View from the Grandstand - John Magoveny

Posted : 24th November 2012 at 10:59:48

The following View from the Grandstand article was featured in today's programme v Ballymena United.

Name: John Magoveny

Home-town: Carrickfergus

Date of birth: 10-09 1935

Supporters' club (if any) - 1st Newtownabbey LSC

Where do you sit in Windsor Park - South Stand

How long have you supported the Blues: 60 Years

Can you recall your first match: Yes , it was just after the War, around 1947. I cant remember the opponents but as a young boy it was such a thrill to get to Windsor Park for the first time.

Who influenced you most: My mates as they were all big Linfield fans. We went along to the games together, walking from Ardoyne over to Windsor. If you had any money you could get the tram to the Lisburn Road.

Did you idolise any particular player (and why): Tommy Dickson , he was so crafty on the ball, was very quick footed and always had an air of confidence about him. I met him years later and he had some great stories to tell. I remember him telling us about ribbing the Portadown players in the league play-off game at Solitude in 1962. He called Wilbut Cush a Jock because of the number of Scottish players they had brought in for the game.

Who is your current favourite player (and why): William Murphy, because he has been a great servant to Linfield and appreciates the support he has from the fans and returns that in a personal manner

Who is your all-time great (and why): One and only Noel Bailie, a Linfield legend and his name speaks for itself.

What other Irish League player from the past do you most admire (and why): Billy Neill, Glentoran - Billy was a delight to meet and talk to. He was one of the most fair minded men I have ever met and he loved football at all levels

And the present: I like Curtis Allen at Coleraine. I thought he did a good job at Linfield but didnt really get a chance.

What is your favourite away ground and why: Ballymena United. Great viewing and other facilities

Most memorable occasion following Linfield: Copenhagen . Our club travelled over to the game and the atmosphere in the stadium was superb. It was disappointing, of course, to lose in such circumstances but the trip was a memorable one. I remember going on a tour of the city with our former Chairman Billy McCoubrey and others and it was fantastic.

If you had unlimited funds, who would you buy: Not sure who would be good enough to play for us.

Do you support any other team in England or Scotland: Liverpool, I've been over a few times and used to watch them when I worked in England.

What was the best Linfield goal you ever saw and by whom: Tony Coly - Linfield v Ards . it was a trademark 30 yard effort which flew into the net.

What appeals to you most about Linfield: Homely club and officials and supporters

What appeals to you most about the Irish League: I think we have a great league which perhaps doesn't get the coverage it deserves. I think the standard is generally good and it can be very demanding for part time players.

Next Match
Newry City
    
Linfield
Irish Premier League
Kick-off : 4th November @ 3pm
Venue : The Showgrounds
Last Match
5
    
1
Linfield
    
Loughgall
Irish Premier League Match Report
Sponsors