McGlinchey Signs for Downey's

The Listener may be based in Galway at the time of writing this article, but the news that Kieran McGlinchey has left Lisahally has certainly resonated far and wide. It is understood that the strong defender was deeply hurt by the decision to omit him from the starting lineup in the league game against Bentleys last week. As such, he immediately informed his agent to find him another club. McGlinchey confirmed the transfer earlier today:

"After the Bentleys game, I had to reassess where my future lay. Did I want to be on the sidelines at First Division games, or did I want to be playing at the highest level and partying at the highest level? This move gives me the latter. It's a dream move almost. Talks were initiated on Sunday afternoon, but stalled on Tuesday as Downey's failed to meet my demands [free entry on Sunday nights, plus two bags of Mega Meanies before each match], but they amended their offer accordingly and I happily accepted."

In response to the shock transfer, Lisahally management released a statement, which focused less on the player, but placed emphasis on the word 'team', suggesting that no player is bigger than the club:

The management would like to wish Kieran all the best with his new club and thank him for his service. Lisahally will be playing Maydown at the Strathfoyle Arena on Sunday at 11:30 am. Support your local TEAM. Big crowds are expected so come early. Up Lisah'!

McGlinchey's intentions became crystal clear when he failed to turn up for training on Wednesday evening. After the training session, the Listener caught up with fan favourite, Sean 'Bhoyo' Ferguson, who seemed unfazed. When asked about McGlinchey's future, Ferguson replied,

"That's it. He's gone. Lisah' will go on without him."

Indeed, the nature of McGlinchey's transfer raises many questions. Fans will ask whether or not the management made the right decision in resting McGlinchey, favouring kamikaze Christopher Nicholl instead of risking the talented defender. One Lisahally fan appeared sympathetic with the management, but also disappointed at losing McGlinchey:

"I understand where the managers are coming from. [McGlinchey] didn't finish the game against Strand and he couldn't finish mid-week training, so why would they risk starting a player who might have to come off after ten minutes? That said, players like McGlinchey are rare these days, especially in the First Division. I'm definitely disappointed at the way he has left us."

Other supporters were much more emotional in their reaction, with some angrily branding him a 'Judas'. Such reactions are of course undertstandable, if slightly melodramatic. However, perhaps the most important question, as the Lisahally management have alluded to in their statement, is, can one player be bigger than the team? Indeed, as several pundits have suggested, McGlinchey's shock departure from his local club may be an indication of the increasingly arrogant mind-set of the modern footballer.

The Lisahally Listener would love to hear what the fans think of this transfer, feel free to add your opinion in the comments section.