As the first working week of the new year comes to an end I’ve taken the time to reflect on what we do at That Football Daily. We’re now six months into this project and it has been amazing to read the diverse range of articles contributed by our authors. New Year is often a time of looking ahead and making plans but today, on the last of the traditional Twelve Days of Christmas, I’ve put together a list of Twelve gifts you may have missed on That Football Daily.
I talked a bit about Johnny McKinstry, the much travelled young manager, and his latest appointment at FK Kauno Zalgiris in Lithuania. On the international stage, I celebrated Northern Ireland’s qualification for a World Cup Playoff by previewing the four potential opponents – on reflection, could we have drawn better?
Keith has become our resident expert on all things in the League of Ireland. Here’s his article confirming Cork City’s double victory in the season just gone. This one was a bit more personal for Keith as he penned an Ode to Sligo Rovers’ own Raffaele Cretaro – a fantastic servant to the club and a great read!
Pete has chipped in with his musings on international matters, here he outlines his thoughts on Northern Ireland’s 2018 World Cup Qualifying Campaign and ponders what’s next for players, manager and fans! Pete also took the time to share his love for Paddy McCourt, the man of many descriptions – maverick, luxury player and Derry Pele!
Adrian is our Carrick oracle and in pre-season he mulled over the Amber Army’s chances for this season, are his predictions on track? Adrian also revealed to TFD the New Visitor’s Guide introduced by Carrick Rangers, a fantastic initiative aimed at welcoming and retaining new fans. The guide was actually something of an idea Adrian pondered previously when discussing how Irish clubs can entice and keep new fans coming through the gates.
Alongside his regular league round ups, Cameron has been having a closer look at certain players. George O’Boyle’s fantastic story of rejection and revival is a valuable lesson for any aspiring young footballers. Meanwhile, Cameron also shone a light on Rodney McAree, a man synonymous with Dungannon Swifts.
Henry has brought us many tales in his own humorous style, starting off with his series of ten matches he’ll take to his grave, the first of which was Northern Ireland v England in 1977 – the first article to be published on the site. Henry has also hand his hand in things domestically, taking a chance to give his opinion on player performances in the NIFL Premiership. John McGuigan was one such player subject to Henry’s analysis.
I hope you’ve enjoyed the first six months with us, it’s been a pleasure to be a part of this growing website. We’re always looking for new writers to contribute whether you’ve been involved in writing before or not – if this is something that interests you then please get in contact with us using this link or via one of our social media channels.