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The
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sky at night UNITED delight!"
www.red11.org DAILY NEWS
Date: Tue May 18 01:24:59 GMT+00:00 1999
Mail: barry@www.red11.org
This Issue:
1. This time in Manchester Personal Report by OUR SALFORD LASS
2. Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace Personal Report by RED KELLY
3. Wembley and onto Barca...by Phil
4. Stam cup shock
5. A Word on the Gods of Football - Daily Express
6. Achilles heel may trip the Treble
7. Graham is surprised by Cole
8. Ferguson proves continuity is the secret of United's success
++++++=========+++++++========+++++++++========++++++++
*** CHAMPIONS *** CHAMPIONS *** CHAMPIONS ***
ONE Trophy - 2 to go!
www.red11.org CHAMPIONSHIP Sound Archive x 5 ENJOY!!!!
SPECIAL SPECIAL SPECIAL Mp3 "REDS Going to Barcelona" 3megs hifi-sound
Download here: http://www.red11.org/mufc/sound/mp3/99/Barcelona.mp3
TODAYS INTERVIEWS + Sound
(Real audio files archived at http://www.red11.org/mufc/sound/99)
1 Alex Ferguson + Peter Schmeichel Interview after the PL Championship!
http://www.red11.org/mufc/sound/99/alex_peter_interview_champs99.rm
2m 24s 157k
2 Dwight Yorke Interview after the PL Championship!
http://www.red11.org/mufc/sound/99/dwight_after_prem99.rm
3m 21s 218k
3 David Beckham Interview after the PL Championship
http://www.red11.org/mufc/sound/99/becks_after_prem99.rm
2m 04s 134k
4 Celebrations at OT presenations of medals!
http://www.red11.org/mufc/sound/99/celebrations1_prem_99.rm
5m 53s 382k
5 Celebrations 2:
http://www.red11.org/mufc/sound/99/celebrations2_prem_99.rm
4m 53s 317k
Cheers barry
"Here comes the FAC"
RED Barry
Daily RED Trivia TUES 17th May 1999:
18/5/1942:
Nobby Stiles was born in Manchester. Made his debut aged 18 against
Bolton Wanderers in October 1960, and won League Championship medals
in 1965 and 1967. A year later Stiles was a European Cup Final Winner against
Benfica. 392 appearances and 19 goals between 1960-1971. Won 28 caps for
England, winning a World Cup Winners medal in 1966. Stiles joined
Middlesbrough in May 1971, and later served United as Youth Team coach.
18/5/1985:
United beat Everton 1-0 in the FA Cup Final at Wembley after extra
time watched by 100,000. After Kevin Moran is sent off, Norman Whiteside
scores the winner to deny Everton a unique treble . Team was: Bailey, Gidman,
Albiston (Duxbury), Whiteside, McGrath, Moran, Robson, Strachan, Hughes,
Stapleton, Olsen.
*********************
Barry Daily Comment:
Tuesday and still on a high!
I recommend EVERYBODY download's Andy Roberts song
"REDS Going to Barcelona" its a cool sunshine MUFC song
with superb acoustic background
BARRY & BILL [who will both be in Barcelona next week]
would like to say
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL LIST MEMBERS with
the PREMIER LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP 1999
THIS IS WONDERFULL!!!!!
Loads & loads of pics are running on the site now! :)))))))))))))))
Enjoy everybody! http://www.red11.org/mufc/images/99/champ/
Cheers & Beers from
http://www.red11.org
5 days Newcastle FAC
9 days Bayern Munich CL Final
I will be leaving Denmark for Barce in 6 days time after the cup final
RED sky at night BARCE' delight
More fun here: http://www.red11.org/mufc/barcedance.htm
Enjoy the next 2 CHAMPIONSHIP matches, one and ALL!
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Latest sound interviews in Real Audio here:
http://www.red11.org/mufc/sound/99
Everyone who wants the goal in Real Time Video 300k now thanks to RED CAFE!
http://www.iol.ie/~redcafe/texts/report98/domestic/arse-fa2.htm
FA Cup Semi Final Replay
14 April 1999
Manchester United 2:1 Arsenal
Villa Park
Download Ryan Giggs Goal! (Real Video: 300K)
http://www.iol.ie/~redcafe/real/giggs-goal.ra
Thanks to the Theatre of Dreams
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
MANCHESTER UNITED STATS v ALL teams on the Web
http://www.red11.org/mufc/stats.htm
Previous News:
BSKYB Takeover news/pics at http://www.red11.org/mufc/bskyb.htm
Brian Kidd Press conference, pic, real audio
http://www.iol.ie/~redcafe/kidd.htm
Peter Schmeichel's last Season at United!
http://www.red11.org/mufc/news/schmeichel.htm
Next games:
ALL Result/Fixture Index:
http://www.red11.org/mufc/fix9899z.htm
If you would like ALL the final fixtures for
UNITED/Arse/Chelsea then go to http://www.red11.org/mufc/fix9899.htm
Next Games:
May
22 FAC Final Wembley Newcastle (N) Live on Sky Sports UK
26 European Cup Final Bayern Munich Nou Camp
UNITED Stats v All teams:
http://www.red11.org/mufc/stats/
*** FINAL PREMIER LEAGUE TABLE AS AT 16/05/99 ***
Pos Team P W D L F A W D L F A GD Pts
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Manchester United 38 14 4 1 45 18 8 9 2 35 19 43 79
2 Arsenal 38 14 5 0 34 5 8 7 4 25 12 42 78
3 Chelsea 38 12 6 1 29 13 8 9 2 28 17 27 75
4 Leeds United 38 12 5 2 32 9 6 8 5 30 25 28 67
5 West Ham United 38 11 3 5 32 26 5 6 8 14 27 -7 57
6 Aston Villa 38 10 3 6 33 28 5 7 7 18 18 5 55
7 Liverpool 38 10 5 4 44 24 5 4 10 24 25 19 54
8 Derby County 38 8 7 4 22 19 5 6 8 18 26 -5 52
9 Middlesbrough 38 7 9 3 25 18 5 6 8 23 36 -6 51
10 Leicester City 38 7 6 6 25 25 5 7 7 15 21 -6 49
11 Tottenham Hotspur 38 7 7 5 28 26 4 7 8 19 24 -3 47
12 Sheffield Wednesday 38 7 5 7 20 15 6 2 11 21 27 -1 46
13 Newcastle United 38 7 6 6 26 25 4 7 8 22 29 -6 46
14 Everton 38 6 8 5 22 12 5 2 12 20 35 -5 43
15 Coventry City 38 8 6 5 26 21 3 3 13 13 30 -12 42
16 Wimbledon 38 7 7 5 22 21 3 5 11 18 42 -23 42
17 Southampton 38 9 4 6 29 26 2 4 13 8 38 -27 41
18 Charlton Athletic 38 4 7 8 20 20 4 5 10 21 36 -15 36
19 Blackburn Rovers 38 6 5 8 21 24 1 9 9 17 28 -14 35
20 Nottingham Forest 38 3 7 9 18 31 4 2 13 17 38 -34 30
*** TEAM RESULTS - MANCHESTER UNITED - AS AT 05/05/99 ***
Date Opposition Score Pos. Attend.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
15/08/98 Leicester City Home D 2-2 11 55,052
22/08/98 West Ham United Away D 0-0 11 26,039
09/09/98 Charlton Athletic Home W 4-1 9 55,147
12/09/98 Coventry City Home W 2-0 5 55,193
20/09/98 Arsenal Away L 0-3 10 38,142
24/09/98 Liverpool Home W 2-0 3 55,181
03/10/98 Southampton Away W 3-0 2 15,251
17/10/98 Wimbledon Home W 5-1 2 55,265
24/10/98 Derby County Away D 1-1 2 30,867
31/10/98 Everton Away W 4-1 2 40,079
08/11/98 Newcastle United Home D 0-0 3 55,174
14/11/98 Blackburn Rovers Home W 3-2 2 55,198
21/11/98 Sheffield Wednesday Away L 1-3 2 39,475
29/11/98 Leeds United Home W 3-2 2 55,172
05/12/98 Aston Villa Away D 1-1 2 39,241
12/12/98 Tottenham Hotspur Away D 2-2 1 36,079
16/12/98 Chelsea Home D 1-1 2 55,159
19/12/98 Middlesbrough Home L 2-3 3 55,152
26/12/98 Nottingham Forest Home W 3-0 3 55,216
29/12/98 Chelsea Away D 0-0 3 34,741
10/01/99 West Ham United Home W 4-1 3 55,180
16/01/99 Leicester City Away W 6-2 2 22,091
31/01/99 Charlton Athletic Away W 1-0 1 20,043
03/02/99 Derby County Home W 1-0 1 55,174
06/02/99 Nottingham Forest Away W 8-1 1 30,025
17/02/99 Arsenal Home D 1-1 1 55,171
20/02/99 Coventry City Away W 1-0 1 22,596
27/02/99 Southampton Home W 2-1 1 55,316
13/03/99 Newcastle United Away W 2-1 1 36,500
21/03/99 Everton Home W 3-1 1 55,182
03/04/99 Wimbledon Away D 1-1 1 26,121
17/04/99 Sheffield Wednesday Home W 3-0 1 55,270
25/04/99 Leeds United Away D 1-1 2 40,255
01/05/99 Aston Villa Home W 2-1 1 55,189
05/05/99 Liverpool Away D 2-2 2 44,702
09/05/99 Middlesbrough Away W 1-0 1 34,665
12/05/99 Blackburn Away D 0-0 1 30,436
16/05/99 Tottenham Hotspur Home W 2-1 1 55,189
*** TEAM STATISTICS - MANCHESTER UNITED - 1998/9
AVERAGE HOME ATTENDANCE: 55,188
HIGHEST HOME ATTENDANCE: 27/02/99 - Southampton (55,316)
LOWEST HOME ATTENDANCE: 15/08/98 - Leicester City (55,052)
BEST WIN: 06/02/99 - Nottingham Forest (8-1)
HEAVIEST DEFEAT: 20/09/98 - Arsenal (0-3)
BEST HOME WIN: 17/10/98 - Wimbledon (5-1)
HEAVIEST HOME DEFEAT: 19/12/98 - Middlesbrough (2-3)
BEST AWAY WIN: 06/02/99 - Nottingham Forest (8-1)
HEAVIEST AWAY DEFEAT: 20/09/98 - Arsenal (0-3)*****
Champions League:
Group D P W D L F A Pts
Bayern Munich 6 3 2 1 9 6 11
Man United 6 2 4 0 20 11 10
Barcelona 6 2 2 2 11 9 8
Brondby 6 1 0 5 4 18 3
Dec 9 Brøndby 0-2 Barcelona
Dec 9 Man Utd 1-1 Bayern Munich
******
CHAMPIONS' LEAGUE QUARTER-FINALS
Manchester Utd 2 v 0 Inter Milan
Real Madrid 1 v 1 Dynamo Kiev
Juventus 2 v 1 Olympiakos
Bayern Munich 2 v 0 Kaiserslautern
**DYNAMO KIEV 2 v 0 REAL MADRID (Agg:3-1)
FC KAISERSLAUTERN 0 v 4 **BAYERN MUNICH (Agg:0-6)
INTERNAZIONALE FC 1 v 1 **MANCHESTER UNITED (Agg:1-3)
OLYMPIAKOS 1 v 1 **JUVENTUS (Agg:2-3)
Semi Finals
Manchester United v Juventus 4-3agg 3-2 [1-1]
Bayern Munchen v Dynamo Kiev 4-3agg 1-0 [3-3]
UEFA Champions League Final MANCHESTER UNITED v BAYERN MUNICH
Venue Camp Nou (Estadi FC Barcelona), Barcelona, Spain
Date Wednesday 26 May 1999 Kick-Off 20.45 CET (19.45 GMT)
++++++=========+++++++========+++++++++========++++++++
CONGRATS to REDS ALL over the world PREMIER LEAGUE 1999!"
Subject: This time in Manchester Personal Report by OUR SALFORD LASS
It's now 11am on Monday morning and I'm trying to sneak an hour at work to
write the match report I've been dying to write since last night. Words
cannot express how wonderful I felt at approx 6pm yesterday, and words
cannot express how rough I felt at 6.30am this morning when I had to drag
myself out of bed!! But it was all worth it to be present at just about
the best day seen at Old Trafford in decades.
Having misjudged the timing (I thought the game kicked off at 3pm) we were
in the pub much earlier than usual - 4 hours before kick-off. I arrived to
find Seamus, Theresa, Lisa and her boyfriend (sorry Lisa, I didn't catch
his name!) already installed by the window, taking up three tables ready
for the expected hoards of list members to come. None of them had a
ticket, but they had travelled to the Nest, just to be there. We were soon
joined by the son-and-heir who had parked his new car out front so he could
look lovingly out of the window at it for the next 4 hours! All the usual
suspects eventually arrived, as well as some visitors from over the pond
(one of whom managed to jib into the press box for the game, but more of
that later) and we all tried to be upbeat and optimistic but it was obvious
from the conversation, the white faces and the frequent visits to the loo
that we were all scared to death. All except Hal that is, who was
philosophical, reminding us that whatever happened, we were still going to
watch United and that was what was important. We knew he was right, but it
didn't seem to help stop the butterflies doing somersaults in my stomach.
Our very own MUTV Masterfan kept us on our toes by setting us a brain
teaser - unfortunately, a question only he could answer, since it involved
an own goal scored years ago in a game we'd all forgotten! We also passed
some of the time watching Bolton v Ipswich on the big screen and I think I
was the only one in the pub who wanted Ipswich to win! Does no-one else
but me remember Nat Lofthouse and all those goals he scored against us for
what seemed like years and years?
As pleasant as the company was, when the clock edged closer to 3pm, the pub
started to empty. There were few who wanted to hang around for another
pint this week, most were too jittery and just wanted to get to the ground.
Apart, of course, from (joined-at-the-hip) Mark and Duncan who were only
just heading towards the Nest - something to do with a pre-match ritual
that couldn't be missed, otherwise we would lose! I had on my lucky United
top (its getting a bit old now, but I think it will last until Barca) and
had my "lucky" scarf with me, so I was OK. As we walked to the ground, the
atmosphere was already buzzing. "We shall not be moved" was sung in
snatches all the way there and, as we walked down Sir Matt Busby Way
everyone was singing and chanting. The forecourt was packed, but what a
shame that they couldn't have left Sir Matt where he was for just a few
more days. Arriving in East Lower, we got a quick pasty and drink and then
it was into our seats where we nervously bit our nails and danced from one
foot to the other waiting for the game to start. Up amongst the Tottenham
fans, we noticed a number of United shirts and flags - they all appeared to
be genuine United fans, coexisting quite happily with the Cockneys. We all
joined together to express our dislike of the lads from Highbury. Wierd
sensation that, chanting with, and applauding Tottenham fans!
Before the game began, we had the usual end-of-season awards for the
younger players. Jonathan Greening came on to the pitch to receive (I
think) the Reserve Player of the Year (someone please correct me if I'm
wrong - I haven't had the time to read the programme yet) and then the very
popular Wes Brown received the Young Player of the Year Award. We then had
Dwight receiving the (sportswriters?) Player of the Year Award and then it
was time for the emotional rollercoaster to start as Peter came on to
receive an award from Alex Ferguson for breaking the club record for clean
sheets. This of course, brought home to us that there will be no more
clean sheets at Old Trafford for Peter Schmeichel (at least not in a United
shirt, anyway) and there was many a tear in the eyes of fans all round the
stadium as we sang "Schmeichel, Schmeichel". We are just beginning to
realise that it's actually going to happen and it's very painful to lose
yet another of our legends - Cantona apart, the most influential player of
the 90's. We were then "entertained" by a "Salford Red" who sang Nessun
(sp?) Dorma, followed by Keith Fane's best efforts to kill the atmosphere
completely. Played so loudly that you couldn't hear yourself think, we
were forced into joining in with his pre-recorded medley of *our* chants as
he told us who were singing about with each one (I would never have known
without his help!). We also had to listen to the new (and awful) team
record. All this continued until the players were actually coming out onto
the pitch, so there was no time for the fans to get our own chanting going
- now he may feel he needs to do this on a "normal" Saturday afternoon,
when the place is full of day-trippers, too busy munching on their United
popcorn to manage a song, but this was the final day of the league season,
with a stadium full of committed, noisy fans and we didn't need any help!!
Luckily, the FA doesn't (yet) allow music during the games, so once the
players were out on the pitch, the tape recorder was turned off and the
roar around OT increased to an ear-splitting volume. We sang for all the
players - "Yip Jaap Stam", "Ryan Giggs, Ryan Giggs, running down the wing",
"He scores goals", "David May, Superstar" - and we sang all the traditional
songs - "We shall not be moved", "Walking down the Warwick Rd", the Calypso
and the song that I expect to become the anthem next season - "We'll win
the football league again, this time in Manchester." It was a relief to
actually be starting the game and a relief to see the Reds looking totally
unlike the team that played last Wednesday. It was obvious that they were
up for this one, and in the first 10 minutes it was looking like we were
going to get a feast of goals. The lads were attacking our end and we had
plenty to cheer. Very early on, Yorke had a shot saved by Walker (who,
like many other keepers before him, raised his game against United) and we
got a end-of-season present from Monsieur Ginola when he limped off the
pitch before he had touched the ball more than a couple of times. We (and
the Tottenham fans) sang "Arsenal, you're going to win f..k all" and "Stand
up, if you hate Arsenal" and waited for the goals to come. And it looked
like we didn't have to wait long as Yorke again had a wonderful chance just
after Ginola left the pitch. Walker kicked the ball directly at Yorke and
it rebounded past Walker and trickled slowly towards the post right in
front of us. Time stood still and East Stand held its breath as the ball
moved inexorably towards the line and the post. We willed it to cross the
line off the post and it looked like it had - arms went up all over East
Stand as it clipped the post and .............. ran along the line and out
again! We couldn't believe it!! More and more chances followed - Walker
saved from a header by Giggs and Yorke hit another chance across the goal
mouth but there was no-one there to poke it in. The words "West Ham" began
to be whispered around me. There was a sinking feeling in the pit of my
stomach - surely it couldn't happen again?
And then, seemingly from nothing, Ferdinand chipped the ball over Peter at
the other end and we were one down! The United crowd was stunned and the
Tottenham fans forgot they were supposed to supporting us, and were jumping
up and down in celebration. The news from Highbury was good - Arsenal were
drawing 0-0, but that would be no good to us if the score stayed the same
at OT. Trying to ignore the feeling of doom that was rapidly overtaking
us, we increased the chanting and the lads responded. "Forever and Ever",
"The Red Flag" and even "Ooh Aah Cantona". We poured forward towards the
Tottenham goal. There were two, point blank saves off Scholes and then
Becks headed a free header over the bar. The black thoughts got blacker
and blacker - "West Ham, West Ham"!! There were a few minutes of pressure
down the other end (I can't tell you what happened, I had my eyes shut!)
and then play came back towards us. Giggs brought the ball down the left
and passed to Scholes. Scholes passed across the goal to Becks and Becks
smashed the ball into the top of the net as the whole stadium went
absolutely mental. We jumped up and down, hugged and kissed each other,
cried tears of relief and sang "One David Beckham". The Tottenham fans
didn't know whether to laugh or cry so they sang "Arsenal, you're going to
win f..k all"! Within a couple of minutes, the whistle blew for half-time
and we had 15 minutes to calm down!
The feelings at half-time were a mixture of celebration and dread.
Celebration because we were back in it and Arsenal still hadn't scored, and
dread because we knew that one slip-up in the second half could send the
trophy back down the M6. Pat and Syd came down to see us (there you go
Syd, there's your mention!) and Pat decided to stay for the second half, so
we squeezed him in between us (not that the stewards were bothering us
anyway, even they were affected by the atmosphere for once!). As Peter
came down to our end for the last time, there was many a tear on many a
cheek, including mine, as we chanted his name. We didn't have long to wait
for the real celebrations to start. Within a couple of minutes of the
kick-off for the second half, Cole (who had come on for Teddy) collected
the ball on his left (?) foot, controlled it with one movement and then
lifted it delicately over Walker who almost fell over backwards watching it
lazily fall behind him and into the net. There was absolute pandemonium
around the whole stadium. Pat, the son-and-heir and myself were having a
love-in with everyone within reach, Peter was on his knees on the ground in
front of us in supplication to the heavens, Cole was charging around the
pitch being pursued by his ecstatic team-mates and up on the United bench,
Fergie and his staff were kissing and hugging each other like they'd never
won a piece of silverware before. I have to say this to get it off my
chest - there are still those around who are critical of Andy Cole, who
believe he is not good enough for Manchester United and who point to their
belief that he doesn't score "important" goals. Well, if you are one of
them, just remember May 16th 1999. If you ever feel the need again to
write yet more nonsense about a player who has been, in the last couple of
seasons, one of the best players I have ever seen in a Red shirt, then
don't! Just keep saying to yourself "May 16th 1999" until the urge goes
away. If that doesn't work, you could also try looking at the Premiership
goal scorer's table for both last season and this season - top last season
and second this (with only Dwight ahead of him, with one goal more). Rant
over, now I'll get back to the report!
So we had 30 minutes left, we were 2-1 up and the news was beginning to
filter through that Arsenal might be 1-0 up (via the Tottenham fans!).
What we needed in these circumstances was another goal (or two) to calm our
shredded nerves and allow the celebrations to begin in earnest. What we
got, of course, was 30 minutes of gut-wrenching football that had us high
as a kite one minute and covering our eyes the next! Iverson had a
couple of shots which Peter cleaned up without too much trouble and then,
down the other end Yorke put a shot just over the bar. Nicky Butt and Phil
Neville came on for Giggs and Scholes and Butt hit the side netting soon
after. The last 5 minutes were an absolute nightmare. Fergie was on the
touchline screaming at the players and pointing to his head, Tottenham got
a free kick just outside the box as Johnsen and Campbell clashed heads (and
Peter picked the dizzy Johnsen up unceremoniously, and screamed down his
ear!). We were screaming and whistling and praying. Then, when we thought
we could stand it no longer, the referee finally blew his whistle and Keith
Fane did the only thing right he had done all afternoon - as soon as the
referee's whistle blew, "We are the champions" came over the tannoy. For
the next 10/15 minutes, it was played over and over again as the fans and
players celebrated. Fergie ran onto the pitch, his arms held high,
straight to Roy Keane and then on to each of the other players in turn.
Yorke and Cole were doing something that looked very rude down on the
grass, Peter was milking the applause from East Stand, and a small plane
flew round and round over OT trailing the banner "Manchester United,
Premiership Champions, 1998-1999". Standing at the front of East Lower,
with my scarf held above my head and the tears welling in my eyes, singing
the naff, but appropriate "We are the Champions" was one of the best
moments of my life. Manchester United are back where they belong, the kids
have come of age and all that follows now is icing on the cake.
The players left the pitch and Fane got back to normal by attempting to
destroy the atmosphere (again!). More awful medleys and the opera singer
back to sing "Barcelona" (it was very funny hearing all the drunken lads
trying to join in!) so loud that it was impossible to sing anything else.
But even he couldn't spoil such a wonderful, wonderful day. As the staff
scuttled round on the pitch getting everything ready for the presentation
we just grinned, and grinned, and grinned! As the players appeared again,
the stadium was bathed in sunlight and red and white tickertape. Roy Keane
lifted the Premiership trophy as captain for the first time and then each
player took his turn to lift and kiss the trophy. Each player was cheered,
but there were special cheers for Stam, Sheringham (even the Tottenham fans
joined in), Andy Cole and of course, Peter - who was last. "We are the
Champions" was played again as the players bounced up and down, spraying
champagne and singing their heads off. This was very different to the last
time, when the celebrations were muted and Eric knew he was leaving us.
This was akin to the first time, to '93. The players then did two laps of
honour (to the accompaniment of that awful Keith Fane musak again) and I
had my moment of the match. As they came round, first Becks grinning his
head off, then Gary Neville looking like all his birthdays and Christmases
had just at once, and then Dwight, dancing along the touchline with the lid
of the trophy on his head, I caught Ole's eye and for a minute or so, we
just looked at each other and grinned. If I could bottle that moment I would!
At the end of the first lap, we thought they'd leave the field, but no -
the players were enjoying it as much as us! So they came round again!
Dwight and Andy, in particular, were having a wonderful time and obviously
didn't want it to end. They just couldn't get them off the pitch and they
were still celebrating when all the other players had disappeared down the
tunnel. One abiding memory of the afternoon, which will never leave me, is
one of Dwight dancing along the touchline in front of the Stretford End,
holding someone's scarf above his head, whilst the security men were
trying to persuade him (without success) to go back to the dressing room
(if anyone has a picture of that, please let me know where I can find it).
Man of the match? All of them - I'm not going to single any particular
player out for praise today. I'm so proud of every single player that has
pulled on the Red shirt this season. But I have to mention Peter. I still
can't believe that he will never again stand in the goal in front of East
Stand. That he'll never celebrate with us again when someone scores down
the other end, or give us a mouthful when we're not performing up to the
standards he requires! We'll miss you Peter but we'll never, never forget
you or what you have contributed to Manchester United over the last 8 years.
So we, rather reluctantly, left Old Trafford and headed back to the Nest.
All the way back, fans were singing and celebrating and singing "We won the
football league again, this time in Manchester". Back in the pub we
discovered that Roger Murney had not only got himself into the stadium
without a ticket, but had talked himself into the Press Box with Paddy
Crerand and Wilf McGuinness! Now why didn't Seamus think of that?? As I
walked into the pub, the rugby league scores were on the big screen and I
was just in time to see the Salford score - not only had United won the
League, but Salford had won their first game since last August - I was over
the moon again! Now it was time for bear hugs all round. As each list
member arrived, everyone got a hug. Fans all over the pub were jumping on
each other and breaking out into song. We finally left for home about 8pm
and joined the throng of cars driving away from Old Trafford, horns blaring
and scarves and flags waving out of the windows. As we drove through
Chorlton, we joined in the celebrations at each pub we passed. Once I got
home, there was just time to get something to eat and then it was time to
relive it all again, through Match of the Day. I soooooooo enjoyed
watching that Gooner "crying on the tele".
This morning, I'm knackered and hoarse but very, very happy. Whatever
happens now, whether we win the treble or whether we win nothing else, it
doesn't really matter. It's been a wonderful season, we've done things we
never thought we could do (both the fans and the players) and we're off to
Barca next week. To ask for anymore would be greedy, but I can't help
dreaming ............. can I?
Linda
Copyright OUR SALFORD LASS, 1999
No part of this work to be used without the author's permission
CONGRATS to REDS ALL over the world PREMIER LEAGUE 1999!"
Subject: Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace Personal Report by RED KELLY
So the trilogy concludes and at the same time begins again. The phantom
menace of Upton Park 1995 returned, but this time he didn't haunt us, but
those from down the M1 at Highbury. Three minutes into the second half he
ghosted in, took three touches and sent us down the road towards the
Treble.
All week we have pondered on our fate. It's been very hard at times to push
the thought to the back of the mind. The first pot is always the hardest to
win - not that the others will fall into our laps, but as has been shown
before - win one and you go into the next with the right attitude. Not only
that but your opponents know it too and you've already achieved a
significant advantage.
So yesterday seemed to take an age to come round even though it was only
last Wednesday since the agony of Ewok Park. Everything was prepared for
the day and any superstitions taken care of, nothing was left to chance!
BDS and I left the Midlands at around midday and sped up the M6 without a
problem. We had originally intended going to the Shareholders meeting but
had left too late so instead made our way to the Throstles Nest. No driving
for me yesterday meant a liberal dosing of alcohol before match.
There were a couple of new faces (for me anyway) in the Throstles yesterday
lunchtime and it was a pleasure to chat with Seamus Gallen - I'm only sorry
we couldn't get you a ticket Seamus. I don't know whether everyone was
hiding their feelings well, but there didn't seem to be many nerves in
evidence - ha ha!!
Well, I wasn't nervous - not then anyway, but more of that later. I joined
Linda and Ian by the window and hadn't notice Masterfan sitting opposite
until I heard an overconfident Brummie Red firing questions. He obviously
didn't know who he was sitting next to as Masterfan left him bemused by his
incredible knowledge - great fun watching the range of expressions creeping
across the guy's face as he was trying to outdo Paul!
We left there just as "joined at the hip" arrived fresh from the SU
meeting, but we had a ticket mission to try and fulfil so left them to get
a couple more pints down and wandered down with the throngs to Old
Trafford.
On the way Pete, Hal and I pondered on who the Wizard would chose up front.
Pete (smart arse) got it right. I had hoped Yorke and Cole would prevail as
Yorke and Sheringham are too alike in playing styles for me, but he's the
boss - no not Pete - Fergie. I also hoped Keano and Stam would be back.
Keano's the one for me. He's the driving force behind United and absolutely
indispensable.
Down at the ground I met up with my daughter Eliza and Steve and we picked
up her ticket for South Stand. Steve and I then made our way up to our
usual seats in K where the atmosphere was buzzing for once.
As I walked up the steps to K Stand "Nessun Dorma" was being belted out.
Surely Pavagrotti wasn't here was he? I remember him wearing a United scarf
in a Manchester Concert the night we won in Rotterdam. I remember the TV
pictures afterwards anyway as it would have been difficult to have been in
two places at once since I was in rain soaked Rotterdam myself that night.
It turned out to be some Salford lad who took off his jacket to reveal the
red shirt of United - that's OK then! No-one was going to hold back
yesterday and in recent Euro fashion we remained standing all the way
through. Well most of us did, although some couldn't cope with the tension
and periodically had to sit down so they didn't have to watch! Whimps!!
It was also clear from the off that the Tottenham lot were up for it too,
but not in the usual fashion. They were up for a loss - anything to prevent
their near friends and neighbours from North london from lifting the trophy
again. It made for a bizarre atmosphere. In fact some of them had obviously
sold their tickets outside to allow Reds into their section.
The game started at a hell of a pace as United attacked the K Stand end.
Chances galore were being created as they were at the start last Wednesday
but Walker obviously hadn't attended the "throw the game at all costs"
meeting at White Hart Lane last week. And then it dawned on him - DOH -
"I'm playing for Spurs, they hate the Arse, and I've been saving shot after
shot, perhaps I'd better do something to make amends."
He promptly dallied with a back pass, Yorke extended his leg. The ball hit
Yorke's leg and span towards the goal. Everything went quiet. It was as
though the game was all of a sudden in slow motion as the ball edged ever
closer to the goal. After an absolute age it hit the inside of the post and
rebounded into the waiting arms of Walker. At that moment we wondered.
From then on he completely forgot the "arrangement" and his own poor
publicity and proceeded to make save after bloody save after bloody save.
Anyway what's he got against Scholsey, surely he hasn't done anything
against him has he? "I thought he was supposed to be crap" I muttered.
"He is crap, usually," said Chris.
"He must have forgotten the script then."
One or two of the other Spurs players had also forgotten to take any notice
of their scripts too, especially Ferdinand who chased after a header and
lobbed the ball over Peter and into the Stretford net. The Spurs fans
cheered. For a moment they too had forgotten why they were there and when
they remembered they went very quiet. Poor chaps - they couldn't win. I
mean, if they won the game they would surely gift the Premier to the Arse.
They wouldn't want that now would they. But they were 1-0 up - absolute
agony. I actually didn't see the goal because two blokes were coming in
late on the row in front and as they passed in front of us Ferdinand
scored. Hmmmmmmmmm that wasn't supposed to happen.
Having watched United for donkey's years I half expected it to happen so it
wasn't so bad. It also seemed to epitomise the second half of the season
anyway so I thought it was obviously fate - ever the optimist.
Walker continued to defy all and sundry with a series of miraculous saves -
was Keegan watching then? Memories of '85 came flooding back. Graham Poll
wasn't helping either, giving every decision to a Tottenham player - every
single bloody one. It's just not credible that every single challenge
should have resulted in a Tottenham free kick now is it? But it did.
With the minutes running out along with our voices the game suddenly
changed. Scholes hammered into Sherwood who spent the next two hours
complaining bitterly (ex Yonner!) and then passes through to Becks wide on
the right of the area. Becks takes a couple of strides and curls a beauty
to Walker's right and we were level.
Cue bliss, cue delirium and cue madness - we were back on track and buzzing
again. The Totters were singing "are you watching Arsenal." We were singing
too - so loud we nearly missed the whistle for half time. Most sat down in
their seats relieved and exhausted. I had a call of nature to answer and
disappeared below where the gents was rocking. "We shall not be moved,
forever and ever.' The noise was defeaning in there and in such a confined
space it didn't half rattle your eardrums.
After a couple of brief chats with incoherent beer splattered mates I went
back up top to await our fate. Forty five minutes away from glory, one goal
to get and the trophy would be returned to it's rightful owners.
The sight of Andy Cole on the touchline ready to come on was a relief. No
disrespect to Teddy but his partnership with Yorkie doesn't work. Andy Cole
would surely provide a sharper quicker option up front which would worry a
Tottenham defence who rely too heavily on Campbell.
So it proved when the phantom stole in and lifted the ball over the
flailing Walker. What a way to start the second half! K Stand went berserk.
Bodies everywhere for intense and prolonged celebrations. The teams had
already kicked off again by the time many of us realised we weren't even in
the same row, never mind in front of the same seat anymore. Those around me
who are unaccustomed to vociferous celebrations even raised their voices -
just a little mind you.
The noise was defeaning as the Totters to our left joined in the
celebrations in the knowledge that if the scores remained the same they
would play their part in denying their neighbours and live off the proceeds
for weeks to come. It was worth the defeat.
I can't remember when it was that the Arse scored but from that moment on
my nerves were jangling. Didn't the Spurs players know what their fans
wanted, wasn't the banner draped over the front of the visitors section
which said "Let 'em win" enough of a hint?
Some of them played on and on including the cheating little short arse
Dominguez who, had he been wearing a red shirt would undoubtedly have got
booked for diving, or couldn't Poll tell the difference between him
standing and on his knees in the penalty box? Talk about custom made socks,
imagine his size 2's and Kanu's size 15's in the same dressing room.
I shouldn't have worried but I couldn't help it. All around me people were
sitting down, standing up, shuffling from foot to foot. Everyone had the
jitters. We had come so far this season, surely we wouldn't fail now -
would we? As we reached the final agonising minutes the shrieking whistles
from the crowd filled the air. They must have heard them down at Highbury
but down there they were finished and hoped we would be too, but by a Spurs
goal. How unreal it must have been for them to be cheering a Spurs goal.
The fourth official held up the board - two minutes to go. Two bloody
minutes! Didn't he know it was agony with Poll still insisting on
penalising any red shirt who dared to lift a leg and fart. There were a few
close calls in those last minutes - too close. My 'next door neighbour'
Chris said "I thought it was supposed to be fun watching football." This
was only fun in retrospect.
The final whistle put both us and Tottenham out of our collective misery.
And then it was ecstacy. While everyone shouted and screamed delight I
couldn't muster a sound. I tried to shout and sing but nothing would come
out. My voice was still around somewhere but it had done a temporary bunk.
And the reason - my throat was choked. Stacked full of emotion which had
been building up over the weeks and months of this brilliantly arduous
season. So I just stood there grinning and I've been grinning ever since. I
just can't stop!!
Down in front of us the players went wild. Gary Nev (a true Red if ever
there was one) fell to the ground and raised his arms in the air with the
biggest grin I've ever seen. It matched ours of course and also Fergie's
who came bounding over bear hugging everyone who moved.
After a few minutes my voice returned, my throat un-choked and I was able
to sing again. The team eventually disappeared and the stage was being set
for the Carling Premiership blatant excuse for over advertising
presentation circus. Meantime the Keith Fane: let's play the crass MUPLC
single sing-a-long-a-Martin megamix was intent on spoiling our party. Why
they can't let us celebrate in our own way I've no idea. Don't they realise
it was the supporters who started all this..........sorry............hang
on a minute..........rant over!!
Keano bust his way through the two Carling doors and strode up to the
rostrum to collect the trophy. This was the real trophy not some tin pot
effort which was gathering dust and dandruff at Highbury. What do you
expect from all that head rubbing in despair - I remember it well!
Each lifted the trophy in turn with Peter saved til last. Apart from Keano
it was the biggest roar - how we'll miss that big daft b.....d. Cue another
lump to the throat and self enforced silence from Windridge. The usual
barrage of photographs followed and then, with the cameras rooted to their
spots, the team came round to join with us.
As they came in front of K Stand "Always look on the bright side of life"
was playing and they all stood in a line copying our actions. An absolutely
brilliant moment of team and fanbase as one. It's been a long hard campaign
this one, the hardest of the Premiership so far. There was no way we were
going to leave Old Trafford until the lights were turned off and the
players were gone.
And apart from Peter who revelled in his last appearance at home the
dynamic duo, soul to soul, brothers in arms were the last. There they were
together with the trophy they helped to win with their combined goals
tally. And as for Yorkie and his dancing we thought he'd never stop and
neither did we want him to. The Family Stand lifted him on board and held
him up with their smiles.
We took one last look and wandered down the steps of K Stand for the last
time. Underneath the stand still looks like it should, like a football
stand of old. It has been my home since they took the Stretford away from
us and now it will be no more. One can only wonder what they have in store
for us next season but it won't be the same.
Outside on the forecourt we were off again. "Charlie, Charlie, what's the
score," "Who's the champions now Charlie," and "What a difference you have
made - Charlie." All top songs from the Charlie songbook aptly titled
"Songs for swinging Charlies."
Steve and I met up with Eliza and we hugged our way up Warwick road and out
onto Chester Road where on the opposite side the traffic was at a
standstill. The cars were hooting their horns and the occupants standing
outside them, on the roofs or bonnets. On our side there was no traffic
just a long and winding procession of flags and scarves waving in the
breeze walking away from our spiritual home.
On the way we caught up with others and marched triumphantly back to the
Throstles. The place was crawling with Reds and as each came in there would
be more celebrations and more screaming and shouting. It was delirious
pandemonium. I don't remember having such a good time in a pub before, but
I've never been there when United have won the League at home.
As Mick was driving he dictated when we should leave, but he had to drag me
kicking and screaming out of that place because I didn't want to go! Top
story of the night though has to go to Roger Murney. If anyone has any
doubt about credentials, get a load of this: He comes over from Toronto
with a tan and a brilliant haircut - he has no ticket and can't get one for
love nor money. Is he down hearted - well maybe a little, but what does he
do? He sees Paddy Crerand and with his help he blags his way into the Press
Box!!!! "What do you mean the Toronto Herald's not on the list?" See you
outside the Torch mate.
The fun hadn't stopped yet though because there we were bemoaning our fate
on a packed M6 with the traffic travelling no faster than 40mph when we
realised a few of our travelling companions were Mickeys. Was this manna
from heaven or what? A chance to take the mickey out of the Mickeys was
just too good an opportunity to miss.
The first car load did a double take as they saw us giving it the calm down
calm down routine. The poor b.....d in the passenger seat tried so hard to
ignore us but with two grinning lunatics alongside him it was difficult!
The next one gave us the holding the nose routine which had us in stitches.
We waved back still grinning uncontrollably. He started rummaging for
something and we wondered what he was up to - surely not! Phew, no it
wasn't that, he was looking through his match programme and came across the
page he was searching for.
We couldn't believe our luck as he held up a picture of Charlie and pointed
at it triumphantly. They just don't get it do they!
It doesn't get any better than this. Or does it?
Onward to Wemberly.
Copyright RED KELLY 1999
CONGRATS to REDS ALL over the world PREMIER LEAGUE 1999!"
Subject: Wembley and onto Barca...by Phil
OK, list members, please, please, tell me everything is going to work out.
As you all know this has been a very stressful time for us...I just love the
way we do things the hard way, giving all those ABU's a glimmer of hope that
we aren't going to win anything, never mind the treble. How many times have
you heard ABU's say "remember Leeds" Well, to them I say just one thing -
"F**k Off! We are not the scum. I will say this though, let's just go out
and win the next two games handsomely. I don't think I can take anymore and
there's really no need to make the ABU's suffer anymore. We'll take care of
that when all that silverware is on show!
I mean, what a year so far...This team doesn't know what losing is. Look at
how hard everyone works, look at how no-one wants to leave the club, Ole
turns down offers, the Babes sign new contracts, no-ones place is guaranteed
(except maybe for the Dane, Becks, Stam and Keano - and even they get
rested!), the road to Wembley through all the pretenders, 10 men against the
Arse, down 1-0 & 2-0 to Juve, letting Elleray's heroes back in (9 years and
you've won f**k all!), 0-0 at Ewood, down 1-0 to Spurs. I could go on. This
season there has been so many special moments. We never stop playing. You
can tell by their commitment that these players love MUFC!
So many memories so far, and still many more to come...
Alright, enough of my (las)rambling...
Are any list members planning on meeting in London on the Friday night
before the FA Cup Final? I'll be arriving in London(ticketless of course)
Friday morning and wouldn't say no to having a few pints with some fellow
list members in the evening.
No idea of how much tickets are going for and may just end up watching the
game in some pub (especially if ticket prices are astronomical!). Maybe the
money saved on the Wembley ticket can go towards guaranteeing a European Cup
Final ticket? No, I've got to see both!
Also, leave for Barca, via Toulouse on Tuesday lunch (ticketless of course).
Hope to meet up with the rest of the (40 or so?) list members at the Hard
Rock on Tuesday evening, or somewhere on the Las Ramblas - keep your
mobile's turned on.
Flights (from California) are booked and paid for already, so all I need now
are match tickets so, here comes the begging part...IF any of you out there
in MU land come across, or have in your possession, a spare ticket for
either game PLEASE keep me in mind.
Thanks so much,
Phil
philmurray@hotmail.com
"...What a match, what a team, but were United finished, not on your life!
Watch this fantastic goal..."
CONGRATS to REDS ALL over the world PREMIER LEAGUE 1999!"
Subject: Stam cup shock
By John Richardson
Tuesday, May 18, 1999
Manchester United will not risk Holland defender Jaap Stam in Saturday's FA
Cup Final for fear of serious injury - and there are grave doubts whether
he will
play in next week's Champions League Final.
Stam, who has emerged as a key component of a side pushing for an
unprecedented Treble of Premiership, FA Cup and Champions League, missed
Sunday's title-clinching win over Tottenham. He is suffering from an acute
achilles problem and came off complaining of severe soreness at half-time
against Middlesbrough nine days ago.
The dilemma for manager Alex Ferguson, named Carling Manager of the Year
yesterday, is that the hard grounds are aggravating the injury and Stam runs
the risk of being on the sidelines for months if he causes further damage
to the
achilles by playing.
So Ferguson has already ditched him from his plans for the Wembley date with
Newcastle United.
The final verdict on his chances of participating against Bayern Munich in
Barcelona a week tomorrow will be left for doctors but it looks unlikely
that he
will play.
Ferguson would love to be able to call on the former PSV Eindhoven man
against the Germans, especially as he is already without the suspended Roy
Keane and Paul Scholes.
But the United boss has to weigh that up carefully against the fact that if
the
gamble goes wrong, he might be without Stam for the start of next season and
beyond. One thing is sure, if the gloomy medical indications remain the same,
Ferguson will not risk losing his powerful defender for months just for the
sake
of perhaps half-an-hour against Bayern.
Goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel, afforded hero status by Ferguson and the United
fans in his Old Trafford farewell on Sunday, is being chased by four
continental
clubs.
Italian sides Udinese and Roma have expressed an interest in the Denmark
star, while Monaco and Bordeaux have also made overtures to his advisers
CONGRATS to REDS ALL over the world PREMIER LEAGUE 1999!"
Subject: A Word on the Gods of Football - Daily Express
One hundred and twenty four times this season an opposition goalkeeper has
made the short but lonely journey to the back of his net in search of a
ball placed there by Manchester United. Some visited more than others.
Nottingham Forest were found out 13 times in three games, Danish champions
Brondby 11 times over two in Europe and Leicester's Kasey Keller was beaten
on eight occasions. Delightfully, for those averse to the last club to earn
the title Mighty Reds, various Liverpool goalkeepers were defeated six
times in three matches. Few escaped - although Chelsea and Arsenal let in a
mere three goals in four matches, the only teams to average less than a
goal a game against United. It is the relentless nature of United's
scoring, not to mention the spectacle of some of their finest moments, that
led Alex Ferguson to cite the 'Goals For' column in the Premiership table
as the dividing factor between his club and its rivals. And yet as the men
responsible drifted away from Old Trafford to a title celebration at the
Marriott Hotel, where Ferguson opened a golf course on Monday before
travelling to London to be feted as Carling Premiership Manager of the
Season at a League Managers' Association dinner, it was hard to find one
who would claim the glory which had already been bestowed by the man at the
top. Andy Cole, Dwight Yorke and Teddy Sheringham - the strikers selected
by Ferguson to face Spurs on the final day - all shrugged off the
suggestion that this was anything other than a team effort. In doing so
they revealed the deeper bond which exists in a squad full of stars
seemingly without egos. "It's the team, not the forwards," said Sheringham,
who arrived at the club as the new Cantona yet had to adjust quickly and
often to a supporting role behind Yorke and Cole. "You should look at the
whole team because it is unbelievable. You can sit in the dressing room and
picture yourself as a manager, going round the room thinking, 'I'd want him
in my team. And I'd want him in my team. And him. And him'. By the end, you
have included every player. That fills you with confidence before you
start. "Even if I hadn't won anything, I wouldn't feel bad about coming to
United just to experience playing for a club with these players. The will
to win here means players dig deeper and deeper if a match is going against
them. There have been a couple of games this season when people must have
thought we were beaten, but that is when this team goes into overdrive. It
is a resolve that comes with playing for United because no club deals with
the intensity of people trying to beat you every week like we do. If there
are one or two goals in it in the last 10 minutes, the way teams come at
you, to try to win or even snatch a draw is unique. "So you know at some
time in most games you have to find that little extra, and that is what
prepares us for games like the one with Spurs." The sentiment was shared by
Cole, whose winning goal was the difference between United's fifth title in
seven seasons or conceding it in desperate circumstances to Arsenal.
Sheringham, touchingly, wore the medal received for his first major honour
around his neck, Mark Spitz style, happy to be the gauche new boy in the
title-winners' club. The rest, Cole included, already had the bauble tucked
away in a pocket somewhere - even though the striker had more reason than
most to brandish it ostentatiously in the face of his critics. Four seasons
ago his failures in front of goal in a match at West Ham on the final day
of the season were roundly blamed for United's failure to prise the title
from Blackburn. So here was his chance to bathe in the spotlight . . .
except that it is not the United way. "Match-winner?" Cole shot back when
asked. "We're all match-winners here. I'm not taking any credit for scoring
that goal except to say that what goes around comes around. I got the blame
four years ago and now the same people say I won the championship for
United. "But I don't look at it that way. It's a team game. We've all got
desire and if you have that, you always have a chance here." Which left
Yorke. Top scorer with 29 goals this season (18 Premiership, eight
Champions League, three FA Cup) and surely the best man to put into
perspective the difference made by United's strikers. Yet by now it was
obvious the team were more than the sum of the parts. And Yorke was not
about to stray from a philosophical line which would certainly have found
favour with an old socialist like Ferguson. All players are equal seemed to
be United's mantra - even if, in the club shop, some are more equal than
others. "The secret is not in any one area," said Yorke. "If anything, it
comes from the lads here who have won it a few times, yet still show
fantastic determination to get that success again. People like Roy Keane
and Ryan Giggs steer us new boys through and it is a great feeling to be
part of that. "You look at Peter Schmeichel, superb throughout this season,
or Andy Cole, who has won a championship before but proved he could still
do it when it mattered. Any footballer in the world would love to be in our
position." The architect of the victory, meanwhile, was travelling to
London to receive the acknowledgement and acclaim of his peers. In the
afterglow of victory, Ferguson referred to his players as gods on Sunday
night, which would make him football's Zeus, of course. Schmeichel could be
Thor, Keane a warrior-like Mars, Giggs a spritely Mercury. Except the
players would never allow themselves to think that way. A constellation
would be more fitting, shining brightly in the sky, but each
indistinguishable from the other.
CONGRATS to REDS ALL over the world PREMIER LEAGUE 1999!"
Subject: Achilles heel may trip the Treble
By Graham Hunter
Tuesday, May 18, 1999
The chances of Manchester United winning their historic Treble are now hanging
on Jaap Stam's damaged achilles tendon. In a squad full of match-winners and
heroic performers, it is hard to single someone out. But of all the players
United
did not want to risk losing for the next two matches it is Stam.
All around the red half of Manchester and in United's extended family of
supporters around the world, they should start praying now ... praying that
the
£10.5million central defender recovers and plays with his usual majesty in the
Champions League Final in Barcelona next week.
United legend Sir Bobby Charlton was recently moved to say: 'Without doubt,
he is one of the best players in his position we have ever had at the club.'
Indeed, Stam's story is a microcosm of United's entire season. From shaky
beginnings domestically - including two 3-0 defeats by Arsenal - to confident,
powerful despatching of every challenge thrown their way.
In Europe, Stam started with an awful penalty decision given against him by
Italian referee Stefano Braschi as United looked vulnerable against Barcelona.
But he ended the 3-2 semi-final, second leg victory over Juventus in Turin as
Sportsmail's man of the match.
Now, this is the turn of events that Stam, himself, admitted to fearing in a
recent interview. 'One minor incident and you can be out for months,' he told
Total Football.
Given the increasing certainty that the Dutchman will not play in his
first-ever
FA Cup Final, you can bet that Alan Shearer is sleeping more soundly and
Duncan Ferguson is suddenly feeling fitter than he has done for months.
Newcastle will sniff just the merest chance of an upset but if Europe's most
expensive defender is either absent or only partially fit in the cauldron
of the
Nou Camp next week, then Bayern Munich's nostrils will be filled with the
heady scent of victory.
Stam has become the scourge of centre forwards over the last few months -
Ronaldo, Shearer, Anelka, Inzaghi, Ventola, the lot. 'I haven't yet met a
striker
who has been able to show me the back of his legs,' said the Dutchman.
It is no coincidence also that the champions' most ragged performances of the
last few months have come when Stam was absent. The last defeat in any
competition - 3-2 at home to Middlesbrough in the Premiership - came when
Stam was sidelined, as did the draws against Wimbledon, Leeds and
Blackburn Rovers.
It is upon his huge shoulders that an extra burden is intended to fall
against the
Germans because of skipper Roy Keane's absence.
When the two men play down the spine of the United team, beating Ferguson's
side becomes a thorny prospect for any opponents. Keane's misfortune is that
he chased a bad pass from Jesper Blomqvist in the Stadio Delle Alpi and
earned a yellow card and a suspension after fouling Zinedine Zidane.
Missing one stalwart against the muscular and dynamic Germans was a
daunting enough problem for United. Yet, if Keane's absence is compounded by
Stam's, it will need to be written in the stars that this is United's year for
European glory.
Stam's team-mate Phil Neville said recently that the dominant characteristic
which Munich impose on any game, even above their technical excellence, is
their size.
'You come away from a game against them aware of how many big guys there
are in the side and they try to impose that on you,' said Neville.
Stam was also Sportsmail's man of the match in their last meeting with Bayern,
a 1-1 draw in December which assured United a place in the quarter-finals.
It is
not hard to understand his importance against the Germans.
At 6ft 3in, he is the tallest outfield player in Ferguson's squad. His absence
would mean that all three of Munich's strikers - Carsten Jancker, Alexander
Zickler and Ali Daei - are significantly taller than United's other
defenders.
Playing Newcastle, however, is a different proposition altogether.
Shearer's dangerous presence is taken as read and without Stam to face, the
England captain will believe that the odds of him scoring have improved
dramatically.
When the two sides last met at St James' Park in March, it was Stam and
Henning Berg who kept Shearer at bay, limiting him to two half-chances in the
entire match.
Yet, that question mark wrapped in an enigma, Duncan Ferguson, is likely to
play some part in the Final, even if he is not certain to start. That would
change
Shearer's role dramatically, having yearned to play off a target man ever
since
Les Ferdinand departed for Tottenham.
Coincidentally, it was Ferdinand who did most to exploit Stam's absence at Old
Trafford on Sunday, outjumping David May and Ronny Johnsen regularly enough
and scoring that outrageous lobbed goal with his right boot.
The United boss will look to Johnsen to be the inspirational pivot of his
defence
both on Saturday and in the Nou Camp a week tomorrow. But next to the
Norwegian could be anyone from May, through the brothers Neville to Wes
Brown. Berg does not look likely to recover from his knee injury in time and,
frighteningly, Johnsen is believed to be hanging on until the summer brings
him
relief to his painful knees.
Deep at the heart of the Stam issue, however, lies the moral and tactical
question of how close to fitness the Dutchman would need to be in order to
play.
From the tactical point of view, if Stam started then had to go off
injured, it
would be a genuine blow to morale and team planning.
From the moral standpoint, risking a delicate achilles tendon belonging to
such
a bear of a man could, if the risk fails, cause serious injury.
One suspects that it will take an absolute veto from the medical men before
either Stam or Ferguson admit defeat on this issue.
For United to do themselves justice after 31 years of trying to get back to
the
peak of European football, it is to be hoped that Stam recovers. The fate
of their
season could be hanging on that poor old achilles tendon and its ability to
heal.
CONGRATS to REDS ALL over the world PREMIER LEAGUE 1999!"
Subject: Graham is surprised by Cole
By Adrian Curtis
Monday, May 17, 1999
George Graham blasted his defence after watching the player he once thought
would never make the grade fire Manchester United to their fifth title in
seven
years.
The Tottenham manager sold United's second-half match winner Andy Cole to
Bristol City in a £500,000 deal while he was in charge at Highbury and the
former Gunner's goal destroyed the title hopes of his former club on a
dramatic
final day of Premiership action. Arsenal's dream of landing their second
successive Premiership crown under Arsene Wenger had been boosted by Les
Ferdinand's 24th minute opener but David Beckham equalised shortly before the
break to set the stage for Cole's match-winning arrival.
The striker, left out of the starting line-up by Alex Ferguson, superbly
chipped
Spurs 'keeper Ian Walker with his first touch of the ball three minutes
into the
second period. Graham admitted afterwards that he would never have done the
deal had he believed Cole would go on to reach the level he has.
He said: 'Andy has come a long way since he was with me at Arsenal. He was
only a baby when I had him.
'I didn't think he would reach the standard he has or I wouldn't have sold
him.
But it was a great sale at the time.'
Graham also had some harsh words for his defence which left Cole in acres of
space in which to chip the stranded Walker for the decider. He added: 'From
the defending point of view, their second goal was a nightmare one for us
and it
came at a bad time.
'It was really bad defending and very disappointing. When we took the lead I
thought we could go on and win it.
'But they scored at exactly the right times, just before and just after
half-time.
But we made them sweat a little bit.
'It was quite a reasonably open game considering what was at stake. We didn't
just come up for a visit and I think that showed.
'We had a go and although we can play better, they deserved to win. United and
Arsenal have been the best two teams this season, but we've done well and I'm
delighted.'
The combination of £12 million Dwight Yorke and £6 million Andy Cole has
been a revelation for United this season and Graham revealed he is to spend
the summer searching for a player who can bring Tottenham such rewards. He
added: 'You've got to get goals from inside the six-yard box and we need
somebody who can get us 20 of those every season.
'We need more goalscoring power, that's for sure.'
The Premiership success is the first part of a treble bid for United who go to
Wembley on Saturday for the FA Cup against Newcastle and then face Bayern
Munich in the Champions' League Final.
Hero Cole's striker partner Yorke is confident the dream can be achieved. He
said: 'There is great confidence among the lads and we feel we can go on and
win more,' he said.
CONGRATS to REDS ALL over the world PREMIER LEAGUE 1999!"
Subject: Ferguson proves continuity is the secret of United's success
By David Lacey
Monday May 17, 1999
Of the five Premiership titles Manchester United have now won under Alex
Ferguson this is arguably the most satisfying. It has been achieved with a
team fundamentally altered in certain positions, emphasising United's
strength of continuity, while offering the perfect retort to those who
doubted Ferguson's ability to regain the championship while making progress
in the Champions League.
As it is, United stand on the threshold of history. On Saturday they will
attempt to become the first club to complete the Double three times when
they meet Newcastle United in the FA Cup final. A win at Wembley and, four
days later, Ferguson's side will meet Bayern Munich in Barcelona hoping to
complete a unique Treble. Not bad for a team that was never going to be the
same after the retirement of Eric Cantona and the departure of Gary
Pallister. At least Ferguson has proved, and not for the first time, that,
in football, life goes on.
Not for the first time, too, the critics have been confounded. Last summer
United's willingness to pay PSV Eindhoven £10.75m for Jaap Stam, a central
defender who appeared vulnerable against pace and suspect in the air, was
the subject of more than a few nudges and giggles.
Nobody is laughing now. Far from weakening United's defence, the Dutchman
has become essential to its strength and consistency.
When Dwight Yorke moved from Aston Villa to Old Trafford for £12.6m last
August nobody doubted the Tobagan forward's ability, but there were those
who emphasised, at that price, his relative lack of European experience.
And, of course, more than a few assumed that his arrival would hasten the
departure of Andy Cole.
Wrong again. In the quick-thinking, skilful and unselfish Yorke, Cole at
last found the partner to complement his speed of reaction near goal. The
pair have plagued opposing defences all season and their goals have done
much to give United the confidence that only goals can bring.
In mid-season Peter Schmeichel, not fully fit, was declared to be past it.
He was still making saves but looked suspect when he had to leave his line
to challenge for high balls. The reality is that, but for his subsequent
form in goal, United might not have beaten Internazionale in the Champions
League quarter-finals, let alone Juventus to reach the final. His imminent
retirement is the one flat note. No player is irreplaceable but Schmeichel
comes close.
Roy Keane, meanwhile, has demonstrated just how much United missed his
strength in midfield during his long absence through injury. To his abiding
passion for the game the Irishman has added a more mature outlook.
United's is a team success, Ferguson would not have it any other way, but
if a single player is entitled to see the season as a triumph in personal
terms it is surely David Beckham. Booed by opposing supporters because of
the dismissal which left England with 10 men against Argentina in the World
Cup, he has responded with his best season yet.
All this and an England cap for Wes Brown after the 20-year-old defender
had barely set foot in the Premiership. Continuity, you see...
CONGRATS to REDS ALL over the world PREMIER LEAGUE 1999!"
Pic Link today is http://www.red11.org/mufc/champ/99/
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