk99

11 years ago

4 years ago

107

06 Jan 2016 12:11:54

=========================================================================

December 2016:

=========================================================================
Player Signs New Contract:
Loughgall have announced that Kevin Anderson has signed a new contract.
=========================================================================
Staff Member Leaves:
Head Physio John McKeag has left the club and joined Limavady Utd. Loughgall will receive £1,400 in compensation settlement.

Jim McVeigh has signed a new contract with Loughgall which sees him take up the vacant role of Head Physio.
=========================================================================

Saturday 3rd December 2016: Northern Irish Cup 4th Round:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/40a.jpg

Loughgall Need Pens To Win!
Loughgall needed penalties to get past Larne on a wet and windy afternoon at Inver Park today. Loughgall committed a number of fouls, more so than their hosts during the match and while both sides has a number of opportunities to score - neither side could take them.

Boyd of Loughgall had the best chance in the 12th minute, after a number of nice passing around the oppositions half before he came in on the left wing and inside the box to see his strike just tipped around the post by the keeper. Meanwhile Larne's winger Rodgers broke in on the right in the 20th minute, only to see his strike whistle past the post in the best of the first half action.

As the second half kicked off, Larne got on the attack from the start and Stuart at the far post found his header strike the crossbar from close range before it was cleared. At the other end, a corner came back to Boyd who sent it in as the players all rushed out and Willis saw his strike just strike the outside of the post and go wide in the 90th minute of normal time.

In extra time, Bradley saw his strike knocked off the goal line by Doyle as Larne pushed to get a winner. As the game went to the dreaded Penalties, Alderdice - who despite was named Man of the Match saw his penalty saved and Loughgall looked to be going out until Buchanan pulled out two saves in a row against Scott and Young, while McMahon walked up and smashed it home to send the away fans through to the delight of their manager.

Manager's Thoughts:
A tough game with little chances throughout and Larne could have stolen in at the end of extra time but our defenders and keeper played magnificent throughout to try and keep us in the match. Buchanan pulled off a great double save on Penalties to help see us through.

=========================================================================

Tuesday 6th December 2016: Northern Irish Mid Ulster Cup 1st Round:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/40b.jpg

Thriller At Lakeview Park!
Loughgall and Warrenpoint put on a magnificent display of football today as both sides went out and tried to win the match. In the end, Loughgall came off winners after the match went to Penalties - their second time in just a number of days after winning the previous match on them.

The first goal came in the 17th minute as Willis sent the ball across to find Sills at the far post who headed it home to put Loughgall in the lead. Hughes scored a sizzler of a goal from outside the box as his shot sailed low into the corner to bring Warrenpoint level on the 63rd minute.

In the 5th minute of extra time, Willis scored a blinder of a goal from the left wing as he saw the keeper off his line and looped a ball into the far corner to send the home fans into raptures. It lasted just 5 minutes though before Warrenpoint once more equalized as Murray played a nice through-ball to Boyle who got in front of his man and slid it past Buchanan's near side to bring his team level.

Loughgall's heads may have fallen slightly when just before half-time of the extra-time being played, Warrenpoint saw themselves take the lead for the first time in the match with a corner that was swung close to the keeper as Hughes ran in and the ball bobbled around before Murray slotted it home. Loughgall raised their game in the search for the equalizer and found it in incredible timing when in injury time played at the end of extra-time, McMahon's strike from outside the box was well saved and parried away only to see Burns run onto it and smash it home before running to the home fans to celebrate a get out of jail reward for his team.

Hughes saw his early penalty saved by Buchanan, but was unable to get back the miss as Loughgall cooly despatched every penalty with calm heads on their shoulders to send themselves through to the next round of the cup.

Manager's Thoughts:
An amazing game, one of which was not for the weak-hearted with six goals - several of them magnificent on both sides before we snatched that late, late equalizer to take it to Penalties. I'd hoped that our previous penalty shoot-out would give us a slight advantage and the lads played magnicificently the whole game with two matches in a row taking it's toll on the boys as several looked exhausted out there as we celebrated our win but never let it show throughout the match.

=========================================================================
Mid Ulster Cup Quarter-Final Draw:
Loughgall vs Lurgan Celtic
Tie to be played on Saturday 21st January 2017.
=========================================================================
Fixture Re-Arranged:
The Limavaldy Utd vs Loughgall NIFL Championship L1 match has been re-arranged to Tuesday 17th January 2017 due to the clash with the Mid Ulster Cup match.
=========================================================================
Chairman Winds Down Career:
Loughgall have announced Chairman, John McCann has decided that he is set to retire from hands-on roles in football and will only pursue part-time roles going forward. He has been Chairman of Loughgall since June 2010.
=========================================================================
Player Leaves:
Loughgall have announced Aaron Willis who has been on form lately for the club has lef the club and signed for Malachians on a free transfer.
=========================================================================
Injury News:
Jason Johnston has suffered a faical injury after jumping for the ball during a B match. He will be out 12-15 days.
=========================================================================
Match Postponed:
Today's match between Loughgall and Ballyclare has been postpoined due to a waterlogged pitch at Lakeview Park. The fixture has been re-arranged for Tuesday 27th December 2016.
=========================================================================
Northern Irish Cup Fifth Round Draw:
Loughgall vs Lurgan Celtic
Tie to be played on Saturday 7th January 2017.
=========================================================================
Fixture Re-Arranged:
The Loughgall vs H & W Welders NIFL Championship L1 match has been re-arranged to Tuesday 3rd January 2017 due to the clash with the H & W Welders vs Warrenpoint Irish Cup match.
=========================================================================
Injury News:
Jason Johnston and Warner Mullen return from their injuries.
=========================================================================

Tuesday 20th December 2016: Northern Irish Intermediate Cup 3rd Round:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/40c.jpg

Loughgall Rise To Occasion!
Loughgall continued their return to form in the cups after two amazing extra-time rounds, to comfortably see off opponents Limavady Utd in this Intermediate Cup 3rd Round encounter.

Anto Burns was the Man of the Match as he scored a brace against the side, the first coming in just the 2nd minute of the game when Alderdice found Henderson free outside the box, as he saw Burns run from the right and played it through for him to strike it past the keeper at his near side to give the away side the lead.

The second goal was almost identical, as in the 13th minute Henderson received the ball in the oppositions half and saw Burns run from the right wing towards goal as he played it through the wide-open space for him to pick it up and strike it home for a 2-0 advantage.

Burns turned provider for the third goal, as he got the ball and ran past his man on the right wing and crossed low into the box where McMahon ran onto it and side-footed it home. Morrison pulled a goal back for the home side in the 78th minute when a shot rebounded back and left the keeper stranded as he dived for a suspected shot as Morrison cooly struck it into the near corner to score his goal but it was too little too late as Loughgall continued their good cup runs with another victory and through to the next round.

Manager's Thoughts:
Burns destroyed the opposition today with two great goals and runs, as well as setting up McMahon for the killer in the end. Disappointed to see them pull one back, but we stood firm throughout the match and despite our last two games which took us to extra-time - we worked hard to make sure this wasn't needed on this occasion with a sublime reward for our hard work today.

=========================================================================
Injury News:
Matthew McMahon has suffered a damaged foot after jumping to challenge for the boall during todays match. He will be out for upto 4 weeks.
=========================================================================
Player Suspended:
Neil Alderdice has picked up an automatic one match ban after collecting 20 points.
=========================================================================
Northern Irish Intermediate Cup Fourth Round Draw:
Glentoran Seconds vs Loughgall
Tie to be played on Saturday 28th January 2017.
=========================================================================
Player Signs New Contract:
Loughgall have announced that Kevin Anderson has signed a new contract.
Niall Doyle has also announced he has signed a new contract with the club.
=========================================================================
Loughgall Manager Wanted:
Rumours are circulating that Cefn Druids of the Dafabet Welsh Premier League, who just parted ways with manager Huw Griffiths has their eye on Loughgall's manager John Smith who has had an impressive start to his young career. Other names being touted for the job include Steve Jenkins, Gary Roberts and George McAllister.
=========================================================================

Tuesday 27th December 2016: NIFL Championship League 1: Match #16:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/40d.jpg

Loughgall Battle To Earn Draw!
Loughgall came down to earth as they drew at home to Ballyclare in this match with both goals coming in the first half of the game while Sean Cleary picked up the Man of the Match for his excellent performane controlling Loughgall's midfield from just in front of the back four.

Mullen returned to form as he placed away a beautiful shot as he took it around the keeper and scored when he ran onto Cleary's clever pass played in behind the defence and held off the defenders. The equalizer came with a mistake of our own, as Roddy on the right full back position miss-controlled the ball and it fell to Gardiner who whipped it into the box for Trussell to stick a foot out and put it past Buchanan to earn the away side a point.

Manager's Thoughts:
A good game after our terrific performances as of late, as we looked to dominate the match from kick-off and had some chances but a mistake cost us the valuable extra points in this league encounter against one of our closest opponents fighting for play-off spots.

The draw puts us in 4th spot, just a 1 point off the play-offs. Only 6 games left.

=========================================================================
Loughgall Manager Offered Job Interview:
Loughgall's manager has rumoured to have been offered the chance to meet with the board of Arbroath to disuss the possibility of taking over as Manager. Arbroath are currently last place, 10th in the Ladbrokes League 2 (Scotland) with 15 games left and a staggering 11 points behind Stirling, with only 1 win in 21 games. It would be a tough task if John Smith took the challenge on.
=========================================================================
Loughgall Manager Rejects Approach:
John Smith, manager of Loughgall has reportedly rejected the offer of an interview with Arbroath feeling now was not the right time to leave his current post and was wary of Arbroath's current league predicament.
=========================================================================
Loughgall Manager Offered Job Interview:
Loughgall's manager has rumoured to have been offered the chance to meet with the board of AFC Telford to disuss the possibility of taking over as Manager. AFC Tleford are currently in 15th place in the Vanarama National League North (England).
=========================================================================
Loughgall Manager Rejects Approach:
John Smith, manager of Loughgall has reportedly rejected the offer of an interview with AFC Telford feeling now was not the right time to leave his current post and would consider his options at the end of the season when his contract with Loughgall would run out.
=========================================================================
=========================================================================

December 2016: Other News:

=========================================================================
New Appointments/Firings:
03/12 - Aldershot have sacked manager Dean Holdsworth
04/12 - Kilmarnock have dismissed manager Gary Locke.
04/12 - Hemel Hempstead have hired Paul Holleran after leaving Leamington.
06/12 - Sunderland have hired Tim Sherwood as new manager.
10/12 - Bolton have announced Stuart Pearce as their new manager.
11/12 - Crewe have sacked Steve Davis as manager.
14/12 - Concord Rangers have hired Rob Scott as manager after leaving Brackley.
17/12 - Kilmarnock have appointed Alex Neil as their new manager.
17/12 - Rochdale have announced the departure of John Still as manager.
17/12 - Arbroath have sacked manager Ian Little
18/12 - Leamington have appointed Carl MacAuley as manager after leaving AFC Telford.
19/12 - Stockport have announced the appointment of Alex Hay as manager.
20/12 - Aldershot have hired Paul Doswell as manager.
26/12 - Lincoln City have appointed Darren Peacock as their new manager.
26/12 - Cefn Druids have dismissed manager Huw Griffiths.
27/12 - Weston-Super-Mare have sacked Ryan Northmore as their manager.
28/12 - Brackley have named Justin Merritt as their new manager after leaving Oxford City.
30/12 - Newtown have sacked manager Chris Hughes.
31/12 - Drogheda Utd's manager Pat Devlin has left his position and retired from football.
31/12 - Rochdale have hired Stuart Gray as manager after leaving Bradford City.
31/12 - Leicester City have sacked manager Michael Laudrup.
=========================================================================
New England Under 19s Manager:
Steve Thompson has accepted the new position of England Under 19s Manager.
=========================================================================
International Friendlies:
England 2 - 0 Italy
Northern Ireland 2 - 1 Israel
=========================================================================
=========================================================================

Manager's Monthly Thoughts:
We ended the month in 4th spot, 1 point behind the play-off spots and 4 behind leaders Institute with only 6 games left in the league. If we can do well in these final games and snatch a play-off spot then I'd be very happy for my second season. We're also playing in 3 cups so if we can get to a final or win at least one then it would be an extremely good season but we face Lurgan Celtic twice in these cup matches and they are a tough team to beat.

Although I was offered two opportunities to manage elsewhere, one at Arbroath in Scotland but they are in a very bad position and I feel at the end of season they would go down and I'd be unemployed anyway. AFC Telford was a reasonable offer but I felt I have a job to finish here first before I consider other options and was thinking of weighing things up at the end of the season.

The new year of January 2017 sees us resume our league campaign with a home match against H & W Welders (03/01), before a home Irish Cup 5th Round tie against Lurgan Celtic (07/01). Away to Limavady Utd (17/01) in the league before we finish off the month with two huge cup matches with a home match against Lurgan Celtic (21/01) who we faced in the Irish Cup, and finally away to Glentoran Seconds (28/01) in the Intermediate Cup 4th Ronud.

#306644 Hell to Heaven: Diary of a Football Manager

guk99

11 years ago

4 years ago

107

06 Jan 2016 01:12:56

=========================================================================

November 2016: Other News:

=========================================================================
Mid Ulster Cup 1st Round Draw:
Loughgall vs Warrenpoint
Tie to be played on Tuesday 6th December 2016.
=========================================================================
Northern Irish Cup 4th Round Draw:
Larne vs Loughgall
Tie to be played on Saturday 3rd December 2016.
=========================================================================
Staff Member Leaves:
Chief Scout Tony Harpur has left the club and joined Institute. Loughgall will receive £4,800 in compensation settlement.

Loughgall have moved quickly in agreeing terms with Matt Lyons to become their new Chief Scout after leaving Dundela. Dundela will receive £2,500 in compensation.
=========================================================================
Injury News:
Anto Burns has returned to full training follow his 11 days out with a gashed head.
=========================================================================

Saturday 12th November 2016: NIFL Championship League #14:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/39a.jpg

Loughgall In Cruise Control!
Loughgall cruised to a comfortable victory away to Portstewart today at the Seahaven with a 3-0 victory against the newly promoted side.

Willis, who got the winner in Loughgall's previous match saw his good form continue with a brace and picked up Man of the Match. The first came in the 26th minute as Loughgall passed the ball around outside their opponents half before it got sent to the right wing where Burns whipped in a dangerous cross where Willis ran in on the far post and side-footed it home for the lead.

The second goal came in the 48th minute as Cleary collected the ball outside the box and slotted it through to Johnston who got on the end and cracked it into the back of the net for a more comfortable lead to the away side. The final goal came in the 66th minute as Johnston played a ball on the right side, just inside the box where Burns latched onto it with a run in behind the defender and sent it back towards the far post where Willis joined the attack and knocked it home for his second of the game and a 3-0 victory for the away side.

Manager's Thoughts:
A fantastic performance and result with three very good goals that secured us a win once more. Willis, who has come into the side is on fire right now on the left wing and keeps popping up and getting goals for us. This is our 5th clean sheet in a row, and our defence is playing to their best lately in keeping the bus parked in front of our goal to keep the opposition out. Gareth Buchanan and Cathal McQuillan were named in the Team of the Week.

The win puts us back up as we jump into 2nd spot now, just 2 points behind Institue. Only 5 points seperate the top 5 teams in the league right now with 8 games left.

=========================================================================
Staff Member Leaves:
Scout Kevin Woods has left the club and joined Dundela. Loughgall will receive £2,800 in compensation settlement.

Loughgall have moved quickly in agreeing terms with Shane Coney to become their new Scout.
=========================================================================
Match Postponed:
Today's match between Loughgall and Moyola Park has been postpoined due to a waterlogged pitch at Lakeview Park. The fixture has been re-arranged for Tuesday 22nd November 2016.
=========================================================================
New Signing:
Loughgall have announced the signing of 22 year-old striker Aaron Sills on a free transfer.
=========================================================================

Tuesday 22nd November 2016: Intermediate Cup 2nd Round:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/39b.jpg

Loughgall Sail Past Moyola!
Loughgall sailed into the 3rd Round of the Intermediate cup today after comfortably beating Moyola Park in the re-secheduld fixture and on a wet and gusty pitch.

Ross Black walked off the park with the Man of the Match, but goals from the two wingers were able to send the home team through. The first coming from a Black cross deep on the left wing near the byline which found Burns rising above the defender and heading home in the 17th minute. The second came in the 30th minute when Henderson sent a ball into the box and Burns headed it back across goal for Willis to run in and slide it home for the winner.

Moyola had several chances in the game, but couldn't get a shot on target as they kept skimming past the post in a match Loughgall never really looked like losing. Sills, the new young striker just signed for the club made his debut late in the game but had little time to make an impact in this match.

Manager's Thoughts:
A good solid victory for the team as we qualify to the next round.

=========================================================================
Intermediate Cup 3rd Round Draw:
Limvaday Utd vs Loughgall
Tie to be played on Tuesday 20th December 2016.
=========================================================================
Player Suspended:
Matthew McMahon has picked up an automatic one match ban after collecting 32 points.
=========================================================================
New Record Set:
Loughgall have set a new record after not conceding a goal in their last six games.
=========================================================================
New Signing:
Loughgall have announced the signing of 23 year-old midfielder Jim O'Hanlon on a free transfer.
=========================================================================

Saturday 26th November 2016: NIFL Championship League #15:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/39c.jpg

Unbeaten Run Comes To An End!
Loughgall fell to rivals Durgannon Swifts on a November afternoon which broke the away fans hearts as their unbeaten record came to a crashing end with a performance that didn't justify the run the club had been on as of late.

Dugannon were outstanding on the day and really took the game to Loughgall who couldn't do anything but chase after the ball all game as they didn't turn up at the park as Ferguson got the only goal of the game with a close header from a byline cross.

Manager's Thoughts:
Absolutely devastaed with this. Not so much by the result but the performance was awful. The worst we've ever played as we just didn't do anything worthwhile in the game ot make note of. A sad way to end our run against one of our rivals.

Despite this defeat, Gareth Buchanan was named in the Team of the Week for his performance in goal.

=========================================================================
Loughgall Finally Lose:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/39d.jpg

=========================================================================
Mid Ulster Cup Quarter-Final Draw:
Loughgall or Warrenpoint vs Banbridge or Lurgan Celtic
Tie to be played on Tuesday 6th December 2016.
=========================================================================
Injury News:
Warner Mullen has sustained a gashed leg after being the victim of a heavy challenge during a B match. He'll be out 3-4 weeks.
=========================================================================
=========================================================================

November 2016: Other News:

=========================================================================
New Appointments/Firings:
01/11 - Boston Utd have unveiled Jim Harvey as their new manager.
02/11 - Fleetwood have named Jim Bentley as their new manager.
03/11 - Annagh Utd have named Kevin Horlock as their new manager.
08/11 - Oldham have announced the appointoment of Lee Clark as manager.
10/11 - Lurgan Celtic have hired Paul McAtee as their new manager.
11/11 - Ardstraw have hired Rab Irwin as their new manager after leaving East Belfast.
12/11 - Kidderminster have sacked manager David Hockaday.
12/11 - Whitehawk have parted company with manager Rufus Brevett.
12/11 - Bolton have terminated the contract of manager Phil Parkinson.
13/11 - Finn Harps have sacked manager Ollie Horgan.
14/11 - Fulham and appointed Oscar Garcia as their new manager.
19/11 - Hemel Hempstead have sacked manager Kevin Wilson.
19/11 - Sunderland have sacked manager Brendan Rodgers.
27/11 - Whitehakw have named Hayden Bird as their new manager.
28/11 - Morecambe have announced Chris Wilder as their new manager.
29/11 - Kidderminster have confirmed Neil Young as their new manager after leaving Stockport.
=========================================================================
Word Cup Qualifiers:
Group 6:
Scotland 1 - 2 England

Group 3
Azerbaijan 2 - 2 Northern Ireland
=========================================================================
International Friendlies:
England 2 - 0 Italy
Northern Ireland 2 - 1 Israel
=========================================================================
=========================================================================

Manager's Monthly Thoughts:
We ended the month in 2nd spot. We got off to a great start with a 3-0 win, before we comfortably qualified to the next round of the cup, but we were awful with our worst perfomance I've ever seen by my team and against one of our rivals which cost us our unbeaten record in the final game of the month.

December sees us begin with an away game against Larne (03/12) in the Irish Cup 4th Round, before a home draw to Warrenpoint (06/12) in the Mid Ulster Cup 1st Round. Away to Linavady Utd (20/12) in the Intermediate Cup 3rd Round, before we conclude the month with an home tie against Ballyclare (27/12).

#306548 Hell to Heaven: Diary of a Football Manager

guk99

11 years ago

4 years ago

107

05 Jan 2016 15:48:29

=========================================================================

October 2016:

=========================================================================

Saturday 1st October 2016: NIFL Championship League #9:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/38a.jpg

Loughgall Fail To Go Top!
Loughgall dominated today's game but failed to take their chances to move themselves top of the table against a resiliant league leaders in Ballinamare Utd who battled to earn a point from the game.

Loughgall controlled the game but it took till the second half for the goal to finally come, as Mullen continued his fine form in front of goal with another to his tally. McConnell got the ball and swung it into the box where Mullen ran in and headed it home into the far corner to give the home side the lead against another of his former clubs.

The equalizer came in the 54th minute when McLaughlin crossed from the left to see Martin head home from inside the box to get the league leaders a draw and stay above the home team for another week.

Manager's Thoughts:
We should have won this as we dominated from kick-off but couldn't find that killer 2nd goal to give us an all important win which is disappointing.

The draw knocks us back to 3rd spot after Institute picked up a win and moved above us to join equal points with Ballinamallard Utd at top of the table, with us just 1 point behind.

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Intermediate Cup 1st Round Draw:
Dromara Village vs Loughgall
To be played on Saturday 29th October 2016.
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Fixture Changed:
The Loughgall vs Donegal Celtic NIFL Championship L1 match has been re-arranged for Tuesday 25th October due to the Intermediate Cup tie for Loughgall.
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Saturday 8th October 2016: NIFL Championship League #10:

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Loughgall Draw Again!
Loughgall domainted another match but failed to make it count as they walked away with another draw in the league, which still leaves them unbeaten and on a good run of results considering they have only won five from the first ten games.

The opening goal came in the 20th minute as Loughgall took the lead while in control of the match. It was a fantastic move as goalkeeper Buchanan had the ball in his own box, where he booted it upfield and it flew over everyone but Mullen who ran onto the end of it and in behind the defence, before he calmly rounded the keeper who came rushing out and slotted it home to give them the lead.

Institute pulled level thanks to Huey who countered with a darting run from his own half into Loughgall's and towards the left edge of the box before he crossed it low to the far post where Jones knocked it in to earn the away team a point from the game they never really looked like getting anything out of.

Manager's Thoughts:
Another game we controlled but failed to come away with all three points. Our possession was outstanding, with 64% of the game and we had a number of shots but couldn't find the back of the net more than the goal Muller scored against another of his old clubs, who is on a good scoring run for us. Insititute saw six of their players booked.

The draw sees us drop down to 4th in the league now, 3 points behind leaders Ballanamallard Utd.

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Injury News:
Jason Johnston has sustained a dead leg whilst being tackled in the B match. He'll be out for 6-8 days.
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Saturday 15th October 2016: NIFL Championship League #11:

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Loughgall Fail In Front Of Goal!
Loughgall dominated another game, but once more the manager, John Smith must be scratching his head how they can't turn the possession and control of the match into wins as they walked away with another draw in a game that didn't really have much action. Matty Lowe was the highlight of the game putting in an outstanding Man of the Match performance in midfield for Loughgall.

Manager's Thoughts:
Things need to change, as I'm picking up too many draws and although they aren't defeats we are dropping points in these games which we should be winning by the control we have on the game and opponents.

The draw continues to see us in 4th in the league now, 3 points behind new leaders Institute.

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Saturday 22nd October 2016: NIFL Championship League #12:

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Distillery Burned!
Loughgall fiinally turned domination into victory, but only thanks to substitute Anto Burns who came off the bench and grabbed himself a brace in a minute against the opposition.

Distillery had several chances in the first half but failed to capitalise on them as Loughgall stepped up their game in the second half. Anto Burns came on for Mullen who wasn't having the best of games up front, as Clarke got the ball out left and whipped the ball in the box where Dane's missed header allowed Burns to get a header on goal and knock it home to the relief of the home fans.

Burns got his second just a minute later when Alderdice, who picked up Man of the Match for his dominating performance in defence - cleared the ball from outside his own box, it went over everyone as Burns saw the opportunity and ran behind everyone to latch onto the ball where he comfortably took it around the keeper and put it into the empty net to give the home fans the first win in 5 games and continues their unbeaten streak in the league going.

Manager's Thoughts:
Super Sub Burns came off the bench to spare out blushes on this occasion as he scored two in just a minute with some excellent running.

The win moves us up to 3rd in the league now, 3 points behind leaders Institute. Gareth Buchanan, Ross Black, Neil Alderdice and Anto Burns have all been named in the Team of the Week.

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Loughgall Set New Record:
Loughgall have set a new record with twelve games unbeaten in the NFL Championship L1.
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Tuesday 25th October 2016: NIFL Championship League #13:

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Loughgall Return To Old Ways!
Loughgall returned to old ways as they drew another match in the league and failed to score in front of their home fans. The game had several chances at either end with Loughgall looking the more deadlier but failing to score and bring some kind of spark to the match which is what it needed. Neil Alderdice picked up the Man of the Match.

Manager's Thoughts:
Another game, another draw on the cards. It's a point better than nothing but our failure in front of goal in some of these games is worrying despite our strikers doing well in periods. Maybe I was expecting too much from the team just several days after our last game.

The draw has sent us down to 5th in the league now.

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Suspension:
Steven Ferguson has been given up an automatic one match ban after collecting 20 points.
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Saturday 29th October 2016: Northern Irish Intermediate Cup 1st Round:

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Loughgall Through To Next Round After Extra Time!
Loughgall got past Dromara at Bell's Bridge today on a slightly damp afternoon as they controlled the ball well, but failed to get that all important goal until extra time. The match was not the best to watch with little action despite Loughgall's superior side, and it took extra time for Willis to score the goal and put the away side though.

Henderson played Willis through on the left side of the box in the 114th minute as he cooly despatched it home. Willis walked off the pitch with the Man of the Match as his reward for scoring the only goal.

Manager's Thoughts:
We got away with the win despite the number of chances we created, none of which were clinincal. We needed extra time to grab the win and go through which disappointed me. Neil Alderdice was named in the Team of the Week.

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Injury News:
Anto Burns has sustained suffered a gashed head after jumping for the ball during today's game. He'll be out for 12-15 days.
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Intermediate Cup 2nd Round Draw:
Loughgall vs Moyola Park.
The tie will be played on Saturday 19th November.
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October 2016: Other News:

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New Appointments/Firings:
02/10 - Montrose have hired jason Dair as their new manager.
04/10 - Cheltenham have unveiled Richard Hill as their new manager.
12/10 - Middlesbrough have unveiled Nigel Clough as their new manager.
14/10 - Reading have appointed Dougie Freedman as their new manager.
15/10 - Solihull Motors have hired Dennis Greene as their new manager after leaving Boston Utd.
17/10 - Annagh United have terminated the contract of manager Dean Smith.
17/10 - Limerick FC have hired John Cunningham as their new manager.
18/10 - Oldham Athletic have termined the contract of manager David Dunn.
18/10 - Fleetwood Town have sacked manager Lee Clark.
22/10 - Lurgan Celtic have sacked manager Colin Malone.
25/10 -Ardstraw have sacked manager Colin Telford.
29/10 - Fulham have parted company with manager Mark Warburton.
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Word Cup Qualifiers:
Group 3
Germany 4 - 0 Northern Ireland
Nothern Ireland 0 - 2 Czech Republic

Group 6:
England 2 - 1 Slovenia
England 3 -0 Slovakia
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Manager's Monthly Thoughts:
We had an average month, as I couldn't turn draws into wins which could hurt us in the final weeks of the season if we fall short of getting in those top spots, but we continued this good run and keep our unbeaten run in the league going for another month. There's ony 9 games left in the League.

We just about scraped through to the 2nd round of the Intermediate Cup and should get further with the kind draw we've been given.

November sees us play only 3 games, 2 in the league and 1 in the cup. We begin after a 2-week break to play away to Portstewart (12/11), before a Intermediate Cup match home to Moyola Park (19/11) and finish the month away to Dungannon (26/11) in the league.

#306513 Hell to Heaven: Diary of a Football Manager

guk99

11 years ago

4 years ago

107

05 Jan 2016 11:58:33

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September 2016:

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Saturday 3rd September 2016: NIFL Championship League #4:

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Loughgall Pushed To Limit!
Loughgall may have walked away with all three points today, but they may be concerns with the lack of firepower up front as their strikers struggled to find the net depsite the greater number of chances and shots on target they possessed. In the end, it fell down the Captain to lead by example as he got forward and struck the winner with only a minute left to seal the win for the home side.

The only goal of the match came in the 89th minute from a corner by McConnell who whipped the ball into the near post where there was a bit of a scramble before Aldardice swung his leg and struck the ball home into the back of the net to seal the all important victory and keep Loughgall's league run going with an impressive performance.

Manager's Thoughts:
How we never scored more than the single goal surprises me, as we controlled the full match and saw shot after shot go wide or safely into the arms of their keeper. Aldardice stepped up to the plate though and sealed the win for us, as well as coming off with Man of the Match for his performance after returning from his one match ban.

The win puts us up to 2nd place in the league, with still a game in hand against a few teams after 3 wins and 1 draw in our opening 4 games.Gareth Buchanan, Neil Alderdice and Matthew McMahon were named in the Team of the Week.

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New Signings:
Loughgall have announced that Stefan Thompson has been released on a free transfer.
Sean Cleary has also signed a new contract with Loughgall.
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Injury News:
Adam Clarke broke down in training today and looks to be suffering from blisters. He'll be out for 8-11 days.
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Saturday 10th September 2016: NIFL Championship League #5:

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Loughgall Fightback Earns Point!
Loughgall fought back to earn a great point against Ballyclare today and could have got more if things had gone their way after a solid performance by the defenders and midfield.

Ballyclare scored the opening on the 24th minute when Doherty broke down the right wing as he crossed low into the box where Reid pounced on it, only to see a challenge come in at the last moment. The ball bounced free to Trussell who ran into the box and slid it past the keepers hands to give the home side the lead.

Some wonderful closing down on the pitch by Loughgall lead to the valuable equalizer in the 63rd minute, as Lowe picked up the ball in midfield and played it forward to new young striker Johnston who turned his man with ease, took several steps forward to the edge of the box before unleashing a screamer that sailed into the bottom right corner of the net to bring the away time back into the match. In the dying moments of the game, Johnston almost got his second when he got the ball and shot only to see it sail inches past the far post. Johnson was rightly named Man of the Match for his performance as he looked dangerous when he received the ball and ran at the defenders with every opportunity.

Manager's Thoughts:
A two-halfed performance from the team, as in the first half we looked second to every ball and struggled to put our foot on the game. In the second half, I pushed the defence up a little higher and it appeared to help the team as Johnson got the equalizer to give us a great draw in a tough away match.

The draw leaves us 3rd and now five games unbeaten in the league.

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Tuesday 13th September 2016: NIFL Championship League #6:

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The Great Escape!
Loughgall walked away from Donegal Park with a lucky point after Donegal Celtic controlled the match and should have won on another day. Chances were far between but Donegal had the best in the game which ended up with a 0-0 draw when the full time whistle finally went.

Manager's Thoughts:
We got away with this one today, as we should have lost but thanks to Buchanan and the defenders fighting hard we make it out of the match with another point on the board.

The draw leaves us 3rd and now six games unbeaten in the league.

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New Signings:
Loughgall have taken Cormac Burke on trial for 2 weeks to assess him for a possible future signing.
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Saturday 17th September 2016: NIFL Championship League #7:

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Loughgall Earn Hard Fought Point!
Loughgall came away from todays match against Welders with a good point that leaves them comfortably sitting towards the top end of the table but concerning with three draws in a row now.

Loughgall scored the opening goal on the 19th minute when they countered from a throw-in deep in their own half, as the ball went forward to Ferguson in midfield who swung it out into space for Mullen to latch onto. His through ball found Clarke who had joined the attack and made his way inside the box as he got the ball, before he showed composure and strength to get past two defenders and curl it past the keeper to give the away side the lead.

The equalizer came late in the second half, where in the 85th minute Welders attacked with pace and some nice passing outside the box lead to it finding Devine who was free and smashed it home past Buchanan to earn the home side a valuable point.

Manager's Thoughts:
Although we only had one shot on target, which we scored from we should have had more in a game we looked good in but never killed the oppsition off in the end.

The draw leaves us 3rd and now seven games unbeaten in the league.

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Contract Signings:
Matty Lowe has signed a new contract.
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Saturday 24th September 2016: NIFL Championship League #8:

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Loughgall Edge Past Dergview!
Loughgall looked like a side who would never lose against Dergview for most of the match, but it appears nerves set in late in the second half as the home side almost snatched a point out of nothing after being 3-0 down while Mullen came back to haunt his previous team by scoring two goals against Dergview this afternoon and setting up another.

The first goal of the day came in the 32nd minute when a throw-in was sent back to Ferguson in midfield who played it forward towards Black just outside the box who poked it through for Mullen to get on the end and crack it past the keeper inside the box to give the away side the lead against his old club. The second came when McMahon played it to McConnell on the right edge of the box, who slid it through to Mullen who once again made his move inside and cooly slotted it past the keeper for his second of the game.

The third came with Mullen the provider this time, as he received the ball outside the box and played it to McConnell who unleashed a drive that smashed into the lower corner of the box to give Loughgall a comfortable 3-0 lead in the 50th minute. Dergview upped their game in the latter part of the match, where in the 68th minute a corner was whipped in and it wasn't cleared as Lynch was able to poke it home to give Dergview some hope of a comeback.

Loughgall's nerves will have been on edge in the dying moments as their tallisman Matthew McMahon saw red for his second yellow card of the game in the drying minutes as Dergview pushed men forward and tried to get another, when in injury time the ball was sent in the box as Lynch got a hold of it and hit a speculative effort towards goal which sailed past Buchanan's hands to bring them a goal behind with only seconds left. Loughgall kicked off the match once more and were able to hold it for the dying seconds of the game before the final whistle went and survived a great fightback that ended in defeat for the home fans.

Manager's Thoughts:
Our first half and early second half efforts were superb as we dominated the game and moved the ball around the pitch, scoring three great goals but we let our guard down and allowed the opposition to get back in the match and lucky to escape with all three points which on another day we may have only got one from.

The win keeps us in that 2nd spot now and now nine games unbeaten in the league. Marc McConnell and Warner Mullen were named in the Team of the Week.

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Suspension:
Matthew McMahon has been given up an automatic one match ban after being sent off in the previous game. He has also been given another one match ban on top due to collecting 20 points, resulting in a two-game ban.
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Contract Signings:
Kevin Anderson has signed a new contract.
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Trial Ends:
Cormac Burke has completed his trial with Loughgall and left the club.
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September 2016: Other News:

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New Appointments/Firings:
03/09 - Bournemouth have named Sean Dyche as their new manager.
11/09 - Alfreton have named Mark Hawkes as their new manager after leaving Hayes & Yeading.
17/09 - Montrose have parted company with John Holt following the clubs poor league position.
20/09 - Cheltenham have sacked manager Jamie Day.
27/09 - Reading have terminated the contract of manager Alex Neil.
27/09 - Middlesbrough have announced the departure of manager Dean Smith.
28/09 - Hayes & Yeading have named Marcus Bignot as their new manager after leaving Solihull Motors.
30/09 - Burnley have appointed Brian McClair as their new manager.
30/09 - Limerick have sacked manager Ove Pederson.
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Word Cup Qualifiers:
Group 6:
Lithuania 0 - 1 England

Group 3
Northern Ireland 7 - 0 San Marino
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Manager's Monthly Thoughts:
We ended the month in 2nd spot and just 1 point off the leaders after a fantastic run and start to our campaign remaining unbeaten in our first 8 league games and 3 big draws on the road as we picked up 9 points for the month. Matthew McMahon's sending off and two-game suspension could be a big loss for us next month, and I hope we can deal with him missing from the matches as best we can.

The board are still pleased with me, while they made a loss of £12.04k for the month.

October sees us with some very tough fixtures against big teams with the fortunate task of us playing all home games this month as we kick off the month against league leaders Ballinamallard Utd (01/10), Institute (08/10), Larne (15/10), Distillery (22/10) and final Donegal Celtic (29/10).

#306364 Hell to Heaven: Diary of a Football Manager

guk99

11 years ago

4 years ago

107

04 Jan 2016 17:57:06

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August 2016:

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Captains:
Loughgall have named defender Neil Alderdice as Captain and Midfielder Steven Ferguson as Vice-Captain.
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Squad Bonuses:
Loughgall have announced that a bonus of £2.5k for the NIFL Championship L1 and £1.5k for Domestic Cups for the current season.
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Saturday 6th August 2016: NIFL Championship League #1:

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Loughgall Rise To Occasion!
Loughgall got off to a fantastic start in their first game of the season away against a difficult Distillery side.The Loughgall players looked good as they passed the ball around and built from the back to get the ball forward as they hit the back of the net on two occasions, both at the right time of the game to knock the stuffing out of Distillery.

The opening goal in injury time of the first half came after Loughgall's players closed down the opposition as McLaughlin had the ball on the right side of his defence, before he played it across goal without looking as McMahon ran onto the free ball and cooly slotted it around the keeper to give the away side a big goal as the teams went in at half time.

The second came in the 80th minute as Loughgall pushed Distillery back in their own half, before picking up the ball in midfield where Lowe swung the ball out to the far left towards Black who ran onto it, ran to the byline and crossed into the box to see Johnston get ahead of his man and head home from the near post on his debut for the club in a fantastic start for Loughgall.

Sadly Anto Burns went off injured late in the second half and looks likely to be out for a while after a bad tackle during the game.

Manager's Thoughts:
I thought we were fantastic today, we limited Distillery to only a few real chances and held firm in defence. We controlled a lot of the game and played well when we got up front with support for our lone forward, Johnston who got off the mark on his debut. McMahon was outstanding once more and is one of the shining lights in our squad since I joined the club as he picked up the Man of the Match for his performance.

The opening win puts us in 2nd place in the league. Neil Alderdice, Ross Black and Matthew McMahon were named in the Team of the Week.

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Injury News:
Anto Burns has sustained a damaged heel after being on the receiving end of a tackle in the match. He will be out for 2 weeks.
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Season Ticket Sales:
Loughgall have announced that 29 season ticket sales have been sold for the season. This is a drop of 1 from last season's sale of 30.
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Tuesday 9th August 2016: Northern Irish League Cup Round 1:

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Fluke or Genius!
Loughgall will have come away from this home cup tie wondering how they got away with a win after a poor display following on from their opening game in the season. The only goal came in the 56th minute from winger Clarke whose cross looped over the keeper and into the back of the net from the wing, as Loughgall celebrated the much needed goal.

Ferguson controlled the midfield for Loughgall and picked up the Man of the Match in a game which the referee kept stopping for fouls albeit not a dirty game but resulted in a shocking 9 yellow cards, 4 for Loughgall and 5 for Ardstraw.

Manager's Thoughts:
We got away with that one today. I kept the same team, only to see them not play as well as their first match and maybe they needed a more extended break after a tough opening encounter last Saturday. The game was scrappy, with lots of fouls all over the field. A piece of genius by Clarke was able to see us through.

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Northern Irish League Cup 2nd Round Draw:
Crusaders vs Loughgall
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Fixture Change:
The Donegal Celtic vs Loughgall NIFL Championship L1 match that was scheduled for Saturday 20th August 2016 has been re-arranged for Tuesday 6th September 2016 due to the clash with Knockbreda vs Donegal Celtic League Cup match on Monday 22nd August 2016.
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Saturday 13th August 2016: NIFL Championship League #2:

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Loughgall Fight For Draw!
Loughgall continued their campaign in the league with a 1-1 draw with newly promoted Portstewart which could have been a slippery match had it not been for the man of the match Matthew McMahon, but Loughgall will be disappointed to see Captain and defender Neil Alderdice sent off in injury time.

Loughgall's players were pushed back everytime they got the ball by the opposition, before a loose ball was picked up by Donnell who played it on to Stewart who was closed down but had enough about him to play in Muurray who ran through on goal in the 78th minute to slide it past Buchanan in goal to give the away side the lead.

Steenson had the ball on the left wing, before he played it back to Lowe in midfield, who knocked it on to McMahon in the 86th minute as he turned and took his time before placing a well struck shot low into the left corner of the net to salvage a point for the home side. In injury time, Captain Neil Alderdice picked up his second yellow card for a foul deep in the oppositions half as Loughgall looked to grab a late winner and was sent for an early bath.

Manager's Thoughts:
Another match we got away with after a poor display, as I tried to push the team on to grab that goal but the opposition countered us and broke free to put them ahead. McMahon spared our blushes though in a match that was tougher than I expected, while I was disappointed that Alderdice was sent off in injury time when the referee could have just let it go. He could be a huge loss in the next match.

The draw keeps us in 2nd place in the league.

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Suspension:
Captain Neil Alderdice has been given an automatic one match ban for his sending off in the match.
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Injury News:
Aaron Willis returns to full training following his pulled hamstring.
Anto Burns has begun full training following a damaged heel.
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Fixture Change:
The Donegal Celtic vs Loughgall NIFL Championship L1 match has been re-arranged for Tuesday 13th September 2016 due to the clash with Drumaness Mills vs Donegal Celtic Steel & Sons Cup match on Tuesday 6th September 2016.
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Northern Irish League Cup 3rd Round Draw:
Crusaders or Loughgall vs Limavady Utd
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Saturday 27th August 2016: NIFL Championship League #3:

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Loughgall's Run Carries On!
Loughgall got back to winning ways with a fantastic result against Dungannon at Lakeview Park. Matthew McMahon came up trumps for the club once more with the winner and picking up Man of the Match and is becoming a real star and saviour for the club lately.

The opening goal in the 10th minute came with some nice passing inside the oppositions half when the ball was sent out to the left wing and Black sent it over but appears to have overhit the cross, but it bounced off the far post and McConnell ran in onto the rebound to head home for his first goal for the club and against his old team.

In the 29th minute Taggart made a nice run in Loughgall's half and sent a low ball to the far post where Curran slid in and slotted it home to equalize for the away side. 5 minutes after half time and Black almost scored a beauty as he shot from a good 30-40 yards out on the wing only to see the keeper get back and grab it in time.

Just moments later though, Lowe passed to McConnell who ran inside the box and played it to Johnston whose shot was blocked only to see it rebound to man of the moment McMahon who ran in and put his laces through the ball to see it scream into the left low corner to give Loughgall the lead and eventual winner of the match.

Loughgall could have had more had it not been for Johnston's woeful strikes in front of goal, while Burns returned from injury and found his shots blocked when he got through. In the end, Loughgall's impressive start to the season continues. Afterwards, Dungannon's manager Kearnry let it be known he was unhappy with the playing surface.

Manager's Thoughts:
A great win in a match we looked comfortable in controlling and should have had more than the two we got. Burns returned from injury and had a few chances which on another day he may have scored with. This win puts us in 4th spot, with a game in hand against some teams around us and if we win we would move top of the league.

Matthew McMahon was named in the Team of the Week.

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Player Leaves:
Loughgall have announced that defender Mark Hegarty has left the club on a free transfer after not finding himself getting enough games.
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Tuesday 30th August 2016: Northern Irish League Cup Round 2:

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Good Effort!
Loughgall fell to last seasons winners Crusaders who upped their game after half-time to take the win. Loughgall will have gone into this game not expecting to really get further in the competition against better opposition but they put up a good fight worthy of applause at the end of the game.

McCullen received the ball on the halfway line down the left just three minutes into the game, when he played a beautiful ball forward and behind the defence as Mullen ran onto it and showed his strength to hold off his marker before slotting it home to put the away side ahead. The home side got back in it from a free-kick in the 22nd minute, which was played into the box and bounced around before Malone stabbed his foot at it and smashed it into the top right corner to equalize.

Loughgall's heads didn't drop though, as a throw-in deep in the oppositions half lead to Mullen receiving the ball outside the box and he swung it back towards McMahon who had made a darting run towards the the box and smashed the ball into the roof of the net from outside with a well struck screamer. Crusaders got back into the match just after half time in the 50th minute when Heatley received the ball on the left wing and crossed to Salley who struck a volly to send it into the net and draw level.

Loughgall's players found it difficult from there on, as in the 60th minute Salley slotted a through-ball behind the defender where Malone got it and curled it past Buchanan in goal to give the home side the lead for the first time in the match. The final goal came in the 88th minute when Harper hit a looping ball forward as Loughgall's defence had pushed up in looking to get an equalizer, where Salley had got in behind and through on goal as he knocked it past the keeper to seal the win for the home side.

Manager's Thoughts:
We played well in spells, but Crusaders were just too good on the day unfortunately and we crash out of the competition in the 2nd round.

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Players Signs New Deal:
Kevin Anderson has signed a new contract with the club.
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August 2016: Other News:

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New Appointments/Firings:
02/08 - Montrose announce John Holt as their new manager.
03/08 - Cheltenham have hired Jamie Day as their new manager.
04/08 - Fulham have hired Mark Warburton as their new manager after leaving Glasgow Rangers.
04/08 - Chester have confirmed Lee Sinnot as their new manager.
19/08 - Rangers have appointed Maurice Malpas as their new manager.
19/08 - Southampton have named Eddie Howe as their new manager after leaving Bournemouth.
21/08 - Aldershot have unveiled Dean Holdsworth as their new manager after leaving Alfreton.
21/08 - Southport have announced Martin Foyle as their new manager.
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International Friendlies:
Moldova 1 - 2 Northern Ireland
Turkey 0 - 2 England
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Manager's Monthly Thoughts:
We ended our month in 4th spot with a game in hand against a few teams and a chance of going top if we win it. A great start to the season saw us win two of our three league games, and although we were knocked out of the League Cup I wasn't too disheartened as it was against last years winners.

I was delighted to hear I was nominated and won the Manager of the Month for August after winning 2 of my 3 league games for the month. This is my first award I've won since I became manager.

Scored: 8
Conceded: 6

Played: 5
Won: 3
Drew: 1
Lost: 1

The board are pleased with my management of the team, and number of young first team players signed but appear slightly disappointed with the current situation concerning the signing of Marc McConnell.

September sees us begin at home against Limavady Utd (03/09), followed by four away games against Ballyclare (10/09), Donegal Celtic (13/09), H & W Welders (17/09) and Dergview (24/09).

#306296 Hell to Heaven: Diary of a Football Manager

guk99

11 years ago

4 years ago

107

04 Jan 2016 11:20:24

Thanks Dan and Shedender. I'm really hoping to push on for the 2nd season and do better if I can. I did consider looking for another job after 1 season as several in the lower leagues of England became available but thought I'd keep at it for another season minimum and see how it goes.
=========================================================================

July 2016: Pre-Season Club News:

Pre-Season Start:
Loughgall have stated that their pre-season will begin on Monday 20th June, giving a 6 week training before the new season kicks in.
=========================================================================
New Main Kit Sponsorship:
Loughgall have announced a new main kit sponsor. The 4 year deal is estimated to be worth £6.25k per annum, equal to the previous deal.
=========================================================================
Budgets:
Loughgall have set an initial wage budget of £375 for the coming season, and the transfer budge of £0.
=========================================================================
Rules Change:
After last seasons promotions and relegations, NFL Championship League 1 has 2 fewer teams, taking it to 12. The league will run from July to May.
=========================================================================
New Season Fixtures:
Loughgall have received the new seasons fixture list. They begin with a trip to Distillery (06/08), while their first home is against newly-promoted Portstewart (13/08). The last game will be away to Larne (18/03).
=========================================================================
TV Rights:
Loughgall have received £2.5k for NIFL C1 TV rights over the forthcoming season.
=========================================================================
Season Expectations:
Loughgall are expected to fulfill the following for the season:
NIFL Championship League 1: Top half finish
Northern Irish Cup: Fifth Round
Northern Irish Intermediate Cup: Not important
Northern Irish Mid Ulster Cup: Quarter-Final
=========================================================================

Saturday 16th July 2016: Pre-Season Friendly #1:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/35l.jpg

Loughgall Make Mistake To Lose Friendly!
Loughgall's players slipped up in this friendly against Lurgan Celtic in a tight encounter between the two evenly matched teams. Lurgan proved to be a good opponent and threatened on numerous occasions but failed to really capitalize on each.

The only goal of the game came just after half time when Ross Black's backpass was sloppy allowing Malone to nip in behind the defence and slide it home from close range.

Manager's Thoughts:
A disappointing start to the pre-season, although we created a number of chances we couldn't get past their keeper and some sloppy passing was our own downfall.

=========================================================================
Staff Appointment:
James Slater has agreed terms with Loughgall to become Under 18s Fitness Coach.
=========================================================================
Injury News:
Aaron Willis has suffered a pulled hamstring during a sprint session in training. He will be out for 4-5 weeks.
=========================================================================
New Signings:
Loughgall have announced that centre-back Cathal McQuillan has agreed terms and joined the club on a free transfer.
Right-Winger Marc McConnell has signed for Loughgall on a free transfer.
Defensive-Midfielder Matty Lowe has signed a deal with Loughgall on a free transfer.
Forward Jason Johnston has joined Loughgall on a free transfer.
=========================================================================

Thursday 21st July 2016:

League Cup 1st Round Draw:
Loughgall vs Ardstraw
To be played on Tuesday 9th August 2016
=========================================================================
Season Odds:
Loughgall have been given odds of 40-1 to win promotion in the NIFL Championship League 1. Dungannon has been named as 4-5 favourites, with Ballinamallard Utd (Evens) and Institute (10-1).
=========================================================================
Players Contracts:
Kevin Anderson has signed a new contract with Loughgall.
=========================================================================

Wednesday 27th July 2016: Pre-Season Friendly #2:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/35m.jpg

Loughgall Fall To Late Defeat In Classic Match!
Loughgall struggled to keep out Bangor in this away pre-season friendly in what turned out to be a fantastic goal-scoring match between the two sides.

The opening goals began with McDowell placing a well struck shot from outside the box into the far left corner after just 15minutes. Johnston then broke free on a counter, only to see his shot blocked at the last minute but the ball fell to McMahon who followed in and slotted it past the keeper to bring Loughgall level on the 18th minute.

Bangor moved the ball around well, before McDowell played Gibson through on goal to get their second of the game and lead the match in the 33rd minute as he rounded the keeper to score. A minute later, and McConnell on the right wing got past his man and played a ball to Johnston who ran into the box and snapped a shot past the oncoming keeper to bring his team back level.

Loughgall took the lead for the first time when Johnston returned the favour as he played in McConnell who ran in from the right wing and slid the ball past the keeper to give his team the lead. Bangors equalizer came in the 68th minute when a long ball forward into the box was reached by Doran who rose above everyone to head it past the keeper.

The winner came in the 78th minute when a corner was played in and the ball bounced around in the air several times before Long got his head to it and knocked it home to give the home side the victory on the night.

Manager's Thoughts:
I couldn't be too disappointed with the team after this game, as several of the players were ones on the fringe who may not be in every match and I had my reserve keeper in goal to rest Buchanan for the game Overall, we allowed Bangor too much on the ball but some of our play was fantastic to watch.

=========================================================================
=========================================================================

July 2016: Other News:

=========================================================================
New Appointments/Firings:
18/07 - Shelbourne unveil Larry Mahoney as their new manager
19/07 - Limavafy Utd have announced Allan Blair as their new team manager
19/07 - Berwich have named Paul Hegarty as their new manager
23/07 - Reading have announced the appointment of Alex Neil as their new manager
29/07 - Stoke have unveiled David Moyes as their new manager
=========================================================================
England Manager Leaves Post:
England have today announced that manager, Roy Hodgson has left his post after the disappointing Euros in which England were knocked out in the 1st Round Knockout stage. Rumours circulating around the FA are that Southampton's manager Ronald Koeman is odds on favourite to be offered the job. Meanwhile, other names thrown into the mix include Eddie Howe (Bournemouth), Quique Flores (Watford) and Gary Monk (Swansea).
=========================================================================
New England Manager Named:
England have today announced that Ronald Koeman has accepted the offer to become the new England manager.
=========================================================================
Under 19s Euros:
England have won the Euro Under 19s Tournament after Mick Jones guided the team to the final and defeated Portugal on Penalties after a 1-1 draw in the game. England's last win was back in 1993 when they lifted the trophy in their own backyard of England.

Under 19s Euros Best Player Award:
1. Louis Reed (England)
2. Jordan Rossiter (England)
3. Jorge Mere (Spain)

Under 19s Euros Golden Boot:
1. Adam Armstrong (England) - 5 Goals
2. Philipp Seeger (Germany) - 4 Goals
3. Rui Pedro (Portugal) - 4 Goals

Under 19s Euros Dream Team:
F. Woodman (England)
R. Barbosa (Portugal), G. MacAndrew (Holland), J. Mere (Spain), F. Beyer (Germany)
I. Azzaoul (Belgium), J. Rossiter (England), L. Reed (England), B. Ould-Chikh (Holland)
Z. Faour (Sweden), A. Armstrong (England)
=========================================================================

Manager's Monthly Thoughts:
Our pre-season wasn't the best start to our new campaign, with two defeats in two matches - although the second game was a classic encounter with some players impressing me. I'd haved like to have played a few more friendlies but I lost my Assistant Manager before pre-season began and couldn't find a team to face me as much as I tried.

Surprised to see Roy Hodgson step down as England manager, and even more so that the FA went for Ronald Koeman but he did guide Southampton to 7th in the league but it appears we've returned to the 'give a foreigner the job' once more.

David Moyes has returned to English soil with a job at Stoke, who are probably a good fit for him.

The board appear happy with my first season in charge and are looking for me to do the same again, but my aim is higher and a better cup run if possible.

The new season sees us kick off our league campaign with an away tie against Distillery (06/08), before a League Cup 1st Round match, followed up with a league tie at home to Portstewart (13/08) then home to Dungannon (27/08) before finishing off with a possible League Cup 2nd Round match if we get through.

=========================================================================
Next: The New 2016-2017 Season kicks off.
=========================================================================

#306291 The Managerial Career Of Adam Boyd

guk99

11 years ago

4 years ago

107

04 Jan 2016 10:51:44

Great updates. After a bad spell of matches, nice to see you start picking up points again to get that push towards the play-offs. Despite the loss to Carlisle who are going for automatic promotion by looks of it, had some impressive victories lately to bounce back from that defeat.

Disappointing to see Bates retire, considered him a good player and is a big loss. One of the biggest difficulties with lower clubs is holding onto players and trying to find/bring in talent to help the team - especially with the finances aspect of it all.

#306152 Hell to Heaven: Diary of a Football Manager

guk99

11 years ago

4 years ago

107

03 Jan 2016 17:36:18

End of Season Review:

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NIFL C1 League Table:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/35b.jpg

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NIFL C1 Player of the Year Award:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/35c.jpg

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Loughgall's End of Season Awards:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/35d.jpg

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Loughgall's 2015/2016 Season Review:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/35e.jpg

=========================================================================
Loughgall's End of Season Confidence Review:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/35f.jpg

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Loughgall's Season Injury List:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/35g.jpg

=========================================================================
Loughgall's Stats:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/35h.jpg

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Loughgall's Player's Final Review List:

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/35j.jpg

=========================================================================
Loughgall's Manager Signs New Contract:
Loughgall's manager John Smith signed a new 1-year deal back in May 2016 to continue his work with Loughgall.

http://www.goodieuk.webspace.virginmedia.com//fm2016/35i.jpg

=========================================================================
=========================================================================

Manager's Season'sThoughts:
For my first job, with little to no experience in management and qualifications I felt this wasn't too bad a season to kick off my journey as a Football Manager. We had a few good cup runs, and some good wins in the league and while we dipped in some months we had a solid ending to reach 5th place in the league which is what the club's board were looking for at minimum.

Next season I will be looking to improve on this position, as well as possibly make it to the final or if I'm lucky win a cup. I feel I've got a good bunch of players, several who are shining lights amongst the rest and with some new blood to bolster some positions we could push for a better season.

#306144 Hell to Heaven: Diary of a Football Manager

guk99

11 years ago

4 years ago

107

03 Jan 2016 17:14:22

Post-Season News/Reviews - May - July 2016:

=========================================================================

Sunday 1st May 2016:

Player of the Year Award:
Southampton's Steven Davis has won the Northern Irish Player of the Year award. The 31 year-old has put in some creative performances this year, setting up 4 goals in 22 games with an average rating of 7.17.
=========================================================================

Saturday 7th May 2016:

Northern Irish Cup Final Winners:
Portadown are celebrating a double after beating Cliftonville 2-0 in the Northern Irish Cup Final, after winning the Dasnke Bank Premier League.
=========================================================================
NIFL Championship League 1 Financial Share:
Loughgall have been given £900 for their final position in the NIFL Championship League 1.
=========================================================================
Managerial Interest:
Loughgall's board have reportedly been delighted to hear that despite rumours their manager, John Smith has been linked with a possible move to Insititue as their new manager after Kevin Deery was sacked, the board are happy to hear him reaffirm his commitment to the club by refuting his interest in the vacancy.
=========================================================================
Staff Appointment/Leaves:
Kevin Woods has agreed terms with Loughgall to be a scout after leaving Knockbreda.
Ards have appointed Loughgall's Billy Nellins as head physio after leaving the club.
John McKeag of Bangor has agreed terms with Loughgall to be their new head physio following the departure of Billy Nellins
=========================================================================
Injury News:
Gary Henderson has returned to full training following his groin strain injury.
=========================================================================

Thursday 26th May 2016:

Loughgall's Manager Signs New Contract:
Loughgall's manager John Smith has signed a new one-year deal extension to his current contract. Loughgall's chairman, John McCann has declared himself delighted with the news and commitment to the club. Smith stated in the Loughgall Football Gazette he is delighted to have concluded the deal to stay with the club and continue his learning experience as manager with a hope to continue what he had started there.

Loughgall's Wesley Boyle has also come out and stated he is pleased the club have seen sense in retaining the manager who he believes is capable of great things, claiming that John Smith has proved himself to be an accomplished manager and delighted he is staying at Lakeview Park.
=========================================================================

Wednesday 1st June 2016:

Player Retires:
Loughgall's 33 year-old Steven Ferguson has announced he will retire from professional football at the end of the season, but will continue to play semi-professional football.
Loughgall's 37 year-old winger Wesley Boyle has announced he will retire on Thursday 16th June 2016 after thinking it through and wants to retire before he's forced to play at a lower level.
Loughgall's 40 year-old Goalkeeper Symon Ferguson has announced he will retire on Thursday 16th June 2016 after feeling the time was right to hang up his boots after a long and eventuful career.
Loughgall's 33 year-old Sean Cleary has announced he will retire from professional football at the end of the season, but will continue to play semi-professional football.
=========================================================================
Staff Appointment/Renewals/Leaves:
Jim McVeigh has agreed terms with Loughgall to be their physio
James Storey has agreed terms with Loughgall to be the new Head of Youth Development

Loughgall have announced that several members of staff have left the club with immediate effect after their contracts came to an end. They include: Steven Hawe (Coach), Stephen Uprichard (Assistant Manager), Tuda Murphy (GK), Neil Adair (Coach).

Conor McKee signes a new contract with Loughgall which sees him promoted from Under 18s Fitness Coach to Fitness Coach.

Ross Oliver has signed a contract with Loughgall to become their new Assistant Manager after Stephen Uprichard was released from his contract. He joins from H & W Welders who will be due £8,000 in compensation.

Jonathan Watson has signed a new contract to remain as Under 18s Assistant Manager.
Tony Harpur has signed a new contract with Loughgall to remain as Chief Scout.
=========================================================================
Injury News:
Aaron Willis has sustained a bruised head after falling awkwardly during a training session. He'll be out for 9-12 days.
=========================================================================
Loughgall Losses Announced:
Loughgall have recorded a loss of £55k for the last financial year, a staggering 47 percent of their turnover. The club is hoping to improve commercial activities to offset the losses in the coming season.

The announcement also reveale that Loughgall's turnover for the period was £110k. The full details of the accounts will be presented to the shareholders at the AGM next month.
=========================================================================
Players New Contracts:
Loughgall have confirmed that Kevin Anderson has signed a new contract with the club.
=========================================================================
=========================================================================

=========================================================================

May/June 2016: Other News:

=========================================================================
New Appointments/Firings:
01/05 - Alloa have dismissed Danny Lennon from his job as manager
01/05 - Raith Rothers have sacked Ray McKinnon as manager
01/05 - Lincoln City have accepted the resignation of manager Chris Moyses as he leaves by mutual consent
02/05 - St. Pat's Athletic have hired Bobby Browne as their new manager after leaving Sigo Rovers
04/05 - Forfar have unveiled Brown Ferguson as their new manager
07/05 - Dagenham & Redbridge have sacked manager Paul Cox after failing to avoid relegation
07/05 - Ballinamallard United have sacked manager Whitey Anderson
08/05 - Bolton have terminated the contract of manager Nigel Clough
08/05 - Welling United have sacked manager Loui Fazakerley
08/05 - Insititute have dmissed their manager Kevin Deery from his job
08/05 - Knockbreda have terminated the contract of manager Raymond Bell
08/05 - Lowestoft have announced the departure of manager Gary Lowe
08/05 - FC United of Manchester have parted company with manager Karl Marginson
08/05 - Blackpool have terminated the contract of manager Steve Lomas
11/05 - Glenavon have promoted current interim manager Stephen McBride to role of manager
12/05 - Bradford City have sacked manager Phil Parkinson
12/05 - Bury have terminated the contract of manager John Dreyer
12/05 - Whitehawk have sacked manager Steven King
15/05 - Walsall have promoted interim manager Richard O'Kelly to the role of manager
15/05 - Crystal Palace have sacked Alan Pardew due to the club's poor league position
19/05 - Sigo Rovers promote Eddie Wallace to the role of manager
20/05 - Institute have appointed Noel Mitchell as their new manager
23/05 - Ballinamallard Utd have hired Peter Moran as their new manager after leaving Bonagee Utd
24/05 - Raith have announced Danny Lennon as their new manager
24/05 - Limerick F.C. have sacked manager Martin Russell
25/05 - Knockbreda have hired Kevin Deery as their new manager
26/05 - Alloa hire Kenny Black as their new manager
29/05 - Motherwell hire Allan Johnston as their new manager after leaving Dunfermline
31/05 - East Fife have confirmed that manager Gary Naysmith has left the club as manager after rejecting a new contract
31/05 - Crystal Palace have confirmed Frank de Boer as their new manager
01/06 - Moyola Park have announced Mervyn Pattison has resigned from his position as manager
01/06 - Bangor manager Garth Scates has resigned from his role with the club
01/06 - Tobermore United boss Sammy McVicker has resigned from his role as manager
01/06 - Guiseley have confirmed manager Steve Tilson has resigned from his role
01/06 - Glebe Rangers manager Jason Wilmont has decided to end his reign as manager with the club
04/06 - Whitehawk have appointed Rufus Brevett as their new manager
04/06 - Altrincham have appointed Steve Housham as their new manager
04/06 - Dagenham & Redbridge have named Warren Feeney as their new manager
05/06 - Bradford City have announced the appointment of Stuart Gray as their new manager
05/06 - Bury have appointed Neil McDonald as the clubs new manager
06/06 - Blackpool have promoted Mark Proctor to the role of manager
07/06 - Bolton have appointed Phil Parkinson as their new manager
09/06 - Queen of the South announce James Fowler has left his position as manager after rejecting a new contract
09/06 - Bristol City have appointed Justin Edinburgh as their new manager after leaving Gillingham
09/06 - Welling have unveiled Alex Pike as their new manager
10/06 - Lincoln have named Darren Peacock as their new manager
13/06 - East Fife have unveiled Robbie Horn as their new manager
14/06 - Portadown have announced their manager Ronnie McFall as left his position and retired
15/06 - Bangor announce Gerard McMahon as their new manager
15/06 - Dunfermline have announced Allan Moore as their new manager
15/06 - Guiseley hire Dave Challinor as their new manager after leaving AFC Flyde
20/06 - Arsenal have announced Arsene Wenger has retired from football and manager of the club
23/06 - Q.P.R. announce Neil Warnock has left the club as manager and retired from football
28/06 - Queen of the South have appinted Callum Davidson as the new manager
29/06 - Portadown have hired Andy Todd as their new manager
29/06 - Exeter announce Paul Tisdale as their new manager
30/06 - Limerick FC have appointed Ove Pederson as their new manager after leaving FC Fredericia
30/06 - Limavady United has announced manager Paul Owens has left his position as manager after rejecting a new contract
01/07 - Berwich have hired Jim Chapman as their new manager
01/07 - Shelbourne FC have dismissed manager Kevin Doherty
03/07 - Arsenal have hired Liverpool's manager Jurgen Klopp as their new manager after leaving his post
07/07 - Crewe Utd have installed Colin Telford as their new manager after leaving Ardstraw
08/07 - Q.P.R. have confirmed Steve Clarke as their new manager after leaving Reading
08/07 - Dorchester have hired Steve Castle as their new manager after leaving his post with Royston
11/07 - Skelmersdale have installed Tommy Lawson as their new manager
14/07 - Liverpool have announced the appointment of Paco Jemez as their new manager after leaving Stoke
=========================================================================
Golden Glove Winner (Premiership):
1. Thibaut Courtois (Chelsea)
2. David De Gea (Man. Utd)
3. Simon Mignolet (Liverpool)
=========================================================================
Best Player In Europe Awards
1. Lionel Messi (FC Barcelona)
2. James Rodriguez (Real Madrid)
3. Luis Suarez (FC Barcelona)
=========================================================================
Other League/Cup Reviews:
European Champions Cup
Manchester City defeated Sevilla in the final 2-0 to lift the trophy for the first time.

Euro Cup
Gelsenkirchen have won the Euro Cup on penalties after a 1-1 draw with Man Utd.

Euro Super Cup
FC Barcelona won the Euro Super Cup after beating Sevilla 2-1.

English Premier Division
Chelsea, who also won the Charity Shield against Arsensal to kick off the season - walked away with the Premiership title with 30 wins from 38 games with 94 points. Man Utd came 2nd with 86pts, while Man City (85pts) and Arsenal (75pts) saw them all through to the Champions Cup. Liverpool snatched onto 5th place with 68 points, finishing just above Tottenham by a single point while Southampton came 7th as the 3 teams to qualify for the Euro Cup.

At the bottom of the table, Norwich, Sunderland and Leicester were all relegated to the Championship. Aston Villa looked doomed to go down but a win in their final match of the season saw them jump out of the bottom 3 and just scrape to safety on goal difference as they leveled the points with the two closest to them. Watford and Bournemouth saw themselves safely reaching the suspected 40 points required to stay up.

English Sky Bet Championship
Q.P.R. walked away as champions of the Sky Bet Championship as they won 26 of 46 games and picking up 90 points to clinch the promotion and title. Derby saw themselves clinch the 2nd spot with 24 wins and 82 points for the season. The playoffs saw Burnley win the playoff final to clinch that last lucrative Premiership spot.

Down at the bottom, Bolton could only win 11 of their games and lost 27 to send them rock bottom and relegated, along with Bristol City. For Birmingham, Blackburn and Nottingham Forest, this wil be a season to forget as they struggled towards the bottom of the league and just kept themselves out of a battle to go down.

Sky Bet League 1
Millwall saw themselves promoted to the Championship after winning the league in style with 30 wins from 46 and picking up a whopping 102 points, 17 clear of their 2nd place opponents Sheffield United who also were promoted and back into the big time. Wigan won the playoffs to rise to the Championship.

Blackpool had an awful season and saw themselves relegated to League 2 as the lowest team possible with only 10 wins, while Bury and Fleetwood join them in going down.

Sky Bet League 2
Yeovil were crowned champions of League 2 after winning 28 games from 46 and collecting 91 points, just 2 more than Notts. County who came 2nd and find themselves promoted.

Mansfield were the worse club in the division despite winning their final match as they were relegated due to goal difference, after just being beaten by Bristol Rovers who also won their final match and had a +8 goal difference on them.

Vanarama National League
Maccelsfield saw themselves promoted as they won 29 of their games and picked up 98 points, 7 more than their 2nd place team Eastleigh. Forest Green saw themselves promoted via the playoffs spot.

Barrow were the worst side, while Welling and Altrincham saw themselves relegated too.

Vanarama National League North
Stockport found themselves promoted, while Tamworth joined them. Gainsborough, FC United and Lowestoft were relegated.

Vanarama League South
Ebbsfleet were promoted along with Sutton Utd. Chelmsford, Basingstoke and Bishop's Stotford were relegated.

English FA Cup
Man Utd beat Everton 1-0 in the final.

Capital One Cup
Tottenham beat Man Utd in the final 3-2.

Johnson's Paint Trophy
Millwall beat Doncaster 1-0 to win the cup and do the double.

English FA Trophy
Torquay United beat Eastleigh 2-1 to win the trophy.
=========================================================================
Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership
Celtic won the league with 22 wins from 38 and 75 points, 14pts more than 2nd place Invernett CT, while Kilmarnock came 3rd to see all 3 teams qualify for the Champions Cup. Patrick Thistle saw themselves get in the Euro Cup. Motherwell were relegated from the league.

Ladbrokes Scottish Championship
Hibernian beat Rangers to the title with 24 wins from 36 and a whopping 80 points, 20pts more than Rangers who had to settle for the playoff only to lose in the final against Dundee Utd who kept themselves in the Premiership. Alloa were relegated.

Ladbrokes Scottish League 1
Cowdenbeath won the league by 5 points, while Albion Rovers and Stenhousemuir were relegated.

Ladbrokes Scottish League 2
Annan won the league by 7 points, wile Elgin City also saw themselves promoted.

Scottish Cup
Partick Thistle beat Dundee on penalties after a 1-1 draw to win the Scottish Cup.

Scottish League Cup
Celtic completed the double by winning the League Cup 3-1 against Motherwell.

Scottish League Challenge Cup
St. Mirren won the Challenge Cup after beating Raith 2-0 in the final.
=========================================================================
Dankse Bank Premiership
Portadown comfortably won the Danske Bank Premiership with 24 wins from 38 games with 76 points, 7 pts clear of Linfield who came 2nd while Cliftonville and Crusaders joined them in the Euro Cup. Dungannon came bottom and along with Ballinamallard Utd were relegated.

NIFL Championship League 1
Annagh Utd were crowned champions of League 1 with 13 wins from 26 games and scoring 45 points, just 3 points ahead of Lurgan Celtic who were promoted. Bangor were the worst team, alongside Armagh, Ards and Knockbreda who saw them all relegated.

NIFL Championship League 2
Portstewart were crowned champions of League 2 with 13 wins from 26 games and 45 points, 1 point ahead of Limavady Utd who could have jumped above them if they hadn't lost the last game but are also promoted. Meanwhile, Moyola Park, Glebe, Newington, Tobermore Utd and Wakehurst are relegated.

Northern Irish Cup
Portadown won the Northern Irish Cup after beating Cliftonville 2-0 in the final at Windosr Park.

Northern Irish League Cup
Crusaders beat Bangor in extra time 3-2 to lift the League cup at Solitude.

Northern Irish County Antrim Shield
Ballymena Utd beat Linfield 5-1 in the final.

Northern Irish Steel & Sons Cup
Ballymoney Utd lifted the Steel & Sons Cup after beating Crusaders Res. 1-0 in the final.

Northern Irish Intermediate Cup
Ards won the final after beating Dargview 3-0 at Seaview.

Northern Irish Mud Ulster Cup
Warrenpoint beat Armagh on penalties after a 2-2 draw in the game played at Newry Snowgrounds.

=========================================================================
International Friendlys:
Northern Ireland 0 - 3 Ukraine
France 1- 1 England
=========================================================================
European Championships:
Group D:
Greece 1 - 3 England
England 2 - 0 Serbia
England 0 - 2 Holland

Group F:
Russia 2 - 0 Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland 0 - 2 Italy
Croatia 4 - 0 Northern Ireland

2nd Round:
England 1 - 2 Spain

European Championship:
France have won the European Football Championship after a 1-0 win over Germany in the final at Stade de France, in front of their home fans. The fans praised manager Didier Deschamps who earlier in the season was considered only 1 bad result away from being sacked from his job.

European Championship Best Player Awards
1. Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium)
2. Eden Hazard (Belgium)
3. Zlatan Ibrahimovich (Sweden)

European Championship Goldeb Boot Award
1. Artrem Kravets (Ukraine) - 5 Goals.
2. Denis Allbec (Romania) - 4 Goals
3. Zlatan Ibrahimovich (Sweden) - 4 Goals

European Championship Dream Team:
R. Olsen (Sweden)
T. Vermaelen (Belgium), A. Laporte (France), R. Varane (France), O. Gusev (Ukraine)
E. Hazard (Belgium), Koke (Spain), K. De Bruyne (Belgium), A. Robben (Holland)
Z. Ibrahimovich (Sweden), A. Kravets (Ukraine)
=========================================================================
=========================================================================
Next: Loughgall/Manager Season Review
=========================================================================
=========================================================================

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guk99 - Comments

Comments

#308826 Hell to Heaven: Diary of a Football Manager

#308588 Hell to Heaven: Diary of a Football Manager

#308525 Hell to Heaven: Diary of a Football Manager

#308411 Hell to Heaven: Diary of a Football Manager

#308410 Hell to Heaven: Diary of a Football Manager

#308409 Hell to Heaven: Diary of a Football Manager

#308195 Hell to Heaven: Diary of a Football Manager

#308194 Hell to Heaven: Diary of a Football Manager

#308121 Hell to Heaven: Diary of a Football Manager

#308120 Hell to Heaven: Diary of a Football Manager

#307978 Hell to Heaven: Diary of a Football Manager

#307899 Hell to Heaven: Diary of a Football Manager

#307512 Hell to Heaven: Diary of a Football Manager

#307453 Hell to Heaven: Diary of a Football Manager

#307229 Hell to Heaven: Diary of a Football Manager

#307090 Hell to Heaven: Diary of a Football Manager

#307008 Hell to Heaven: Diary of a Football Manager

#306917 Hell to Heaven: Diary of a Football Manager

#306870 Hell to Heaven: Diary of a Football Manager

#306824 Hell to Heaven: Diary of a Football Manager

#306750 Hell to Heaven: Diary of a Football Manager

#306693 Hell to Heaven: Diary of a Football Manager

#306644 Hell to Heaven: Diary of a Football Manager

#306548 Hell to Heaven: Diary of a Football Manager

#306513 Hell to Heaven: Diary of a Football Manager

#306364 Hell to Heaven: Diary of a Football Manager

#306296 Hell to Heaven: Diary of a Football Manager

#306291 The Managerial Career Of Adam Boyd

#306152 Hell to Heaven: Diary of a Football Manager

#306144 Hell to Heaven: Diary of a Football Manager

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