MAGAZINE ARCHIVE : SHOOT – 14.8.1976

Match action from Derby v Newcastle is the cover image as Shoot gets ready for the start of the 1976-1977 season.

Kevin Keegan uses his column to state what his main aim is for 1977, for Liverpool to become the third British club to win the European Cup.

One man who has recently experienced European success if Ivo Viktor, who tells Shoot that he never thought Czechoslovakia would win the final of Euro 76 against West Germany.

Shoot does a double page feature on clubs in English football who have conceded over 100 goals in a league season.

John Tudor of Newcastle United is interviewed as he makes his comeback from injury, aiming for a move to a club in Mainland Europe, and stating that a breakaway Super League of England’s top 17 clubs would be beneficial for English football.

Alan Curtis of Swansea City gets a feature, being described as “The Welsh Mike Channon”

Billy Bremner reveals in his column that he was recently at Ashton Gate with his Leeds United team-mates to film a TV show called All In The Game for ITV, a football version of It’s A Knockout.

There is a four page feature of French champions Saint Etienne, including a double page centre spread poster.

Gerry Francis uses his column to talk about his favourite ground, which he reveals to be Old Trafford.

Everton goalkeeper Dai Davies is interviewed, warning Liverpool that the limelight could soon be switching to Everton.

Saint Etienne had beaten Rangers en route to reaching the 1976 European Cup Final in Glasgow, and John Greig uses his column to say that Rangers have learnt from those games as they aim to add the European Cup to the European Cup Winners Cup in 1972.

Staying in Scotland, there is a one page feature on the two Dundee clubs. United are aiming for a Top 5 finish, while Tommy Gemmell has renewed his contract with Dundee.

MAGAZINE ARCHIVE : WHEN SATURDAY COMES – OCTOBER 2011

“Let’s all move to Manchester” says Theo Walcott on this cover, poking fun at the number of Arsenal players who have signed for Manchester City in recent years. Ironically, the next Arsenal star bound for Manchester would be the Old Trafford bound Robin Van Persie the following summer.

There is a look at the alcohol ban at football grounds, with drink being available at other sports grounds.

This month’s Photo Feature focuses on Dundee’s two clubs on successive Saturdays, United v Dunfermline then Dundee v Morton the following Saturday.

There were recently riots at major cities in England, including London. One of the worst areas is Tottenham, and one writer asks if Tottenham Hotspur could do more to help in their local community.

Joey Barton has taken to Twitter to speak to fans during his move from Newcastle United to QPR, with one writer not being convinced, believing it to be a PR stunt.

There is a look at this year’s FA Cup, with Qualifying Round games being broadcast live on Facebook.

There is also a look at what happened to The Dell when it closed down in 2001.

This month’s Match Of The Month saw Sheffield Wednesday take on Notts County at Hillsbrough, with the hosts looking to get promoted back to The Championship at the second attempt.

There is a profile of Shamrock Rovers, who have recently become the first Irish side to reach the group stages of a European competition, having reached the group stages of the UEFA Cup, having overcome some difficult times in recent years.

There is a look back at a forgotten tournament, the Mundialito Tournament in Uruguay in December 1980, to celebrate 50 years of the World Cup, featuring all the former winners. England decline the opportunity to compete and were replaced by Holland.

PHOTO DIARY OF A FOOTBALL SEASON – AUGUST

August’s football watching began in dramatic fashions with three games in the first three days of the month.

The 1st of the month saw me head to Windsor Park to see Linfield take on HB Torshavn in the UEFA Cup.

The following day, I headed to Edinburgh for a short break. It would have been rude not to take in some football.

On Friday 2nd, I headed to see Dunfermline Athletic take on Dundee, while on Saturday 3rd, I went to see Hibernian take on St Mirren.

The rest of the month was a residency at Windsor Park, seeing Linfield’s League matches against Institute and Coleraine, and their UEFA Cup matches against Sutjeska and Qarabag.

Linfield v HB Torshavn

Dunfermline Athletic v Dundee

Dunfermline Athletic v Dundee Photo Album

Hibernian v St Mirren

Hibernian v St Mirren Photo Album

Linfield v Institute

Linfield v FK Sutjeska

Linfield v Coleraine

Linfield v Qarabag

MAGAZINE ARCHIVE : WORLD SOCCER – NOVEMBER 2003

This week, we go back to November 2003, a month when Juan Sebastian Veron of Chelsea was the cover star of World Soccer.

Brian Glanville’s column focuses on the “loutish” Behaviour of Arsenal players in their recent match against Manchester United, described as a “contrast” to the behaviour of their manager.

Wenger is also the subject of another columnist, who compares him to Eric Cantona, due to his “underachievement” in European competition.

In Spain, Barcelona and Real Madrid’s duopoly at the top of the table is being threatened by Valencia and Deportivo La Coruna.

In Italy, the death of a Napoli fan outside an away ground has created fears that hooliganism is returning to Italian football.

Hooliganism is a theme of this issue, with violence taking place at matches in Argentina.

Staying in Argentina, Juan Sebastian Veron gets a two page profile, after winning over Argentina fans after being a symbol for the national team’s failure at the previous year’s World Cup.

Arsene Wenger gets interviewed, he’s quite prominent in this issue, and talks about Arsenal’s proposed new stadium at Ashburton Grove.

Euro 2004 countdown has a profile of Bulgaria, their first tournament since the 1998 World Cup, and Czech Republic.

There is a look at the bids to host the 2010 World Cup, which will be held in Africa, with Libya, Egypt, Morocco, South Africa and Tunisia hoping to host it.

Holland have been forced to make do with a play-off place in Euro 2004 Qualifying, and with turmoil in the camp, there is serious concern they could miss out on a second successive tournament after missing out on the 2002 World Cup.

In Scotland, the big transfer news is that Fabrizio Ravanelli has signed for Dundee.

Eric Abidal gets profiled after being set to become to first Lille player to play for France since 1979.

There is a review of the Euro 2004 qualifiers, with eleven out of the sixteen teams confirmed, and previewing the play-offs which will determine the other five qualifiers.

2019 IN PICTURES – AUGUST

August 2019 began with a bit of a bang, it was hard to keep up.

On the 1st of the month, I went to see Linfield take on HB Torshavn in the UEFA Cup.

A few hours later, I headed to Edinburgh for a break, taking in two football matches, some Street Art and a walk up Arthur’s Seat

Upon my return from Edinburgh, it felt like I was having a permanent residency at Windsor Park for the rest of the month, taking in Linfield’s matches against Institute, Sutjeska, Coleraine and Qarabag.

Linfield v HB Torshavn

Edinburgh Street Art

Edinburgh Street Art Photo Album

Dunfermline Athletic v Dundee

Dunfermline Athletic v Dundee Photo Album

Hibernian v St Mirren

Hibernian v St Mirren Photo Album

Arthur’s Seat

Arthur’s Seat Photo Album

Linfield v Institute

Linfield v Sutjeska

Linfield v Coleraine

Linfield v Qarabag

DUNFERMLINE ATHLETIC 2-2 DUNDEE 2.8.2019

So, I was in Edinburgh for a few days, it would have been rude if I didn’t take in a football match.

But it wasn’t in Edinburgh, it was a short train journey to the Kingdom Of Fife to see Dunfermline Athletic take on Dundee.

I had BBC Scotland to thank for this one, as this game was moved to the Friday night for live TV coverage, and the 7.05pm kick-off meant I could get an earlier 9.36pm train home rather than waiting until 10.36pm.

This game being picked for TV was a bit of a surprise to me, as I thought Dundee United v Inverness Caledonian Thistle would have been chosen. This game, however, turned out to be a good game for the viewing public.

I had previously been to Dunfermline before for a match. Funnily enough, it was against Dundee, in 2015.

That match was a League Cup tie, and there were two divisions between the sides. That night, Dunfermline won 3-1 with two late goals. I was thankful for a resolution inside 90 minutes as extra-time would have meant having to get a 11.36pm train home. There would be no extra-time tonight regardless of the score.

As the teams entered the pitch to the sound of Into The Valley by local band The Skids, Dundee were looking for automatic promotion at the first attempt after five years in the top flight. Quite aptly, The Skids was the best way to describe Dundee’s season. Both teams weren’t literally going into The Valley, as that’s Charlton Athletic’s ground.

If Dundee thought automatic promotion would be easy, they only had to look across the street at Dundee United, who are trying to get promoted at the fourth attempt.

Despite the match being on a weeknight, there was a sizeable away support, taking up most of the away stand behind one of the goals.

There were even some Northern Ireland connections in this game. Newly appointed Dundee manager James McPake had one cap for Northern Ireland. I was there, a 6-0 defeat to Holland in 2012. He is assisted by Jimmy Nicholl. Meanwhile, Dunfermline had Paul Paton, who has four caps for Northern Ireland.

Dunfermline were up for this and were straight on the attack. They were rewarded on 12 minutes when Ryan Dow was played through and fired home.

The lead was then doubled when Dundee’s keeper missed a cross and Kevin Nisbet headed home to make it 2-0.

Nisbet then hit the bar as it looked like it was going to be a matter of how many Dunfermline would score.

As the half neared it’s end, Dunfermline fans then took aim at Steven Thompson, who was getting ready pitchside to do his half-time analysis, chanting “YOU’RE JUST A SHIT MICHAEL STEWART!!!” at him.

Thompson’s half-time analysis was to change dramatically in the final minute of the half, when Dundee had their first attack of note barring an early header from a set piece which was saved, which resulted in the ball bouncing and hitting a Dunfermline defender’s arm, and a penalty being awarded.

Danny Johnston stepped up to make it 2-1, and put Dundee back into the game.

The second-half was a lot more even, with Dundee getting another penalty, which Johnston put away to make it 2-2.

From looking like they were going to get a pasting, Dundee were now the side most likely to win the game, with Dunfermline now holding on for a draw.

As the game entered the final minutes, Dunfermline began to have some pressure on Dundee’s goal, sensing they could win the game, having a few corners and free-kicks in dangerous positions.

My previous visit to East End Park saw dramatic late goals to win the match, but not tonight, as both teams had to settle for a draw.

Photo Album

Dunfermline Athletic v Dundee 2015

MAGAZINE ARCHIVE : SHOOT – 15.3.1986

Sheffield Wednesday’s on form striker Garry Thompson is the cover star, in a week where Shoot speculates that Manchester United might be trying to sign Sammy Lee from Liverpool.

Lee is the subject of a double page feature, where he states he is aiming to make up for lost time after a disappointing 84-85 due to injuries and loss of form.

Lee was linked with Manchester United by Shoot, whose Danish defender John Sivebaek has revealed he joined United for money, while manager Ron Atkinson revealed that it was his goal against Republic Of Ireland in a World Cup Qualifier which prompted United to sign him, beating off competition from Spurs, Celtic, Atletico Madrid and Club Brugge.

With the World Cup approaching, Shoot looks at the chances of those wanting to go. They did a report on Terry Fenwick’s performance during QPR’s 1-1 draw with Luton, concluding that he is being wasted in midfield.

One player not going to Mexico was Remi Moses, who would be missing out through injury. Bryan Robson writes about this in his column, and also states that Mark Hughes wants to stay at Manchester United, and then promotes his fan club, which you can join for £3.50 a year if you live in the British Isles.

In news, Reading’s Andy Rogers was saved by the club’s physio after he collapsed during a recent game.

Two youngsters getting full page profiles were Nigel Spackman (Chelsea) and Paul Stephenson (Newcastle United)

Shoot reports that Barcelona are looking at Mark Hughes, while Gary Williams is set to leave Aston Villa after a bust-up with manager Graham Turner.

One player agreeing with his manager was Peter Rhoades-Brown of Oxford, whos manager Maurice Evans described him as inconsistent.

Jimmy Greaves Star Letter comes from a Scotland fan complaining that it was unfair that Belgoium were considering playing their Euro 88 Qualifier against Scotland to a neutral country, due to the fear of hooliganism.

John Bond gets a double page spread, with the recently appointed Birmingham City manager stating that he can revive the club. They were relegated in 1986, and almost get relegated again in 1987, before Bond was sacked.

In foreign news, Andreas Brehme has signed a pre-contract with Bayern Munich, while Janusz Torowski and Jaroslaw Biernat have both signed for Eintracht Frankfurt, but won’t be going to the World Cup, having claimed asylum in West Germany.

Shoot is in the World Cup mood, doing a double page feature on Denmark, comparing them to the Holland side of 1974 and 1978.

Peter Davenport’s chances of going to Mexico received an endorsement from his manager at Nottingham Forest, Brian Clough, who wrote a column to urge England manager Bobby Robson to put him on the plane.

Talking of managers, Kenny Dalglish picked up his first Manager Of The Month award, but defeat to Everton ruined his day when he was presented with the award.

A future manager, was Alan Curbishley of Charlton, who was on the pitch for them in 1986, leading their promotion charge as they aimed to reach the top flight for the first time since 1957.

In Scotland, a former Rangers man has done Celtic a favour, as Mo Johnston has had a run of form kickstarted by being dropped from the Scotland squad by Alex Ferguson.

Brighton get a full page profile, as they aim to be promoted back to the top flight after being relegated in 1983.

Returning to Scotland, Shoot previewed the Scottish Cup Quarter-Finals between Hibs and Celtic, and Aberdeen v Dundee. At the time of going to print, they were the only two Quarter-Finals definitely confirmed.

MAGAZINE ARCHIVE : SHOOT – 9.4.1977

Paul Mariner, heading goalwards against Bristol City, is the cover star as the 1976-1977 season nears it’s end.

In news, a Leeds United Supporters Club has been created in Ghana, with 50 members. It’s unknown if a young Tony Yeboah was one of those.

Jim Platt could be on the lookout for a move from Middlesbrough, having lost his first-team place, with the lack of games affecting his international chances.

Gordon Hill uses his column to talk about defender, declaring if you combined Martin Buchan, Mick Mills, Kevin Beattie and Colin Todd, you would have the ideal defender.

There was a double page photo spread from the recent League Cup Final between Everton and Aston Villa. There wasn’t much action to photograph, as the match finished 0-0 and went to a replay. It would eventually need a second replay to get a winner, Aston Villa winning 3-2 at Old Trafford.

1977 was the first year that a League Cup Final finished 0-0.

In foreign news, Poland had a training camp in Yugoslavia, with 15 hour training sessions, ahead of their World Cup qualifier against Denmark on 1st May. They won that match 2-1.

It was announced that Helmut Schoen will step down as West Germany manager after the 1978 World Cup and be replaced by his assistant Jupp Derwall, while players Franz Beckenbauer and Berti Vogts have been asked to become coaches with the national team once they retire.

Europe’s three competitions are at the Semi-Final stage, and Shoot uses two pages to preview all six games.

Shoot does a two page feature interviewing and looking at Scottish players who have moved to clubs in England, before returning to Scotland.

Staying in Scotland, there was a full page preview of the Scottish Cup Semi-final between Celtic and Dundee.

MAGAZINE ARCHIVE : SHOOT – 10.5.1986

The 1985-1986 season is nearing it’s end, and Malcolm Shotton of Oxford United is the cover star of Shoot, with the club having won their first major piece of silverware, the League Cup, after a 3-0 win over QPR.

Mark Hughes talks about his transfer from Manchester United to Barcelona, admitting that he should have done what Kevin Keegan did when leaving Liverpool, announce his plans to leave at the start of the season, as the protracted move turned out to be a distraction.

Hughes signed an 8 year contract with Barcelona, and he says this will be his only club on the continent. As it turned out, he did emulate Kevin Keegan, by playing in Germany, joining Bayern Munich on loan, before returning to Old Trafford in 1988. He never played for a club on the continent in the final 14 years of his career.

In adverts, there’s an advert for the following week’s edition, which has a free World Cup stickerbook, as well as previews of the FA and Scottish Cup Finals.

Bryan Robson uses his column to sing the praises of Paul McGrath, stating that he wishes he was English as he’d walk into their defence. He comments on his top 11 players of the season.

Shoot previews the three European Finals, singing the praises of Terry Venables, who Shoot believes is set to become Barcelona’s first European Cup winning manager, totally dismissing the chances of their opponents Steaua Bucharest.

Shoot does a double page photo collage of the recent League Cup Final, where Oxford beat QPR 3-0.

Peter Reid writes in his column that Everton have the grit to win the title.

Reid is also complimentary of West Ham, whose young defender George Parris gets profiled, described as “A new Billy Bonds”

Andy Goram, a recent debutant for Scotland, despite being born in England, tells Shoot he wants to join a club in Scotland.

Football in Sheffield gets a double page spread, as both clubs yo-yo between divisions, with Shoot pointing out that there hasn’t been a top flight Derby between United and Wednesday in 18 years.

Bruce Rioch gets interviewed after just being appointed manager of Middlesbrough, talking about what he has learnt from managers in his career, especially Tommy Docherty.

Iraq get a preview ahead of Mexico 86, with their style of play moulded by the influx of British managers in the Middle East in the late 70s, and the current Brazilian manager they have, Edu (not the ex Arsenal player), who is Zico’s brother.

Davie Cooper is interviewed, stating that the appointment of Graeme Souness as manager was a “Bombshell”, but is a top class appointment.

Dual nationality Vince Mennie of Dundee is interviewed, stating that he wants a call-up to the Scotland team, and turned down an Under 21 call-up for West Germany in order to achieve his dream.

Ron Saunders has responded to West Brom’s relegation by having a clear-out of his squad.

Staying in the West Midlands, Birmingham City manager John Bond has appealed to local businesses for help to secure funding to bring Trevor Francis back to St Andrews.

The magazine ends with a double page profile of Sandy Jardine, aiming to win the Scottish League and Scottish Cup with Hearts, 14 years after winning the 1972 European Cup Winners Cup with Rangers.

PHOTO DIARY OF A FOOTBALL SEASON – AUGUST

After League Of Ireland and UEFA Cup football during June and July, the domestic season began for me in August, when Linfield welcomed Ballymena United to Windsor Park on the opening day of the season.

Four days later, I visited Taylor’s Avenue for the first time, as Linfield travelled to newly promoted Carrick Rangers.

To round off a busy week, it was back to Windsor Park to see Linfield take on Dungannon Swifts.

The following weekend, I was in Scotland for my annual trip to the Edinburgh Festival, and made the most of it by taking in matches at Hearts, Rangers and Dunfermline.

Upon my return from Scotland, it was back to Windsor Park, my third time this month, to see Linfield take on Portadown, and get a win that continued their perfect start to the season.

Linfield v Ballymena United

Carrick Rangers v Linfield

Linfield v Dungannon Swifts

Heart of Midlothian v Partick Thistle

Heart Of Midlothian v Partick Thistle Photo Album

Rangers v Hibernian

Rangers v Hibernian Photo Album

Dunfermline Athletic v Dundee

Dunfermline Athletic v Dundee Photo Album

Linfield v Portadown