Holland -- The Flying Dutchmen's World Cup Adventure
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ORANJE SQUEEZE OUT WIN OVER SAN MARINO
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In a match where Holland were touted as easy winners, they only managed to squeeze out a 2-0 win over a plucky San Marino side. "Naturally, I am please with the win, but we need to learn to keep on the attack. We seemed lax after the Braafheid goal and that cannot happen in the next game." Stated Mick McDermott, moments after the match. The game will be remembered for Bas Dost scoring his first international goal in his fourth match. "There was speculation that van Persie may re-enter the squad, but the manager stuck with me and I'm glad to finally show my gratitude by a goal in a match." Stated Dost.
The group now looks like this
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In a match where Holland were touted as easy winners, they only managed to squeeze out a 2-0 win over a plucky San Marino side. "Naturally, I am please with the win, but we need to learn to keep on the attack. We seemed lax after the Braafheid goal and that cannot happen in the next game." Stated Mick McDermott, moments after the match. The game will be remembered for Bas Dost scoring his first international goal in his fourth match. "There was speculation that van Persie may re-enter the squad, but the manager stuck with me and I'm glad to finally show my gratitude by a goal in a match." Stated Dost.
The group now looks like this
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christophermcl
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Good luck Taida, well done so far.
"The future's bright, the future's Oranje"
"The future's bright, the future's Oranje"
That is by far the best quote I've seen XD
---------- Post added at 02:19 AM ---------- Previous post was yesterday at 04:18 AM ----------
---------- Post added at 09:14 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:19 AM ----------
---------- Post added at 02:19 AM ---------- Previous post was yesterday at 04:18 AM ----------
SIXTH AND IN THE PLAYOFFS... BUT AT WHAT COST?
McDermott is just two games away from taking The Diamonds to the promised land of the SPL1. However, he is there at a cost. In a match against Partick Thistle, his skilled left back, Alberto Morgado suffered fractured ribs, effectively leaving him out of contention for the playoffs. "Losing Morgado is a huge blow for us, seeing how skilled he was and he was only truly going to get better." Said a disappointed McDermott. After much research, however, he has came up with a solution that shocked all at New Broomfield... apart from one.
Leonardo González in International duty against Germany.
The Costa Rican, Leonardo González is the newest signing to Airdrie, following in Laryea Kingston, both of whom were on free transfers. One person was not shocked, and indeed praised his managers free transfer barganing. "Deh manager seen dat der ehhhh was a problem in thee back four wit' Alberto injured. 'Owever, he got a player of his calibre and it should push us to the top division in no time." Stated Vittorio Ramaglia, who, himself, came into the squad on a free transfer.
McDermott's first playoff match will be against Hamilton, whom McDermott defeated merely two weeks ago 5-4 after a 9 goal extravaganza in the second half, ending with Nikão scoring a penalty and adding to his goal tally, making it two that night.
McDermott is just two games away from taking The Diamonds to the promised land of the SPL1. However, he is there at a cost. In a match against Partick Thistle, his skilled left back, Alberto Morgado suffered fractured ribs, effectively leaving him out of contention for the playoffs. "Losing Morgado is a huge blow for us, seeing how skilled he was and he was only truly going to get better." Said a disappointed McDermott. After much research, however, he has came up with a solution that shocked all at New Broomfield... apart from one.
Leonardo González in International duty against Germany.
The Costa Rican, Leonardo González is the newest signing to Airdrie, following in Laryea Kingston, both of whom were on free transfers. One person was not shocked, and indeed praised his managers free transfer barganing. "Deh manager seen dat der ehhhh was a problem in thee back four wit' Alberto injured. 'Owever, he got a player of his calibre and it should push us to the top division in no time." Stated Vittorio Ramaglia, who, himself, came into the squad on a free transfer.
McDermott's first playoff match will be against Hamilton, whom McDermott defeated merely two weeks ago 5-4 after a 9 goal extravaganza in the second half, ending with Nikão scoring a penalty and adding to his goal tally, making it two that night.
---------- Post added at 09:14 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:19 AM ----------
THE RUN UP TO THE FINAL
There is only 90 minutes between history for either of these teams.
For Ross County, it's a case of been there, done that. They were here in the final last year, only to be cruely defeated at the last hurdle.
Airdrie, however, this will be the culmination of 6 months of hard work and transfers for Mick McDermott. After buying a new team when he started, there has been no real time to gel and the only thing keeping them together was the dream to get to SPL1.
Key Man; AIRDRIE
Cervi in his Celtic days.
The former back-up Celtic Keeper has cemented his first team place with a series of great performances, pushing out youngster Raul Fernandez and experienced Vyacheslav Kernozenko. If anything, he will be integral for Airdrie in this match.
Key Man; ROSS COUNTY
Steven Watt in his Swansea days.
The center back has been a major part of the success of County this season, keeping their promotion dreams alive. However, with Nikao and Ramaglia coming at him full tilt, can he stop them?
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As I sat with the guys, I could see their determination seeping through. This was probably the first time some of these guys had been in such a big match. "Listen to them boys! THIS IS OUR TIME! Let's do it for them and for Airdrie." was all I said and I let them loose... hopefully, for the win.
After 9 minutes or County pressuring us, we unleashed Gasmi. He ripped through the defence, showing his pace, before crossing the ball in. Unluckily for us, McGovern tipped it away.
However, on the 19th minute, they hit back. McPhee cut on the inside and was one on one for Cervi. Luckily, Cervi saved it and McPhee was kicking himself.
33rd minute and my heart sank. Brittain hit it up to Young, 20 yards away. He then tapped it to Di Giacamo and he did the honours of ripping our defence to shreds before tapping it to McPhee who put it past Cervi. 1-0 County and there looked like no hope.
At half time, I was clearly upset. We had beaten them before but couldn't get up on them now? "Where is the heart? This match should be easy yet you're letting them win!... Twardzik, you're off. Kingston you're on, I want more from all of you. COME ON!"
It took 4 minutes for them to get the message. Nikao hit it low from long range, but McGovern turned it round. I didn't expect it to go in anyway, but it would have been nice.
57 minutes and McPhee done it again. The ball got crossed in by Ross following a throw in and McPhee hit it high and very hard. 2-0 County, all hope was lost...
2 minutes later and we sprung into life. It was in! Ramaglia got the goal, but the assistant thought otherwise. Bullshit really, it was clearly onside!
On the 73rd minute, we were back in it! Nikao got the pass from Isma Lopez and turned on the style. He got round two defenders with complete ease before slotting it past McGovern. Goal of the season candidate! 2-1 but was it all for nothing?
No, it wasn't for nothing. 11 minutes later and he rose again! Unmarked, Nikao got passed everyone around him and scored! 2-2, it's all open! County thought it was offside, but it wasn't!
End of 90 and I couldn't be happier. "We're still in it, but just. Campos, switch to the left and Kingston, occupy that right wing. Gasmi, you're off for Bain. Lopez, you're off for Donnelly." It was risky, but they were both shattered and needed the rest.
On the 105th minute, Nikao was taken down harshly. I was worried, no substitutions and we'd be a man down. However, he shook it off, thankfully.
Speaking of Nikao... HAT TRICK~! Ramaglia found Spence in some space and Spence sprinted down the right wing, ignoring Campos completely. He gave it to Bain, who gave it to Donnelly, who gave it to Campos. Campos gave it back to Donnelly, who seen Ramaglia in open space! Ramaglia couldn't add to his tally, but it all set up to the big goal. Following a corner, Gonzalez intercepted a pass and laid it to Bain who gave it to Appiah. Appiah seen Kingston who, in turn, centred the ball and found Campos. Campos seen Nikao and scored. In our best move, Nikao has found the hat-trick and, made it 3-2 without reply from County.
... and that was the end. When it was all over, the pressure was relieved. Airdrie, with a brand new team, had been promoted. McDermott done in 6 months what Iain Black couldn't do in 2 1/2 seasons. The season is over, we're off to the SPL1!
There is only 90 minutes between history for either of these teams.
For Ross County, it's a case of been there, done that. They were here in the final last year, only to be cruely defeated at the last hurdle.
Airdrie, however, this will be the culmination of 6 months of hard work and transfers for Mick McDermott. After buying a new team when he started, there has been no real time to gel and the only thing keeping them together was the dream to get to SPL1.
Key Man; AIRDRIE
Cervi in his Celtic days.
The former back-up Celtic Keeper has cemented his first team place with a series of great performances, pushing out youngster Raul Fernandez and experienced Vyacheslav Kernozenko. If anything, he will be integral for Airdrie in this match.
Key Man; ROSS COUNTY
Steven Watt in his Swansea days.
The center back has been a major part of the success of County this season, keeping their promotion dreams alive. However, with Nikao and Ramaglia coming at him full tilt, can he stop them?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As I sat with the guys, I could see their determination seeping through. This was probably the first time some of these guys had been in such a big match. "Listen to them boys! THIS IS OUR TIME! Let's do it for them and for Airdrie." was all I said and I let them loose... hopefully, for the win.
After 9 minutes or County pressuring us, we unleashed Gasmi. He ripped through the defence, showing his pace, before crossing the ball in. Unluckily for us, McGovern tipped it away.
However, on the 19th minute, they hit back. McPhee cut on the inside and was one on one for Cervi. Luckily, Cervi saved it and McPhee was kicking himself.
33rd minute and my heart sank. Brittain hit it up to Young, 20 yards away. He then tapped it to Di Giacamo and he did the honours of ripping our defence to shreds before tapping it to McPhee who put it past Cervi. 1-0 County and there looked like no hope.
At half time, I was clearly upset. We had beaten them before but couldn't get up on them now? "Where is the heart? This match should be easy yet you're letting them win!... Twardzik, you're off. Kingston you're on, I want more from all of you. COME ON!"
It took 4 minutes for them to get the message. Nikao hit it low from long range, but McGovern turned it round. I didn't expect it to go in anyway, but it would have been nice.
57 minutes and McPhee done it again. The ball got crossed in by Ross following a throw in and McPhee hit it high and very hard. 2-0 County, all hope was lost...
2 minutes later and we sprung into life. It was in! Ramaglia got the goal, but the assistant thought otherwise. Bullshit really, it was clearly onside!
On the 73rd minute, we were back in it! Nikao got the pass from Isma Lopez and turned on the style. He got round two defenders with complete ease before slotting it past McGovern. Goal of the season candidate! 2-1 but was it all for nothing?
No, it wasn't for nothing. 11 minutes later and he rose again! Unmarked, Nikao got passed everyone around him and scored! 2-2, it's all open! County thought it was offside, but it wasn't!
End of 90 and I couldn't be happier. "We're still in it, but just. Campos, switch to the left and Kingston, occupy that right wing. Gasmi, you're off for Bain. Lopez, you're off for Donnelly." It was risky, but they were both shattered and needed the rest.
On the 105th minute, Nikao was taken down harshly. I was worried, no substitutions and we'd be a man down. However, he shook it off, thankfully.
Speaking of Nikao... HAT TRICK~! Ramaglia found Spence in some space and Spence sprinted down the right wing, ignoring Campos completely. He gave it to Bain, who gave it to Donnelly, who gave it to Campos. Campos gave it back to Donnelly, who seen Ramaglia in open space! Ramaglia couldn't add to his tally, but it all set up to the big goal. Following a corner, Gonzalez intercepted a pass and laid it to Bain who gave it to Appiah. Appiah seen Kingston who, in turn, centred the ball and found Campos. Campos seen Nikao and scored. In our best move, Nikao has found the hat-trick and, made it 3-2 without reply from County.
... and that was the end. When it was all over, the pressure was relieved. Airdrie, with a brand new team, had been promoted. McDermott done in 6 months what Iain Black couldn't do in 2 1/2 seasons. The season is over, we're off to the SPL1!
THE STYLE WAS HUSHED IN SMALL DUTCH WIN
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In what can be called a surprise, Holland only won 1-0 against a plucky Moldova side. Wesley Sneijder the only man on the scoresheet. It has been said that McDermott tried a different-but-similar tactic, where he had 2 defensive midfielders instead of his usual 1. "Clearly this will not do." Said McDermott. "I tried out this tactic but it wasn't enough for that comfortable win we wanted. However, this tactic will be binned and the players will use our traditional 5-4-1 variation."
RETURN TO TACTICS BEAT SWEDES
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The tactical retreat was a success in some ways, as Holland walked out 2-1 winners. However, they will be without some key names, mainly Heitinga and de Jong as Holland received all 6 of the cards dished out. "I don't know what this ref was playing at, Sweden were much more malicious than us and it's a miracle we still walked out there with all of our players uninjured" raged an irate McDermott. However, after this result, his team remain on top of their group with 16 points, 4 ahead of Sweden.
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In what can be called a surprise, Holland only won 1-0 against a plucky Moldova side. Wesley Sneijder the only man on the scoresheet. It has been said that McDermott tried a different-but-similar tactic, where he had 2 defensive midfielders instead of his usual 1. "Clearly this will not do." Said McDermott. "I tried out this tactic but it wasn't enough for that comfortable win we wanted. However, this tactic will be binned and the players will use our traditional 5-4-1 variation."
RETURN TO TACTICS BEAT SWEDES
View attachment 84282
The tactical retreat was a success in some ways, as Holland walked out 2-1 winners. However, they will be without some key names, mainly Heitinga and de Jong as Holland received all 6 of the cards dished out. "I don't know what this ref was playing at, Sweden were much more malicious than us and it's a miracle we still walked out there with all of our players uninjured" raged an irate McDermott. However, after this result, his team remain on top of their group with 16 points, 4 ahead of Sweden.
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HOLLAND ARE NUMBER 1!
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After sitting at number 2 for the majority of the year, the Dutch are, according to FIFA's World Ranking, the best team in the world, knocking off Spain. "A huge occasion. Not just for me, as the manager, but for the entire Dutch nation." said Mick McDermott. With van der Sar retiring and with Clarence Seedorf already gone, it seems the best of times may be over for the Dutch? "I am sad to see Seedorf go and the news of van der Sar leaving is going to hit us hard."
Edwin van der Sar's last match ever will take place in a friendly against McDermott's Airdrie United side, almost as a way of thanks from the Scotsman to him for returning for one last stint as Holland goalkeeper.
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After sitting at number 2 for the majority of the year, the Dutch are, according to FIFA's World Ranking, the best team in the world, knocking off Spain. "A huge occasion. Not just for me, as the manager, but for the entire Dutch nation." said Mick McDermott. With van der Sar retiring and with Clarence Seedorf already gone, it seems the best of times may be over for the Dutch? "I am sad to see Seedorf go and the news of van der Sar leaving is going to hit us hard."
Edwin van der Sar's last match ever will take place in a friendly against McDermott's Airdrie United side, almost as a way of thanks from the Scotsman to him for returning for one last stint as Holland goalkeeper.
MCDERMOTT WILL LEAVE AT END OF SEASON!
Diamonds fans in shock
It has been revealed today that, at the end of this SPL1 campaign, manager Mick McDermott will be leaving his position as Airdrie United manager. "As manager of Airdrie, it has been some ride. We managed to get some good young players like Gérson, Appiah and, more notably, Ramaglia. I hope they take what I have shown them and move forward in their career." "This was a shock to everyone at the club." Stated influential goalkeeper Dominic Cervi. "We knew Mick had to choose between Club and Country and we do respect his decision, we just didn't expect it to happen so suddenly."
"When he first signed me, Mick told me that he seen the future in me. That I was going to be the part of a massive revolution at Airdrie. If anything, I would've been happy to just sit in the SPL2, as long as I was getting a game. When we went up, I was ecstatic, I thought he was psychic. I just hope that him leaving won't be the last time we see him here at New Broomfield."
McDermott announced this news one week before his team play Hearts in the Super Cup clash. How this will affect the team, no one will know.
Diamonds fans in shock
It has been revealed today that, at the end of this SPL1 campaign, manager Mick McDermott will be leaving his position as Airdrie United manager. "As manager of Airdrie, it has been some ride. We managed to get some good young players like Gérson, Appiah and, more notably, Ramaglia. I hope they take what I have shown them and move forward in their career." "This was a shock to everyone at the club." Stated influential goalkeeper Dominic Cervi. "We knew Mick had to choose between Club and Country and we do respect his decision, we just didn't expect it to happen so suddenly."
"When he first signed me, Mick told me that he seen the future in me. That I was going to be the part of a massive revolution at Airdrie. If anything, I would've been happy to just sit in the SPL2, as long as I was getting a game. When we went up, I was ecstatic, I thought he was psychic. I just hope that him leaving won't be the last time we see him here at New Broomfield."
McDermott announced this news one week before his team play Hearts in the Super Cup clash. How this will affect the team, no one will know.
THE DUTCH; ONOFFICIAL WORLD CHAMPIONS ONCE MORE!
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Holland have regained their title as Unofficial World Champions with a 1-0 win over Official and now former Unofficial World Champions Spain. Spain held the distinction when they beat England in the World Cup final. "To be seen as one of the best in the World, that is all we needed. Klaas gave us that title once more, so major thanks to him for that all important goal." When asked about the number of fouls, McDermott had this to say. "It's shocking that a World Championship winning team have to resort to those fouls. Fortunately, there were no injuries."
HUNGAR SATISFIED!
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"We were high on confidence for this match." Said McDermott. It was another routine match which saw Holland extend their lead at the top of the table, but it was still another match where their opponents saw fit to hit Holland with tackle after tackle with one casualty. Arjen Robben suffered a minor injury, but it may be enough to keep him out of the next game.
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Holland have regained their title as Unofficial World Champions with a 1-0 win over Official and now former Unofficial World Champions Spain. Spain held the distinction when they beat England in the World Cup final. "To be seen as one of the best in the World, that is all we needed. Klaas gave us that title once more, so major thanks to him for that all important goal." When asked about the number of fouls, McDermott had this to say. "It's shocking that a World Championship winning team have to resort to those fouls. Fortunately, there were no injuries."
HUNGAR SATISFIED!
View attachment 91058
"We were high on confidence for this match." Said McDermott. It was another routine match which saw Holland extend their lead at the top of the table, but it was still another match where their opponents saw fit to hit Holland with tackle after tackle with one casualty. Arjen Robben suffered a minor injury, but it may be enough to keep him out of the next game.
THE DUTCH HAMMER FINLAND, MOLDOVA AND SAN MARINO!
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The Dutch seemed a different side against the Finnish, the Moldovans and the San Marinese. They were more... ruthless. Finnish, Moldovan and San Marinese manager were blaming this on the possible use of Marijuana! McDermott was clearly not impressed by their ways. "Listen, the fact is that the boys were sick of being known as one hit wonders. After the Spain match, we just had that edge that the other teams lacked, there was no Marijuana during the matches... After the San Marino match though... no guarantee's."
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With the group officially finished, Holland stormed to the top with 28 points, undefeated in all their games.
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View attachment 92542
The Dutch seemed a different side against the Finnish, the Moldovans and the San Marinese. They were more... ruthless. Finnish, Moldovan and San Marinese manager were blaming this on the possible use of Marijuana! McDermott was clearly not impressed by their ways. "Listen, the fact is that the boys were sick of being known as one hit wonders. After the Spain match, we just had that edge that the other teams lacked, there was no Marijuana during the matches... After the San Marino match though... no guarantee's."
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With the group officially finished, Holland stormed to the top with 28 points, undefeated in all their games.
MCDERMOTT TO RETHINK LEAVING?
Following an impressive 4-2 win over Ross County, where Abel Hernández scored all 4 goals, rumor has it that McDermott has began to rethink leaving Airdrie at the end of the season. McDermott, who has led Airdrie to an impressive 8th position in the league, seems to be warming to the idea of club management. Soon-to-be Diamond Abel Hernández said this to press. "This would be huge for the fans of Airdrie and even more so for me. McDermott has begun to bring the best out of me and everyone at the club, even if they cannot settle in." Speaking of Settling in, Nikita Andreev has left the club for an astonishing 4th time due to "personal reasons". He joins Gérson, Roman Shirokov and Pedro Morales as the 4 players who cannot settle in to life at New Broomfield. However, Gérson, Shirokov and Morales have been playing superbly, putting their problems behind them.
McDermott was in Holland, however, to give evidence against his team using Marijuana before their matches with Moldova, Finland and San Marino.
Following an impressive 4-2 win over Ross County, where Abel Hernández scored all 4 goals, rumor has it that McDermott has began to rethink leaving Airdrie at the end of the season. McDermott, who has led Airdrie to an impressive 8th position in the league, seems to be warming to the idea of club management. Soon-to-be Diamond Abel Hernández said this to press. "This would be huge for the fans of Airdrie and even more so for me. McDermott has begun to bring the best out of me and everyone at the club, even if they cannot settle in." Speaking of Settling in, Nikita Andreev has left the club for an astonishing 4th time due to "personal reasons". He joins Gérson, Roman Shirokov and Pedro Morales as the 4 players who cannot settle in to life at New Broomfield. However, Gérson, Shirokov and Morales have been playing superbly, putting their problems behind them.
McDermott was in Holland, however, to give evidence against his team using Marijuana before their matches with Moldova, Finland and San Marino.
I never generally ask this, but anyone following? XD.
---------- Post added at 01:06 PM ---------- Previous post was yesterday at 08:58 PM ----------
ABEL HERNÁNDEZ WANTS TO REACH 45!
Abel Hernández reaching his 20th goal for Airdrie
Airdrie's next big transfer Abel Hernandez celebrated his 20th goal in Airdrie's 3-2 win over Morton -- then stated he WILL break the 40 goal barrier this season! When McDermott heard this, he was glad. "If anything, the more he scores, the more confident he will be. I am truly confident that he can achieve his goal of over 40 goals this season since we're not even half way home yet."
McDermott had just returned from The Hague, after winning his case against Marijuana use from the Dutch team. The Dutch are preparing for their matches against American Samoa and Somalia during the course of November.
Abel Hernández reaching his 20th goal for Airdrie
Airdrie's next big transfer Abel Hernandez celebrated his 20th goal in Airdrie's 3-2 win over Morton -- then stated he WILL break the 40 goal barrier this season! When McDermott heard this, he was glad. "If anything, the more he scores, the more confident he will be. I am truly confident that he can achieve his goal of over 40 goals this season since we're not even half way home yet."
McDermott had just returned from The Hague, after winning his case against Marijuana use from the Dutch team. The Dutch are preparing for their matches against American Samoa and Somalia during the course of November.
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12 GOALS SCORED AS THE DUTCH SOLDIER ON!
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After these matches were dubbed "wastes of time", McDermott allowed his assistant manager to manage the team to massive success! de Boer deviated from McDermott's favoured 4-2-3-1 with 1 Defensive Midfielder and went back to basics with a 4-4-2.
Recently, however, McDermott has been labelled mad by some members of the footballing world, first by announcing these fixtures, but also by signing young Brazilian Zezinho from Juventude. The Dutch FA have been holding their heads whilst Managers of Celtic, Rangers and even Hibernian have laughed at McDermott's signing. However, McDermott has said that these teams "Should be careful what they say."
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After these matches were dubbed "wastes of time", McDermott allowed his assistant manager to manage the team to massive success! de Boer deviated from McDermott's favoured 4-2-3-1 with 1 Defensive Midfielder and went back to basics with a 4-4-2.
Recently, however, McDermott has been labelled mad by some members of the footballing world, first by announcing these fixtures, but also by signing young Brazilian Zezinho from Juventude. The Dutch FA have been holding their heads whilst Managers of Celtic, Rangers and even Hibernian have laughed at McDermott's signing. However, McDermott has said that these teams "Should be careful what they say."
SwineFluGotYou
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This is a good looking story.
EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP DRAW
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"... Group D... Greece, Norway, Croatia and Holland."
Luck favoured the Dutch as they got, on paper, the easiest group of the 2012 European Championship. With only Croatia expected to give Holland a problem, qualification is all but secured.
In Airdrie news, McDermott has been testing a new 4-3-3 tactic with some mixed results, having beaten Kilwinning Rangers 3-0, defeated by Celtic 4-0 and having both been beaten and beaten Hibernian [3-2 defeat and 2-0 win], there have been mixed feelings.
Also, Nikita Andreev and Gérson have finally gotten over their home-sickness that plagued them for over 1 year. Nikita Andreev was given multiple leaves to get over it whilst Gérson was playing most games. The 4-3-3 formation has also helped Andreev cement his first team position.
View attachment 98402
"... Group D... Greece, Norway, Croatia and Holland."
Luck favoured the Dutch as they got, on paper, the easiest group of the 2012 European Championship. With only Croatia expected to give Holland a problem, qualification is all but secured.
In Airdrie news, McDermott has been testing a new 4-3-3 tactic with some mixed results, having beaten Kilwinning Rangers 3-0, defeated by Celtic 4-0 and having both been beaten and beaten Hibernian [3-2 defeat and 2-0 win], there have been mixed feelings.
Also, Nikita Andreev and Gérson have finally gotten over their home-sickness that plagued them for over 1 year. Nikita Andreev was given multiple leaves to get over it whilst Gérson was playing most games. The 4-3-3 formation has also helped Andreev cement his first team position.
WORLD CUP QUALIFYING STAGE
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"...Group 9... Kazakhstan, Iceland, Ukraine, Serbia, Holland"
Another favourable draw for Holland see's them put against 3 easier teams along with Serbia. McDermott is said to be confident about his teams chances of qualifying and should see no problems.
AIRDRIE HALF-SEASON UPDATE
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PRE SEASON PREDICTION - 7th
CURRENT TARGET - European slot [6th or above]
"No one expected us to be here at this point in the season, we were expected to just miss this coveted European slot. To hold it instead of Dundee United or Aberdeen is amazing.
PLAYER OF THE SEASON [so far]
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Abel Hernández
"Abel has been something of a revelation for the club. He's scored 30 goals spread across every competition this season and I can only hope that it will continue."
View attachment 99192
"...Group 9... Kazakhstan, Iceland, Ukraine, Serbia, Holland"
Another favourable draw for Holland see's them put against 3 easier teams along with Serbia. McDermott is said to be confident about his teams chances of qualifying and should see no problems.
AIRDRIE HALF-SEASON UPDATE
View attachment 99191
PRE SEASON PREDICTION - 7th
CURRENT TARGET - European slot [6th or above]
"No one expected us to be here at this point in the season, we were expected to just miss this coveted European slot. To hold it instead of Dundee United or Aberdeen is amazing.
PLAYER OF THE SEASON [so far]
View attachment 99189View attachment 99190
Abel Hernández
"Abel has been something of a revelation for the club. He's scored 30 goals spread across every competition this season and I can only hope that it will continue."
MCDERMOTT GAINS COUPS
Van Bommel in his Bayern Munich days
McDermott's eye in the transfer window has gotten people talking. He made 2 signings for a total of £25,000. However, it was his £7,000 purchase of Former Bayern Munich captain Mark Van Bommel that got people talking. McDermott had worked closely with Van Bommel in the World Cup and the European Qualifiers and see's him as a key part of any team. "Listen, he may be old, he may not have the speed, but the fact is he brings an element of calm to the dressing room. I want to give him his last hurrah before he retires and show him that football can be enjoyable." Van Bommel had been on the transfer list for some time.
Another transfer that has gotten people talking is the £4.4 million transfer of Javier "Chicharito" Hernández from Manchester United. The Mexican, who has scored 8 times in 17 matches for his country, was on the transfer list and, originally, didn't want to join Airdrie. However, a large enough contract was on the table and he quickly accepted. He joins Zezinho as the second player to be joining when the transfer window re-opens at the end of the season.
Van Bommel in his Bayern Munich days
McDermott's eye in the transfer window has gotten people talking. He made 2 signings for a total of £25,000. However, it was his £7,000 purchase of Former Bayern Munich captain Mark Van Bommel that got people talking. McDermott had worked closely with Van Bommel in the World Cup and the European Qualifiers and see's him as a key part of any team. "Listen, he may be old, he may not have the speed, but the fact is he brings an element of calm to the dressing room. I want to give him his last hurrah before he retires and show him that football can be enjoyable." Van Bommel had been on the transfer list for some time.
Another transfer that has gotten people talking is the £4.4 million transfer of Javier "Chicharito" Hernández from Manchester United. The Mexican, who has scored 8 times in 17 matches for his country, was on the transfer list and, originally, didn't want to join Airdrie. However, a large enough contract was on the table and he quickly accepted. He joins Zezinho as the second player to be joining when the transfer window re-opens at the end of the season.
---------- Post added at 09:11 PM ---------- Previous post was yesterday at 04:19 PM ----------
AN INTERVIEW WITH MICK MCDERMOTT
John Rainer - Ladies and gentlemen, I'm sitting here with the Airdrie and Holland manager, Mick McDermott. Mick, first off, I want to thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to take this interview with us.
Mick McDermott - No worries John, all the best have given interviews before, so I should to.
JR - First off, let's look back at your beginning. You stood in the Amsterdam ArenA being told that you had to get at least to the semi finals, did you think you could?
MMcD - Well looking at my lack of experience at the time and the group I was dealt, I didn't expect it no. There was pressure on my shoulders and there was nothing I could do to change our group. Fortunately, we had a good group of players with us and I'm happy that I did achieve my goal of the semi finals. But I would be lying if I'd said that I didn't want to win the whole thing in my first try.
JR - Let's look at The Diamonds now. You've taken them and made them into something of a formidable force in the Scottish Premier League 1, how did you do that?
MMcD - Well I seen where our team had weaknesses and I took advantage. We were weak everywhere, we didn't have a mix of experience and youth. I brought in the youth aspect early and that was enough. However, in the SPL1, you need more experience, so as I brought that in, and now we're in that all important European slot.
JR - Is there anyone in particular you owe your current success to?
MMcD - No question, it has to be Abel Hernández. He's scored over 30 goals so far and he has no intention of stopping. I just don't want him to keep on getting suspended otherwise he won't reach his target of 40 goals.
JR - What about your signings so far? You've secured Javier Hernández and Zezinho for next season whilst also getting Holland Captain Mark Van Bommel. Tell me, is all of this just... spur of the moment? Or are they well thought out?
MMcD - Questioning the signings of Javier and Mark are idiotic, full stop. Javier is being signed from Manchester, so he's obviously got talent and can work well with Nikita and Abel. Mark has played for Bayern and Barcelona so his history doesn't even have to be questioned. He'll be a great mentor for Filip. As for Zezinho? I had men to watch him play. They reported back favorably and I took advantage of his contract running up.
JR - Finally, is there anyone you wish to sign?
MMcD - I want to get Robin Van Persie. Word has it that he's on the transfer list at Arsenal for about £3.2 million. I tried to get him before, but he rejected since we couldn't offer a big enough contract. Maybe European football may convince him. Thank you John.
John Rainer - Ladies and gentlemen, I'm sitting here with the Airdrie and Holland manager, Mick McDermott. Mick, first off, I want to thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to take this interview with us.
Mick McDermott - No worries John, all the best have given interviews before, so I should to.
JR - First off, let's look back at your beginning. You stood in the Amsterdam ArenA being told that you had to get at least to the semi finals, did you think you could?
MMcD - Well looking at my lack of experience at the time and the group I was dealt, I didn't expect it no. There was pressure on my shoulders and there was nothing I could do to change our group. Fortunately, we had a good group of players with us and I'm happy that I did achieve my goal of the semi finals. But I would be lying if I'd said that I didn't want to win the whole thing in my first try.
JR - Let's look at The Diamonds now. You've taken them and made them into something of a formidable force in the Scottish Premier League 1, how did you do that?
MMcD - Well I seen where our team had weaknesses and I took advantage. We were weak everywhere, we didn't have a mix of experience and youth. I brought in the youth aspect early and that was enough. However, in the SPL1, you need more experience, so as I brought that in, and now we're in that all important European slot.
JR - Is there anyone in particular you owe your current success to?
MMcD - No question, it has to be Abel Hernández. He's scored over 30 goals so far and he has no intention of stopping. I just don't want him to keep on getting suspended otherwise he won't reach his target of 40 goals.
JR - What about your signings so far? You've secured Javier Hernández and Zezinho for next season whilst also getting Holland Captain Mark Van Bommel. Tell me, is all of this just... spur of the moment? Or are they well thought out?
MMcD - Questioning the signings of Javier and Mark are idiotic, full stop. Javier is being signed from Manchester, so he's obviously got talent and can work well with Nikita and Abel. Mark has played for Bayern and Barcelona so his history doesn't even have to be questioned. He'll be a great mentor for Filip. As for Zezinho? I had men to watch him play. They reported back favorably and I took advantage of his contract running up.
JR - Finally, is there anyone you wish to sign?
MMcD - I want to get Robin Van Persie. Word has it that he's on the transfer list at Arsenal for about £3.2 million. I tried to get him before, but he rejected since we couldn't offer a big enough contract. Maybe European football may convince him. Thank you John.
pistolped7
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Aw, mate, really enjoying this story and that is a **** of a signing in Hernandez! Lol'd at seeing Airdrie sign Van Bommel, Chicharito and aiming for the Europa League! Very well done and keep it up!
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