Note to Ross…

Reference blog below:

David Healey is a soccer player. He plays for Northern Irreland. He is an ‘attacker’. His job is to try and kick (or head) the ball into the opponents’ net. A net is a… oh bugger, it’s on TV – you’ll get the hang of it.

Meet our first Fantasy Footie Manager of the Month

Familiar with the expression ‘keeping it in the family’? Well that’s exactly what the O’Frils were doing when Fantasy Football League Chairman Brian (on the right, by the way) had the honour of presenting his son Ronan (on the left, by the way) with the the first Elm House Creative Fantasy Football League Manager of the Month Award.

The dazzling presentation took place at ‘the bottom of the stairs’ after the nine year-old (I repeat: nine year-old!) had come down from doing his homework. (Obviously, though, he had been ‘doing his homework’ on the football front because his team – Arsene’s Wizards – currently sit atop the league with an impressive 20-point advantage).

Speaking after receiving his award, young Ronan said that it was a terrific honour to pick up the trophy, especially with so many other great managers in the league. When pressed for names, the kid said he couldn’t think of any – he was just trying to be nice.

The challenge is now on to see who scoops the award for next month. So come on all you more seasoned managers – don’t let the kid make it two in a row.

(By the way, he’s not really that tall – he’s standing on the bottom steps.)

(Ronan, that is – not Brian)

Football Fantasies: The Dutch team, 1977

On the subject of football fantasies (see below) Belfast had great joy in watching this magnificent team. Even if we lost 0-1. (Although we drew 2-2 away!)

The Dutch line-up for the qualifying game away to Northern Ireland, 12th October 1977.
Back: Jongbloed, Hovenkamp, Suurbier, Rijsbergen, Willy van de Kerkhof, Van Hanegem, Krol.
Front: Rep, René van de Kerkhof, Cruyff, Jansen.

Football fantasies

   

There I was at Windsor Park, late seventies, Norn Ireland vs Holland. More especially it was George Best versus Johann Cruyff. Best was a bit chunky at the time to say the least and rarely strayed outside the centre circle from where he controlled the game with a series of quick-thinking passes that most of his team-mates were too slow to get onto. Cruyff was having a rough time, though, and was getting clattered a bit by Jimmy Nicholl who wasn’t taking any prisoners. And the score? Can’t remember now. But I remember seeing two of my heroes playing: Best vs Cruyff. And, in the personal battle at least, the Best man won.

So much for my Football Fantasies – all by way of saying Good Luck to all the Team Managers in the Elm House Creative Fantasy Football league. May the best man, woman or nine year-old win.

Amur versus quod subsidio

The brave boys of Elmhousemuir FFC prepare to do battle at the Northern Ireland Media Fantasy Football League Auction Night in Shu.

Led by Team Manager Jonny Kane, the team includes Kris Byers, Chief Scout and Mark Heaney, Youth Development Officer. Commenting on the hopes for the new Season ahead, Director of Football and former NIMFFL League winner Michael Stewart commented ‘long runs the fox…’. Also pictured, Ross Parker, Artistic Director.

Bet you never knew Hitler was a Sheffield United fan

Thanks to the scamp blog for making us aware of this flash of genius.