DECEMBER 2004

26th December 2004: G'DAY COBBERS!

Glenavon's former Chaplin, Reverend Paul Whittaker, is still keeping a keen eye on the progress of the Lurgan Blues despite now following his vocation 'down under' in Australia. While Northern Ireland was freezing at Christmas Paul was enjoying the Australia-Pakistan Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Paul sent Christmas greetings to everyone and his best wishes to all in the New Year. He also sent a couple of photos to make us all feel a little warmer.

Paul writes "The Boxing Day Test was awesome, 80,000 people, a carnival atmosphere, Australia V Pakistan, the cricket was good as well. So much different to my usual Boxing Day at Mourneview Park experience. I hope and pray that by the time I come back we will be back to where we should be, in the Premier League."

18th December 2004: BLUES GO SECOND

5th SUCCESSIVE LEAGUE WIN

Coagh United 0-3 Glenavon

A scruffy goal in the first half, eventually back-heeled over the line by Gerard McMahon, gave Glenavon a half time lead after Coagh had come storming out in the first 15 minutes. Gerard picked up a head injury in the melee while scoring and had to have a staple in the wound.

Gerard McMahon's back heel gave Glenavon the lead. Photo by Norman Bell, Cookstown

During that initial spell of Coagh pressure Andy McDonald had to make an acrobatic tip over to deny a great strike by Jamie Tumelty. The visitors then seized control and took the lead in the 28th minute when McCloskey's left wing corner was deflected off the head of a defender and looped up before dropping under the posts. A goal mouth scramble ensued and somehow the ball ended up crossing the line with McMahon claiming the final touch. McMahon missed a great chance to double the lead and he had an effort ruled out for offside. Clifford's powerful drive in first half injury time just rose over the corner of bar and post after Topley played him in.

In the second half Coagh showed great spirit and refused to lie down. Erksine, who came on at half time, looked very lively and he troubled the Glenavon defence on a number of occasions. The United resistance was finally broken by two goals inside a minute by 58th minute substitute Gareth Walsh. In the 84th minute he raced on to Jim McCloskey's excellent ball down the line and, despite being at a narrow angle, drove his shot past Pollock at his near post. Less than 60 seconds later McAlorum's little flick on took out the defence and Walsh was clear through with only Pollock to beat and he made no mistake. Match report.

TK's Reaction

Glenavon manager Tommy Kincaid was delighted to pick up another three points away from home today - Glenavon are still unbeaten in the league. "The game could have been over at half time. If we'd gone in at half time with four goals it wouldn't have flattered us. We came out in the second half and to be honest they really came at us. They're the home team and they've been going well and they put us under a bit of pressure. I thought however that we dealt with that side of the game really well and Walshy scored two smashing goals. We thoroughly deserved to win the game."

McCALLAN STEPS DOWN

David McCallan has reluctantly resigned his position as Assistant Manager to Tommy Kincaid. Business opportunities will take David all over the world in his role as a leading sportswear representative and he can no longer guarantee the time and commitment he feels that his job at Glenavon requires.

David McCallan took his place in the Glenavon dugout today for the last time as Assistant Manager today against Coagh United. He later joked with his successor, Wayne McMeekin, about the team's league record of five wins and two draws being the target that Wayne would have to maintain.

David said, "I'm obviously thrilled about my expanding career opportunities but am disappointed to be leaving Glenavon at such an important and exciting time. I believe the set-up at Mourneview Park is second to none. The support has been great and I know that the squad that Tommy has assembled, along with his personal determination, will see Glenavon promoted. Tommy and I have worked together a long time and I wish him and the team all the best for what I’m sure will be an exhilarating future”.

Tommy Kincaid regrets but accepts David McCallan’s decision. “David and I have been a team for some time now. We know each other’s strengths and weaknesses and are able to complement each other’s skills. I will miss his input and support, but most of all I’ll miss his friendship. David has made a fantastic contribution wherever we have been in football. I wish him every success in his business career and know that he will always be one of the first to contact me about results.”

Wayne McMeekin will take over David’s duties as Assistant Manager.

11th December 2004: TOPLEY'S LATE LATE SHOW

Ballymoney Utd 0-1 Glenavon

Glenavon totally dominated this game from start to finish but it wasn't until the second half that the chances really started to flow with the arrival from the bench of Jim McCloskey. In less than 10 minutes on the pitch he was denied three times by brilliant saves from Joel Madison in the home goals. Madison also pulled off good saves to keep out well struck shots from McKnight, Candlish and McAlorum.

With the visiting fans thinking that a goal was never coming and drifting towards the exit, Topley pounced on a loose ball in the box after the home defence failed to clear, and finally beat Madison with a low shot into the bottom corner. Report

Post-match Reaction with Wilbert

Glenavon Press Officer Drew McWilliams spoke to Wilbert McFetridge after today's game:

“The result today was tremendous for us. We dominated the match. They never troubled us and I thought that their goalkeeper was their best player by far.

“Our own ‘keeper on the other hand, didn’t have to exactly exert himself today – I don’t think he had a save to make. Andy’s always there as a last resort – reliable - and he’s always shouting instructions to his defenders. He was ‘on his toes’ the whole match whether he was called upon or not.

“You have to give credit too to the back four, which I thought was superb. They just didn’t miss a thing – high or low.

“Johnny Wright took up the armband today in place of Pete Batey and he does a good job with plenty of talking. That’s something that I think our team lacks all round. Johnny makes up for that, and with Johnny Montgomery beside him they cover and complement each other well. If one doesn’t shout the instruction then the other will. The combination of the two is good for the back four.

“Johnny Topley played a tremendous game. He created plenty of chances and deserved his goal. Johnny is always going to make goals.

“Big Jim McCloskey was only on about 30 seconds and had a shot at goal. Up to that point we weren’t just getting that final ball in and the change, with Candlish and Big Jim coming in, made the difference.

“When you look on paper at our squad and see the likes of Gerard McMahon, Paul McKnight and Gareth Murray you have to marvel at the creativity available to Tommy. Lots of managers would love to have that sort of class on their team sheets. All of these boys have captained teams at every level throughout their careers. We’ve got the players, no doubt, and while we’re unbeaten in the league, they still have to really ‘do the business’ and score goals. But I’ve no doubt that will come.

“The ‘bouncebackability’ of Glenavon is absolutely fantastic and it really reflects the attitude of Tommy Kincaid, “Keep pressing – get back and cover – never say die”! He instils it in us, the backroom staff, and the players. I have no problems in predicting that Glenavon will win this league and go back up into the premier division. All of us are relishing the challenge and we’re ‘up for it’.”

2nd December 2004: 'PISTOL PETE' RETIRES

Pete Batey announced his retirement following training on Thursday night. Thirty-Five this New Year’s Eve coming, Pete won everything in the game at Glentoran and has been three years at Glenavon. The tough tackling, no-nonsense mid fielder also played centre back, centre half and centre forward!

Pete plans to spend more time with his family and is proud to have played for the Lurgan Blues. “I’ve enjoyed my time at Glenavon and had a wonderful career in the game. I have a young family and think it’s time to bow out and give them a bit more of my time. My only regret is that I have not been able to help Glenavon to have been more successful. But I think the team is going in the right direction. The squad is looking strong, not conceding too many goals and beginning to find the net. I would be fairly confident that Glenavon will be in the premier league next year.”

‘Big Pete’ was a fans’ favourite and won numerous awards during his time at Glenavon, including October ‘Player of the Month’. Players too respected him as a player and as a captain who always led by example. Before a game Pete took time to encourage young mascots of the team and made sure that they were introduced to the players and included in photographs. After a match Pete would be in the centre of dressing room banter and always had time to talk to supporters.

Typical of his loyalty, he has told Tommy Kincaid to hold on to his registration in case he is needed – for emergency use only!

glenavonfc.com is the official site of Glenavon Football Club and the support of, and contributions from club officials are appreciated. The webmaster however can give no guarantee that the pages accurately reflect the opinions of individual directors or the management of Glenavon Football Club.