Former Everton Centre Forward Duncan Ferguson steps into management.....

[toffee82]

PRE-SEASON STARTS

Euan, welcome back to Dollingstown, how was your break?

EH: It was refreshing and nice to take time away from football, plus the World Cup is bringing some really good enjoyment, especially seeing Scotland beating Germany in the knock out stages and then to beat Brazil in extra time in the next round! I think we can beat South Africa in the quarters but fingers crossed! Aside from that it's been nice to spend time with my family and have a holiday.

How's your first day going back at Dollingstown?

EH: The players are back, they're happy. Today they'll be in with the physio and we'll do some light training this afternoon. Our pre-season games start next week so we'll begin preparing for that.

The transfer window opens in a few days, have you got your targets identified?

EH: There are players we watched last season in positions we know we need to add depth. We've been looking at the back more than in attack but if there is a Striker who takes our eye, we'll take a closer look. There'll be opportunities for younger squad members to join our affiliates on loan, Police Service of Northern Ireland play in The Premier Intermediate League and we will offer players to them throughout the season to gain some first team experience.

Last season you stayed up even though everyone said you couldn't do it. Although it was a successful season, what will be different this season?

EH: The players have gelled, they have had time to play with each other and we had to learn as we went along last season. The results were down to pure hard work from the lads, they put the work in and got us to safety but that was always going to take time. They were reserve team players making a big step up, we had young players 16,17 playing their first senior football and we asked a lot of them. We are still building the team here and we are hoping it's not going to be as difficult as it was last season.

There's a real buzz around the place, I felt it as soon as I came in, is that down to yours and Duncan's influence?

EH: Possibly but we've also brought players here who want to play in the top flight and have that quality. Last season we saw the emergence of Paul Dunne from the academy and we signed Tommy Smyth who is so intelligent beyond his years. They're young but they're ready and they play without fear. We've got experience here too to guide them and myself and Duncan are full of words of advice.

​

Scotland went on to beat South Africa and were beaten in the semi-finals by Argentina. England won the World Cup for the first time since 1966.

I have had to suspend my disbelief a number of times following this thread but Scotland beating Germany and Brazil and England winning the world cup is beyond the realms of fantasy.

More chance of that human centipede sequel featuring Koeman, Allardyce and Benitez.

 

[Yarrgh]

I have had to suspend my disbelief a number of times following this thread but Scotland beating Germany and Brazil and England winning the world cup is beyond the realms of fantasy.

More chance of that human centipede sequel featuring Koeman, Allardyce and Benitez.

Whoever came up with that sequel is a monster.

I don't care what people say about England's easy route to the final because that penalty shoot out with the Faroe Islands in the semis was pure gold.

 

[NeroCeasar]

Whoever came up with that sequel is a monster.

I don't care what people say about England's easy route to the final because that penalty shoot out with the Faroe Islands in the semis was pure gold.

I don't understand why they moved it back to the summer, the world cup has always been in November/December and has worked perfectly well, they just can't help messing around with things

 

[The Penalty Box Dancer]

PRE-SEASON RESULTS 2038/39

​

It was a slow start at the beginning of Pre-season and performances were not quite up to scratch. Jimmy Boyd salvaged a draw against Sirocco and Dollingstown went on to win the next two games and seemed to have picked up the pace for the start of the season.

OPENING FIXTURES



SUMMER TRANSFER WINDOW (INCOMING TRANSFERS)



Mark Maguire

27 year old Attacking Right Winger Mark Maguire joins the club from Warrenpoint were he made 31 appearances and got 4 goals. Maguire is known for his work rate and supporting his full back to win back the ball and start an attack. With already having Premiership experience, it was a no brainer for Euan Henderson to bring him to the club at the end of his contract.

William Nelson

26 year old left back Will Nelson joins the club from Dundela in the Bluefin Sport Championship. Whilst being good in defence he is also good at getting to the byline and supporting the attack. Nelson is delighted to join Dollingstown as he looks to step up his career at a Premiership standard and aims to make his mark on Northern Irish football.

Patrick Anderson

26 year old Central Defender Patrick Anderson enjoyed seven seasons with Dungannon making a total of 144 appearances. Last season Anderson struggled being part of Toby King's planned and only played 8 times scoring 1 goal. Anderson will offer good cover in defence and is also capable of playing at left back.

TRANSFERS OUT



Euan Henderson is still in the market for a Central Midfielder with Harland and Wolff Welder's Ciaran Marshall on his radar.

 

[Yarrgh]

Midsize Marky Maguire, wee Willie Neslon and big Pat Anderson.

You'd have to think that's a team that is going places. Any chance of a wild card in the Oreo Cup for Al-Dollies?

UTFDB!

 

[The Penalty Box Dancer]

Season Preview 2038/39

The second consecutive season in the Dankse Premier Division for Dollingstown but this season will be tougher than the first with new sides Ards and Institute tipped for a good season in the top flight. Dollingstown strengthened in defence and many pundits are keen to see how Paul Dunne fairs this season after summer interest from Cliftonville for the 16 year old. It is rumoured a transfer deal was already done but chairman Wesley Kelly pulled the transfer. Henderson said he was delighted they could keep their highly rated youngster and has brought Patrick Anderson to the club as well for depth. Nicky Quinn will be looking to build on last season's 11 goals and Henderson is likely to try him behind the Striker at times when Tommy Smyth is unavailable or required to play in Central Midfield. Will Nelson and Ross McKendry will fight it out at left back but Luke Walker will no doubt want to have his say after having a good breakthrough season. The midfield could be a concern with an ageing Kee and McGurgan will be aiming to stay fit this time round. Duncan Herron joined Ballyclare Comrades and should go straight into their first team. Cliftonville will be looking to secure another consecutive league title after winning the league by 12 points but the rest of the division is open.

Dollingstown vs Coleraine
31st July 2038

Spoiler

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Last season's fourth place finishers Coleraine were the visitors to Planters Park on the opening day of the season. The only player to get his full debut today was Will Nelson with McKendry, Anderson and Maguire both on the bench. Kane and Kee were in midfield as McGurgan was not fully fit and Morgan, Quinn, Smyth and Sheridan played in attack. There was a good crowd at Planters Park and they were eager to see their beloved Dollybirds take to the pitch, 20 seconds in Kyle McNally was shaking off a bit of rust as instead of letting the ball go out for a goal kick, hoofed it out for a throw-in. There was an air of nervousness because the ball came in from the Coleraine right towards Cooney and McNally headed back to Whelan who couldn't stop it going over his line and it gave the away side the lead on 8 minutes. Kurtis Kane was at fault on 27 minutes when his poor header fell to Dean Watson and he slotted from outside the box to make it 2-0. It could have been worse, Warrenpoint were being hammered 8-0 by Dungannon after 28 minutes. Dean Watson crossed from the corner in first half stoppage time, Whelan came to collect but he was beaten by the head of Johnston who made it 3-0. Kyle Morgan switched the play to Quinn on the right, he crossed low into the box and Morgan's shot was tipped behind. Mark Maguire was given his debut when he replaced a poor Nicky Quinn on 56 minutes. Dollingstown couldn't come close and looked way off the mark in terms of match fitness. It's a harsh reality and a result they hope they can bounce back from.

EH: Players looked nervous, looked like they didn't know their roles. We've worked on it in pre-season what we want from everyone but today was a shambles. We conceded too easy and we can't score at the other end. I'm hoping today is a wake up call for those involved.

PLAYER RATINGS



Portadown vs Dollingstown
3rd August 2038

Spoiler

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The second game in three days for both teams and Ciaran Marshall was straight into midfield alongside Kurtis Kane. Ross McKendry and Paul Anderson came in at the back, Mark Maguire started on the right shifting Nicky Quinn behind Sean Sheridan. Kurtis Kane picked up an early booking for pulling Metcalfe to the ground on ten minutes, it was a nervous start and Portadown were in control. Whelan's goal kick was poor on 21 minutes and picked up by Smyth for Portadown, Dollingstown were forced to retreat and Nicky Quinn was on hand to win back possession. Quinn moved it to Kane and he played it wide to Morgan, Morton cut out the pass and played it forward starting the counter, Michael Smyth passed into the box for an unmarked Rowland who slotted past Whelan to make it 1-0. Dollingstown were struggling to get near Portadown inside the first half. Rowland was fouled by Anderson on 56 minutes, Portadown worked their opening from the free-kick and Dollingstown were caught too easily when Tony Marshall played a ball into the box slicing open Dollingstown and Rowland got his second of the game. Tommy Smyth came on for Mark Maguire and Quinn moved to the right side. Dollingstown went to attack for the final five minutes, Morgan put a great ball across the box but no one took the gamble. Quinn won the free-kick high up the pitch, he put the ball into the box aiming for head of Kyle McNally, it ran right through the box to the far post and Tommy Smyth was there to nudge it in! Three minutes to go for Dollingstown! Another late free-kick was taken by McNally and he passed to McGurgan who turned and took a shot but it was easy for the keeper. The match was over and it's a win for Portadown. It was too little too late for Dollingstown but they really need to step up their performances otherwise they are in trouble. It was confirmed Ciaran Marshall picked up an ankle injury and was the reason why he was taken off after 54 minutes. He is likely to be sidelined for two weeks ruling him out for the next match against Crusaders.

PLAYER RATINGS



Dollingstown vs Crusaders
14th August 2038

Spoiler

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Dollingstown were boosted by the return of Paul Dunne to the starting lineup. Dunne has been the talk of the transfer window with Champions Cliftonville keen on the 16 year old. Henderson is reluctant to sell one of his brightest stars. Tommy Smyth was back in the starting lineup playing behind Sean Sheridan whilst McGurgan linked up with Kurtis Kane. Crusaders made a fast start playing at a high tempo and Dollingstown had to be at their best, they done well to keep the ball out inside the first three minutes. Dollingstown settled into the game and the work from Tommy Smyth in midfield went a long way, the ball was getting up the pitch and the flick on from Sheridan to Quinn almost saw Dollingstown take the lead on 28 minutes. Owusu was causing problems on the right side for Dollingstown but McNally was dealing with him well. Quinn passed inside to Smyth and he saw the run of Sheridan through the middle, the ball was played through and he was goal side but McQuillan pulled off a great stop. Dollingstown were unable to clear their lines three minutes after half-time, Smyth's careless header was intercepted by Mitchley and he passed it to O'Neill who scored from outside the box. Tommy Smyth put in a great ball for Sheridan but he shot into the side netting on 61 minutes. Jimmy Boyd came on for Sheridan who squandered two decent chances. Dollingstown were fading and inside the last five minutes, carelessness cost them when Asamoah capitalised on Nelson's poor clearance to drill in the second of the game. It makes you question where the goals are coming from in a third defeat for Dollingstown.

EH: We played well in the first half and had a couple of chances which we should have done better with. Towards the end we looked leggy and our perfornance dropped as a result of that. It was a poor showing, our passes were not connecting but we did have some glimpses of good football. Smyth played well and he put Sheridan in twice, we just need to take the little chances we create.

PLAYER RATINGS



Dollingstown vs Glentoran
17th August 2038

Spoiler

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The fourth game of the campaign and Glentoran had only picked up two points in their first three games. There was a few changes for Dollingstown due to only playing three days earlier with Andrew Mulholland and Patrick Anderson partnering for the first time in defence. David Kee started with Kane and Jimmy Boyd led the line for Dollingstown. Dollingstown held their own inside the first 20 minutes and came close when Smyth played in Quinn who struck a nice left footed shot that went over the bar. The work being put in by Tommy Smyth was exceptional, 17 years old and supporting his defence by mopping up loose balls and getting it forward to the attackers. The ball came in from Morgan to Quinn who struck the post on 29 minutes, better from Dollingstown. Morgan got another good ball over to Quinn who turned his opponent and beat the keeper at the near post to make it 1-0 on 38 minutes! Defensively Dollingstown were playing well and using their heads operating as a unit. McNair had a shot for Glentoran from outside the box and Whelan pulled off a great save tipping it over the bar but on 56 minutes Andy Neil's corner found the head of Anderson who levelled the score. Mark Maguire came on for a tiring Tommy Smyth and Nicky Quinn moved behind Boyd. With ten minutes to go Nicky Quinn sent in the free-kick, Patrick Anderson went for it but was brought down by McNair, the crowd shouted for the penalty and it was given! Nicky Quinn stepped up and put it into the top left corner, 2-1! Dollingstown restore their lead! Steven Porter was playing well at right back and doing everything he could to keep Glentoran out in the last few minutes. What a great defensive display from Dollingstown! Jake Whelan put in a mature performance and it's three points for The Dollybirds!

EH: I had a good feeling about today, we looked calm at the back and it never looked in doubt, we scored twice with one coming from the spot and I'll take that all day. It's our first win of the season and we just want to build on this good result.

PLAYER RATINGS

​

LEAGUE TABLE

 

[The Penalty Box Dancer]

BET MCLEAN CUP SECOND ROUND DRAW

Spoiler

=

​

 

[JimmyJeffers]

YES

 

[Yarrgh]

Koff Hendo. 3 losses on the bounce. Boooooo! Get in Danny Rowe.

 

[JimmyJeffers]

Koff Hendo. 3 losses on the bounce. Boooooo! Get in Danny Rowe.

Now now, I know we’ve all had a few drinks.

 

[JimmyJeffers]

 

[cronullasharks]

Hendo you kopite maggot

 

[Jimishorts]

Could be along season this.

What’s worse is @cronullasharks might be proved right.

UTFDB’s

 

[The Penalty Box Dancer]

TOMMY SMYTH'S STOCK RISES

We've all seen the performances, he's just turned 17 and plays like he's been around for years. His movement around the pitch and the vision to spot a pass just can't be taught. Dollingstown supporters love the lad like he is their child and flock to Planters Park to see him every other week. It's not just Dollingstown supporters and the local media who are aware of the talent. Queens Park Rangers and Aston Villa have been taking notice too. Duncan Ferguson has had conversations with representatives from both clubs and they've even been over to watch him play. "They know who he is. "Ferguson told the media. "There is interest in Tommy and we are delighted to see it. Clubs like Aston Villa don't come around often and a chance to play in a big league like The Championship with prospoects of getting back to The Premier League is a dream for these lads. We would be delighted for Tommy if he did decide to move on, we obviously want him to continue playing here and the finances would have to be right on the deal also." Smyth isn't phased by the talk and keeps his head down, he is a model professional and leads a quiet life outside of football. He is also an apprentice Painter and Decorator and attends his local college. Henderson rates him highly and says he has the utmost respect for everyone at the club. If the opportunity does come knocking, Dollingstown can only wish him well on his footballing journey. ​

 

[JimmyJeffers]

TOMMY SMYTH'S STOCK RISES

We've all seen the performances, he's just turned 17 and plays like he's been around for years. His movement around the pitch and the vision to spot a pass just can't be taught. Dollingstown supporters love the lad like he is their child and flock to Planters Park to see him every other week. It's not just Dollingstown supporters and the local media who are aware of the talent. Queens Park Rangers and Aston Villa have been taking notice too. Duncan Ferguson has had conversations with representatives from both clubs and they've even been over to watch him play. "They know who he is. "Ferguson told the media. "There is interest in Tommy and we are delighted to see it. Clubs like Aston Villa don't come around often and a chance to play in a big league like The Championship with prospoects of getting back to The Premier League is a dream for these lads. We would be delighted for Tommy if he did decide to move on, we obviously want him to continue playing here and the finances would have to be right on the deal also." Smyth isn't phased by the talk and keeps his head down, he is a model professional and leads a quiet life outside of football. He is also an apprentice Painter and Decorator and attends his local college. Henderson rates him highly and says he has the utmost respect for everyone at the club. If the opportunity does come knocking, Dollingstown can only wish him well on his footballing journey. ​

Well well well. Look at Mr Billy Big Balls. QPR come sniffing and all of a sudden I am waiting an extra week to have my skirting boards glossed.