Return for Stevo?

Following Lisahally's disappointing 1-1 draw at home with Phoenix last Sunday, the team has been at the receiving end of a scathing verbal tirade from the management. Passionate player-manager Rory Kirk has voiced his disappointment at the result, but also expressed concern at the performance, suggesting that "a big improvement is needed in future", if the team wants to maintain its push for promotion. Kirk needed a full day to cool off before he could bring himself to speak on the matter. He said,

"[T]he team has to play as a team. We can't have individuals playing for themselves. Remember, there is no 'i' in 'team'."

Indeed, Ronan Whoriskey, a Lisahally stalwart who is currently enjoying a loan spell in Australia, was shocked at the news and suggested that some players need a wake-up call:

"I would have a few words. Some people want to take it easy for some reason, but not me. A bit of sweat, blood and thunder goes a long way."

Interestingly however, the poor result has led some sections of Lisahally supporters to call for certain players to come out of retirement, in order to galvanise the team. One such player is former Lisahally play-maker, Stevo McAllister. During his playing days, McAllister was widely considered to be one of Lisahally's most creative players and was unquestionably an integral part of the team which recently won the First Division Cup. McAllister was a versatile player, who played in various positions for Lisahally and the threat he posed from set-pieces was almost unrivalled. Since his retirement, the midfield wizard has been a regular spectator at Lisahally games and has always endeavoured to show his support for his second favourite team (the favourite, of course, being Arsenal). When asked about the recent result, McAllister, in typical fashion, was positive. He said,

"We'll be back stronger next week. We need all the 'dogs' [players] barking though!"

However, he remained equivocal when quizzed about a prospective return to Lisahally.

"I don't know at the minute. Obviously I love Lisah' and want to help them in any way I can, so if I was desperately needed then maybe. You might say I'm 'semi-retired'. I have been considering going into management or coaching and I recently had the honour of co-managing The Single Men in their annual game against The Married Men. Add to that the extensive knowledge I have accumulated over years of playing Championship Manager and Football Manager and I think it's fair to say that my CV is impressive. So maybe I could assume a coaching position to help Rory and Danny."

While it remains unclear as to whether or not McAllister will make a return to Lisahally, it's obvious that the Lisahally team needs to focus on the aim of promotion and the management will be hopeful that the players band together as a team to realise this goal.