Stephen McPhail celebrates his goal for Leeds United against Chelsea in 1999
Stephen McPhail celebrates his goal for Leeds United against Chelsea in 1999
It is 25 years to the day that Stephen McPhail scored a brace against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Fast forward to tonight and the then Leeds midfielder will be with his current club Shamrock Rovers in his role as sporting director.
“Most of them weren’t born so no point speaking about it,” McPhail said when asked if he reminded the Rovers players about his moment. “I was lucky to score a couple of goals there. My first two for Leeds. They were special times back then. It is always a place I will remember.”
McPhail had a fine career at the top level as after Leeds he went to Barnsley, Cardiff and Sheffield Wednesday before wrapping up his playing days at the Dublin club which visits Stamford Bridge tonight. This may be just another European night for Chelsea but it is another special moment for Rovers.
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They’ve had big nights in Europe before but they arrive in London with history created as the first Irish team to progress to the knockout rounds since the introduction of group stages. Tonight is somewhat of a free hit.
“The way it has fallen, it’s the last game of this stage,” said McPhail. “It is a brilliant achievement to be unbeaten coming over to London and compete against one of the biggest clubs in the world and bang in form. It is great for everyone that put in the hard work over the years. Now it is about enjoying it and seeing where it takes us.”
The financial windfall for Rovers is significant. While some in England - barring West Ham fans of course - scoff at this competition sometimes, it is crucial for leagues like the League of Ireland.
“This is historic for anyone from our country to do and that can only benefit the whole country’s football in general,” said McPhail. “For Rovers this is another stepping stone of building, keep trying to knock the barriers down in front of us. The third tier of the competition gives the likes of Irish teams the chance to compete with teams like Chelsea. It has been an amazing experience. It has been so beneficial.”
McPhail has overseen Shamrock's excellent Conference League run as sporting director
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Image:
Ryan Byrne/INPHO/REX/Shutterstock)
It was in 2002 when the League of Ireland switched from the more established winter league to being played from March through to November. One reason was to ease fixture congestion with games called off due to weather but another was to help Irish teams progress in European competition as they would be more prepared for qualifiers if they were mid season.
It has helped with Rovers and Dundalk both competing in the Europa League group stages in recent years while attendances have also been boosted.
“I think that was a really good decision,” said McPhail. “For the infrastructure and the way pitches are here in the winter, but it gives us a good platform to be well on in the season going into qualifying rounds which massively helps.”
McPhail has opted for the sporting director role over managerial or coaching, although he does help out on the grass with Rovers boss Stephen Bradley and his team: “This role was thrown at me, I never expected to be asked to do this role. It is a great way for ex-players to pass on their knowledge."
He has been doing it eight years but tonight may be the highlight of his career.
“It has been a lot of hard work over a period of time,” said the Irish international. “A lot of long hours trying to build towards something like this. This will rank right up there with all the achievements.”
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