Life Goes On...And On, And On, And On.....

[sherm]

Patrick Mullaney stood on the corner of the street, lost in his thoughts. He had just come out of the Flying Horse pub at closing time, as usual, and he was beginning to gather his bearings and about to stagger home, when he stopped to throw up his usual bitter and whisky combination. He wiped his mouth, before muttering to himself, and stepped out behind the cars to cross the street. This proved to be a fatal error, as he didn't see the number 45 bus trundling towards him, and his reactions slowed, he couldn't get out of the way...

When news filtered round of Mullaney's death, many people drowned their sorrows, tears and emotion shed all over. He was a great hero for more than 17 years in the city, captaining the side for ten years, but despite his decline over the last few years, his death was a sad sad occasion for the town. However, not everybody had felt a sense of loss at the Irishman's death, and there were three people at least who were not as upset as others. Patrick's son Eamonn, his daughter Kelly and his estranged wife Linda, who had all been traumatised in one way or another by him through their lives. When he was on the football pitch, he was a lionhearted defender, who immediately made an impact after joining from Galway United. However, his troubles off the pitch began early in his career

He liked a drink in the clubs in Torquay, and was often seen out boozing. Countless women followed him, and nobody expected him to settle down. That all changed when he met Linda Wolstencroft. She was 17, had flowing blonde locks, and a figure to die for. Eamonn was hooked, so much so that aged just 20 and 17, and after a whirlwind 6 month romance, the sweethearts married. It started well, and just over a year later, Eamonn Mullaney was born. However, it was this that sent the big Irishman over the edge. He would regularly go on three and four day benders, before coming back to questions from his wife. This was not what he wanted, and many a time he ended up beating her. Sometimes it was so severe, she had to fix her own wounds.

This went on for years, and for years, Eamonn, and his younger sister Kelly had to watch it unfold. Eventually, after filling out due to his training and football, Eamonn had seen enough. His father came in drunk again, and started shouting abuse at his mother. Kelly was cowering in the corner, crying, screaming, and when Patrick Mullaney raised his hand, Eamonn snapped. He pushed his father away, before he saw his right hand swing at him. Instinct took over, and as he beat his father down, both women ran up the stairs. This would be the last time that Patrick Mullaney stepped foot in his family home, as his son threw him out of the front door. Patrick tried to get back in contact with his family, but his son was the man of the house and didn't allow him any access. When news of his death filtered through, there was some tears shed by his mother and sister, but none by Eamonn. He hated his father, and was glad he never had anything to do with him for the last 21 years of his life.

---

Game Played on CM01/02, 3.65 Patch. Character is English but of Irish Heritage (Hence the Name). Hope You All Enjoy...

[mcglede]

Intreaguing start Sherm. Looking forward to a good read here.

Just one thing. Please tell me Eamonn isn't a ranga!!

[tenthreeleader]

Just what I need to raise my spirits ... Sherm's back. Keep it going, sir.

[sherm]

Cheers mcglede - I won't pretend I know what a 'ranga' is though!

10-3 - It has been a while but I just felt it was the right time and right story to come back with

---

His footballing career had been, to describe it most nicely, mediocre. Torquay's youth setup had been the start of it, but after it became adamant that he wouldn't make it in the first team, he accepted a move to Shrewsbury. There he went on to make over 150 appearances, before finally moving back to Plainmoor to play for his hometown club. There, he followed his dad, as he became club captain, playing more than 400 games. He also joined the F.A Coaching Courses, gaining his 'UEFA' and 'Pro' Licenses, all this while getting experience on the backroom staff of the club.

His coaching progressed pretty quickly, and by the start of the 2000/01 season, he was the clubs assistant manager, aswell as being in his 14th year at Plainmoor. Then, in June 2001, with the club struggling in the third division, he got his opportunity. The managers job became vavcant, and with the club having very little money to fund a new manager, Eamonn was promoted into the hotseat. All smiles for the media, his delight at being awarded the job was genuine. However, so were the nerves and the fear he was suffering from. The niggling doubts were there, but he had enough confidence in his ability to prove any doubters and critics wrong

---

Any man who raises a hand to a woman is simply not a man. And it was that precise reason why Eamonn hated his father. Among other things too, but mainly that. No son wants to see his mother abused in the way Eamonn did, and he always swore that had he ever seen his old man raise a hand to his daughter, he would have killed him. Fortunately for Eamonn, despite his father reporting his assault on him, he was spared a young offenders due to the understanding nature of the Police, but he always had to be careful after that, as he was treading on thin ice and needed to be at home to look after his sister and mother.

Once his father had left, the violence didn't stop there, as one of Kelly's boyfriend decided to take it upon himself. He saw himself get the same treatment as her father, and Eamonn took matters into his own hands. He was a tough lad, and his size was always intimidating, and it was these reasons that allowed him to play football with the older lads on the park. He was a naturally gifted full back, who could bomb forward when he needed to, and his power and pace was a vital asset in his development.

[mark wilson27]

As always Sherm always enjoy your work,hope to see alot more of this

[sherm]

Thanks Mark

---

He sat in his office with his laptop open, and his squad list on the desk next to it. There were a few good players in the squad, but if his ambitions were to be matched, he needed some new additions into the fold. However, before that, there were several offers for his players he needed to consider. The two biggest were £350,000 from ADO Den Haag, for midfield talisman Mark Nicholls, while Liverpool made a £725,000 offer for young Polish full-back Marcin Baszczyncki, who had been superb since signing as an unknown the season before. These two transfers gave them a nice £1,000,000 in the kitty, which was plenty of money for a Division 3 side, and with Eifion Williams, Tony Bedeau and Kevin Hill also bringing in a combined £150,000, there was at least a fair bit of money to work with

The first new addition was a free transfer, as former Chelsea left winger Rob Wolleaston penned a two year deal. He had plenty of potential, and would be able to use his pace on the left hand side of midfield. He was joined soon after by Leigh RMI winger Ged Kielty. He could play on the right hand side or in the centre of midfield, so the £20,000 fee was a decent price to pay for such a versatile player. Eamonn had his list of potential targets, though he never expected to get them all, but he felt that a goalkeeper, another midfielder and a couple of defenders would be the ideal targets for him to add to the squad.

More new additions followed, with young Portuguese striker Joao Paiva joining the squad. He was only 18 and had all the potential in the world, but he was going into the reserves and maybe out on loan. Cheltenham were also the recipients of £55,000, as Jamie Victory and Mike Duff both joined the Gulls. Victory was a versatile full back, who could also play anywhere in midfield or the holding role. Duff was an excellent right back, who could bomb forward (similar to Eamonn himself) and his defensive duties were not neglected either. Eamonn was happy with how the squad was starting to take shape, and he was just eager to get started

[sherm]

During his career, Eamonn had always enjoyed the social side of life, but he knew when to stop and get down to business, something his father never did. He also had a bit of a love for women, one things he managed to take from his father. His charm and personality was attractive and he never had a shortage of ladies at his door, but to be fair, there was always one woman he constantly went back to. Lizzie Wilcox was a petite, beautiful brunette, with a curvy figure and an infectious personality, and no matter what happened, they were always attracted to each other like a moth to flame

Eamonn always made it clear that marriage wasn't for him, nor commitment, but in 1999, Lizzie had decided enough was enough, and told Eamonn it was time to either commit to her, or to let her go. It was a big decision, and after some consideration, Eamonn settled down. He was 34, 7 years older than Lizzie, but deep down he knew that he loved her. She was the one woman for him. It all moved well, the couple moving in together, enjoying their life, and Eamonn knew he had made the right decision to commit to Lizzie

...

There was more transfer activity at Plainmoor, as Shrewsbury goalkeeper Ian Dunbavin made a £26,000 move, and Blackpool midfielder Jon O'Connor added his experience to the squad. There was also a new coach on board, as young Aidy Boothroyd joined the backroom team. He was a bright young coach with new and vibrant ideas and Eamonn was delighted to welcome him on board. The side were training well together, and they were starting to gel in the way that Eamonn wanted to see. There were already several good players in the squad, including Steve Woods and Matt Hockley at the heart of the defence, Chris Brandon in midfield, and Collins Osunwa as part of the strikeforce. There was also the likes of Lee Collins and David Collins, the two brothers who were a real force together, aswell as Saimon Crodino, a young Italian midfielder who had a hell of a lot of potential.

The nerves were beginning to kick in for Eamonn as the start of the season approached, and his side travelled down to Brisbane Road to face one of the promotion contenders, Leyton Orient. The game would prove to be a real stepping stone, and one that showed just how much business Eamonn and his side meant. They started like a steam train, Rob Wolleaston capping his debut with a fourth minute goal, collecting the ball from Karl Murray and striking a low shot into the corner. Seven minutes later, it was 2-0, a lovely passing move ending up with Ged Kielty, who slid the ball through for Collins Osunwa to deftly dink over the 'keeper and into the back of the net. The football Eamonn saw his side play was lovely, with the keep ball not allowing the home side to get into the game, and they sealed all three points in just the 26th minute, Osunwa again finishing off a nice move, as he rose highest to head home Chris Brandon's cross. Gary Fletcher pulled one back before half time, but just 76 seconds into the second half, Osunwa completed his hat-trick when he found himself free in the box, before turning and firing into the bottom corner to seal the points and send his side back to the South Coast on a real opening day high

[sherm]

Eamonn had been delighted with his side's performance at Orient, and when Plymouth made the trip to Plainmoor, he was eager for his side to keep up that level. Collins Osunwa had picked up a slight knock in training, which meant that David Collins came into the starting line-up, and Matt Hockley replaced an unfit Mike Duff in the right back role. Plymouth had goal threats and would provide a stern test, but Eamonn had confidence in his side. It was a slow start, as they couldn't get into their stride on the slippy conditions, and it was Ian Dunbavin who made the first save, denying Micky Evans from close range. Steve Woods headed over from a corner, while Ged Kielty fired just wide, but on the half hour mark, the breakthrough came, Kielty and Hockley combining, with the full back swinging a cross to the six yard box and David Collins was there to head home past the stranded Romain Larrieu.

There weren't many chances in the rest of the half, but when Ian Stonebridge came on in the second half, he made a real difference to the visiting side. He tested Dunbavin twice within the opening 5 minutes, before heading over and volleying wide, and it was quite frustrating for Eamonn to watch his side fall apart. However, just one good bit of play allowed them to seal the points, as Brandon and O'Connor combined to slip in Collins, who reversed the pass into Ged Kielty's path and the winger fired home low and hard into the bottom corner. Though the performance was not as good as the previous game, it made no difference and they still picked up three points, which is really all that mattered.

...

During his playing days, the 'drinking culture' had been rife, but unfortunately, some of Eamonn's peers didn't agree with it. He had always been of the opinion that if you work hard, then by all means play hard, but this philosophy had not set well with several managers. He had run-ins with a few of them, and though he was always the first on the training ground, even if he was last out of the pub, he was never seen to be the perfect trainer. However, there was one interview that got him into real hot water, and that was when he was criticising the current boss. He had been fined two weeks wages (a lot of money back then), for going out after a Saturday game. He was quite vocal and adamant that he had done nothing wrong, as he made it to training on the Monday, but his opinions got him into hot water, earnt him a two week fine and he was benched for a couple of games. Ultimately it was the manager who failed, but Eamonn never let it go

He still remembers the first time he met Lizzie. He had been out with his team-mates after a hard fought victory, and though they were starting in the pub, it was when they went on to a nightclub that they saw her. She was stood at the bar with her friend, and Eamonn instantly found himself drawn to her. She had a shock of brown hair with blonde streaks, a lovely curvy figure, and the dress she had on was good for him too. He went over, started chatting. His charm won over, but he never let on he was a footballer. That was never the best thing to do in his experience. Needless to say, things went well that night, and though nothing serious happened in the early stages, there was always something that drew them back to each other

...

Their next game saw Division One Millwall visit Plainmoor, and the game showed Eamonn just how far his side still had to come. Though they didn't play too badly, the visitors just turned it up a notch in the second half when they needed to. Chris Clarke gave the Lions the lead on the half hour, as he skipped past Lee Canovile and fired a shot into the bottom corner. From that point though, Eamonn saw his side dominate, forcing Tony Warner into several saves, but it wasn't until the 51st minute that their reward came, as Michael Jack fed Chris Brandon, and the midfielder curled it home. Two goals in a minute however sealed it, as Tim Cahill and Neil Harris scored quickly, before Christophe Kinet headed home a fourth five minutes from time. Though Eamonn felt 4-1 was a bit harsh, he realised that his side had been outclassed for 15 minutes of the game and had conceded four goals in that time

[sherm]

There was another big test coming up for the side, as Eamonn and his troops travelled to Luton. They were considered real promotion contenders and were a tough test on their own ground, so Eamonn felt that, even though it was early in the season, it could be a real test of how strong they actually were. They started the game well, knocking the ball about nicely, but when it came to the final third, the home side held strong. The best chance of the first half fell to Ged Kielty, the ball falling to him on the edge of the area, and the midfielder rattling the post with his shot. Eventually though, the breakthrough did come, and it came in injury time, an uncharacteristic mistake in defence allowing Collins Osunwa to nip in, and he deftly rounded the 'keeper and slid into the open goal.

Going into half time ahead was a big confidence boost, and they started the second half well, testing the Luton 'keeper on several occasions, but they couldn't find the second goal. Not finding that killer goal was something that Eamonn knew could come back and haunt his side, and his suspicions were right, as Jean Louis-Valois equalised eight minutes from time. He received the pass from Liam George, turned inside and fired the ball past Dunbavin into the top corner. It was disappointing to concede the equaliser so late after being ahead, but looking back, to draw the game at Luton wasn't too bad a result

...

When he was given the captaincy, it was the proudest moment of his playing career. He loved Torquay, having been born and bred there, and the first time he was released he was devastated. He took the captaincy and was in charge for 225 games, a club record. He was a powerful character on the field, and didn't shy away from telling anybody how they were doing. He always led by example, with the attitiude that he wouldn't ask anybody to do anything he wouldn't do himself. His record as captain was pretty good, a 56% winning record, and he earned the respect of all his fellow players. Many people said that he was destined to end up as manager of the club one day, as you could just see that he had the managers instinct about him.

Even in the games, and afterwards, he was always looking for players, making notes on formations, things like that. When the opportunity to gain his UEFA 'Pro' and UEFA 'A' Licenses came up, aswell as other coaching badges, he had to take the opportunity. It turned out to be the ideal opportunity for him, and he thrived on it. He passed his course with flying colours, joining the club as a player/coach, before quickly graduating to the assistant manager position. And here he was, managing his boyhood and favourite club

...

A home game against Mansfield would finish Eamonn's first month in charge, and it turned to be, although a winning effort, a really poor game. Neither 'keeper had much to do, and the first hour of the game saw just one chance, that fell to James Knowles, who fired a shot-cum-cross across the area. Both defenses held firm, but on 72 minutes, the breakthrough came, as a mis-placed pass by a defender fell to Ged Kielty, who fed through Collins Osunwa. The striker burst through, before smashing home into the roof of the net to seal the points. He should have had another near the end of the game, but his shot trickled wide past the post. It didn't matter in the end, and the 1-0 win secured three points for his side

[sherm]

August 2001 Summary

(Division 3 unless stated)

Leyton Orient 1-4 Torquay

(Wolleaston 7 ; Osunwa 11, 24, 47 ; Fletcher 39)

Torquay 2-0 Plymouth

(D.Collins 30 ; Kielty 56)

(League Cup Round 1)

Torquay 1-4 Millwall

(Clarke 30 ; Brandon 51 ; Cahill 61 ; Harris 62 ; Kinet 85)

Luton 1-1 Torquay

(Osunwa 45+2 ; Valois 82)

Torquay 1-0 Mansfield

(Osunwa 72)

[sherm]

The first action of the month was not on the pitch but it was some transfer activity, as Eamonn secured the signing of Dutch left back Jerry Vastenhouw. He had been released by his club, VVV Venlo, and Eamonn had no problem snapping him up as a back-up for his first choice. He had all the attributes to compete at this level, and his stamina was something that would hold him in good stead.

The new signing didn't make the squad for the next game, which saw a short trip to Exeter. With both Osunwa and David Collins picking up knocks, it meant a first start for French youngster Gift Yeregha, and the 17 year old revelled in it. He was buzzing about like a wasp in the early going, challenging defenders and the 'keeper regularly, and on 12 minutes, he got his reward, as he nipped in behind the defence to collect Victory's long ball, before taking it down beautifully and side footing home past the 'keeper. Eamonn would have wanted his side to push on after the goal, but the home side managed to get a grip on the game, and by half time they found themselves 2-1 ahead, as two goals in five minutes from Paul Buckle, with a header from 8 yards, and then Ian Campbell, who capitalized on a mis-hit backpass to curl past Dunbavin, sent the struggling side in front.

Eamonn gave his side what for in the interval, making sure they knew exactly what their role was in the second 45 minutes, and the introductions of Brandon and Wolleaston made a real difference. Both of them made real striving runs down the wings, whipping crosses in constantly, and if it hadn't been for the Exeter 'keeper, they could have had five or six. However, the only breakthrough was a 72nd mnute equaliser, Chris Brandon hitting a stunning 30 yard strike into the top corner. The deserved man of the match award went to the home side 'keeper, as he was the man to thank for his side gaining a point, but the second half that Eamonn saw his side give was a pleasing performance.

More transfer action followed, as out of favour striker David Graham made a £160,000 move to Falkirk, but more importantly, there was another new addition, as Carlisle midfielder Michael Jack moved to Plainmoor for £85,000. He was a versatile midfielder, who could play on the left hand side or in the centre, but he had been earmarked for the left hand side of the front three. He was only a young lad, and still had plenty to learn, but the money was a real investment and he was a star for the future.

...

One of the most memorable moments of his career came when he captained the side in the Vans Trophy Final at Wembley. Any player wants to walk out at the towers, and to lead his side out was a proud moment. The disappointing thing was that a lot of the players froze, and a 3-1 defeat didn't really do justice to how they really were as a side. Eamonn was a massive figure as captain, always pushing his players, always encouraging and clapping. The fact he captained his side for so many games said everything about him as a man, and as a captain, and he was a hero among his supporters