Contents A Home Nations History 2 All-Irish Masters 3 Scottish Masters 4 One to watch Paul McGrath 5 English Masters 7 Welsh Masters 9 2002 Masters of Britain Cup 10 an overview 2002 Europe Masters 12 an overview Rules & Referees 14 Foreword Schedule of games Sunday 30th March, Braehead Arena, Glasgow Kick off 5pm Scotland v All Ireland Wales v England England v All Ireland Scotland v Wales Wales v All Ireland Scotland v England Final There are few certainties in sport these days, however entrenched the passion or unshakeable the belief. As a nation, we understand this - happy to live the dreams that only sport can deliver. World Cup success, Wimbledon Champion, even Ashes glory, the chance of victory lends as much to the enjoyment of sport as the sport itself. One sporting certainty, however, is how Masters Football captures the imagination of every fan. Compare a regular Premiership game with a match from Masters and statistics show that during the course of the action, more pies are dropped in excitement and fewer words spoken - such is the quality of a Masters game. We at Masters have known this for some time and against Doctors advice, have decided to treat you to another heart stopping rendition of how football is supposed to be played; fast, furious, competitive and unpredictable. The 4 th Masters Home Nations makes a welcome return to the football calendar and rekindles rivalries left simmering from the spectacle of 2001. After the unbridled successes of both the 2002 Masters of Britain Cup and the 2002 Europe Masters, the home nations travel to Scotland to decide 2003 s first important sporting title. The All-Irish Masters return as Champions, with the Welsh Masters able to draw upon two previous titles for inspiration. Despite fielding impressive teams, both the English and Scottish Masters are yet to lift the silverware. With Glasgow s Braehead Arena providing the perfect setting, will 2003 bring a different champion? Will Rogers Masters Football
A Home Nations History In the summer of 1998, Masters Football staged two interclub events in Newcastle and Manchester. Buoyed by the marvellous response, a year later the inaugural Home Nations event opened in Manchester to a capacity crowd. For some, this was the first time in years they would witness the games most influential players compete. For others, it signalled the resumption of rivalries that had long run cold; the chance to see footballing folklore in motion. As the first bars of Oh Flower of Scotland, Oh Danny Boy, The Green Green Grass of Home and Land of Hope and Glory reverberated around the stadium, the event got under way. It proved a watershed in Masters history. Wales Masters produced such a fine team performance that a year later, they retained the trophy. In 2001, it was the All-Irish Masters who triumphed, crowned Home Nations champions in style. These humble beginnings acted as a useful yardstick to the development of Masters and helped confirm the interest of and attraction in the pioneers of the sport. The powerful atmosphere of live football launched Masters into the sporting consciousness and over the last five years the future of indoor sports has been revised along the lines of the Masters model. With the establishment of European fixtures and the League Championship, with the possibility of Champions League Masters on the horizon, the spectacle of Masters Football continues to expand and improve. Home Nations Results 2001 Manchester Evening News Arena Wednesday 1 st September Group Results English Masters 3 Welsh Masters 4 Scottish Masters 1 All-Irish Masters 4 English Masters 0 Scottish Masters 3 All-Irish Masters 3 Welsh Masters 2 English Masters 4 All-Irish Masters 5 Welsh Masters 2 Scottish Masters 0 Final All-Irish Masters 2 Welsh Masters 1 2000 London Arena Sunday 26th November Group Results Scottish Masters 3 Welsh Masters 3 English Masters 0 All-Irish Masters 2 English Masters 1 Welsh Masters 1 All-Irish Masters 4 Scottish Masters 2 All-Irish Masters 2 Welsh Masters 3 English Masters 3 Scottish Masters 4 Final All-Irish Masters 3 Welsh Masters 5 1999 Manchester Evening News Arena Wednesday 1 st September Group Results English Masters 3 Welsh Masters 4 Scottish Masters 1 All-Irish Masters 4 English Masters 0 Scottish Masters 3 All-Irish Masters 3 Welsh Masters 2 English Masters 4 All-Irish Masters 5 Welsh Masters 2 Scottish Masters 0 Final All-Irish Masters 1 Welsh Masters 2
All-Irish Masters Home Nations History Shirts: Green Shorts: White Socks: Green 1999 Runners up 2000 Runners up 2001 Champions Alongside their Welsh counterparts, the All- Irish Masters have been the side to watch. Players of the calibre of Houghton and Brady instill a strength and depth to a squad that over the past two years have topped the group table twice, scoring 20 goals. Players Kelham O Hanlon Kelham made 485 club appearances for Middlesbrough and won both under-21 and full representative honours for the Republic of Ireland. Jimmy Nichol Jimmy won 73 caps for Northern Ireland and has been Assistant Manager at Dunfermline Athletic, the club he joined following spells with Manchester United, Rangers and Raith Rovers. Paul McGrath An Old Trafford legend who was capped by the Republic of Ireland on 83 occasions and has experience in playing in the World Cup. Despite a troublesome knee injury, Paul was also a revelation at Aston Villa. Ray Houghton Ray won 73 caps for the Republic of Ireland. He was voted Player of the Tournament whilst playing for Liverpool Masters in 2001 and his six-a-side experience will be vital. John Sheridan John starred for Leeds United but had arguably the best spell of his career under Ron Atkinson at Sheffield Wednesday. A skillful midfielder who scored some spectacular goals, he also played 34 times for the Republic of Ireland, including their memorable 1994 World Cup campaign. David Kelly Signed for Walsall in 1983 where he made 115 appearances and scored 63 goals. Part of the Republic of Ireland squad from 1987-1997, earning 26 caps. Iain Dowie Dowie began his career at Luton Town in 1988, making 53 appearances and scoring 15 goals. He later starred for Southampton and West Ham, before being appointed first team coach for Crystal Palace. John Byrne John won 23 caps for the Republic of Ireland and had an impressive scoring record throughout his career, including an inspiring spell at Roker Park for Sunderland. He scored five goals in five matches for Sunderland Masters in 2001. Owen Coyle Signed by Bolton Wanderers from Airdrie, Coyle scored 50 goals in just 123 appearances. He continued his scoring prowess at Burnden Park and was capped by the Republic of Ireland. John Aldridge A Republic of Ireland international who has enjoyed the World Cup experience, John was also a lethal finisher for Liverpool. He maintained his record in Spain and has an impressive record of 33 goals in 63 matches for Real Sociedad.
Scottish Masters Home Nations History Shirts: Shorts: Socks: Navy White Navy 1999 Third 2000 Third 2001 Third Seemingly suffering from the same plight as the English Masters, the Scots field several high profile players who so far have been unable to make an impact. Will they take the lead from the All-Irish Masters and convert home advantage into their first Home Nations title? Players Nicky Walker Born in Aberdeen 1962, Joseph Nicol (Nicky) Walker began his career at Leicester before having stints at Motherwell, Rangers and Burnley. John Wark An Ipswich legend, Wark played 295 games for the Tractor Boys scoring 94 goals. He later moved to Liverpool and became an Anfield hero. Colin Calderwood Best known for his time at Spurs, Calderwood made 153 appearances as a central defender for the London side and scored 6 goals. He earned 34 caps for Scotland. Kevin Gallagher Born in Clydebank in 1966, Gallagher made 99 appearances for Coventry City and scored 28 goals. He later moved to Blackburn Rovers in 1993 where he played 116 games and scored 41 times. David McPherson David won every domestic honour during his career at Ibrox and scored a remarkable 43 goals from centre back, including four in one European Cup Winners match. Derek Ferguson An accomplished midfielder, Ferguson was born in Glasgow in 1967 and made his debut for Sunderland in 1993. Gary Mackay Affectionately known as the real mackay, Mackay was a midfielder for Hearts and made his debut for Scotland in 1987 against Bulgaria in the European Championships. Darren Jackson Capped 24 times for Scotland, Jackson was an accomplished striker for Glasgow giants Celtic. Ally McCoist Masters Football Golden Boot winner in 2000, Ally has maintained his scoring record. He is Rangers all-time record goal scorer, with 355 goals in 13 seasons at Ibrox. He also won 60 caps for Scotland. Frank McAvennie Frank scored 49 goals in 134 appearances for the Hammers. His partnership with Tony Cottee was one of the most dangerous at the time and Frank has continued his scoring record with some spectacular goals in Masters Football.
One to watch Paul McGrath ooh aah Paul McGrath, say ooh aah Paul McGrath From the city that gave us 10cc and The Happy Mondays, one would have thought the luminaries on the Manchester United terraces could have come up with a better chant than one sung enthusiastically to the tune of Oops up side your head. Having said that, this popular verse conveyed a love for one of the finest defenders of a generation and a player firmly entrenched in the annals of football folklore. Born into an Ealing household in the winter of 1959, Paul McGrath spent his formative years in Ireland, playing for Pearce Rovers, Dublin based side Dalkey Utd and then St Patricks Athletic. Aspiring to the talents of his own footballing heroes Charlie Cooke and Franco Baresi, Mcgrath s early career saw him play in several positions before making the central defensive spot his own. Indeed it was St Patricks Athletic manager Charlie Walker who suggested the change, after pointing out that certain directors at the club were unhappy with his performances as striker, midfielder, winger and fullback. This tactical adjustment proved the making of McGrath. Powerful in the air and confident on the ball, he won Young Player of the Year 1982 for St Patricks Athletic before being tracked by a succession of clubs including Manchester City, Watford and Luton. The lure of 200 a week, a months trial and the wisdom (?) of Ron Atkinson at Manchester Utd proved too good to miss however and so began a career that would see him play at the highest level. His record is one of staggering achievement. After winning an FA Cup winners medal with Man Utd in 1985, he moved to Aston Villa where he won league cups in 1994 and 1996, Aston Villa Player of the Year 1990-1993, Midland writers Player of the Year 1993 and most impressively, PFA Footballer of the Year 1993. Recruited by Jack Charlton into the Republic of Ireland squad, McGrath went on to earn 83 caps for his country, playing in the 1988 European Championships and both the 1990 and 1994 World Cup Finals. Indeed it could be argued he is the most capped player for the Republic, given Tony Cascarino s dubious Irish connections. As is normally the case in football, rumours abound regarding aspects of ones personal life with regard to McGrath, such stories centred on his suspect knees and lack of training, and of course his love of a drink. However, the most intriguing rumour I have ever heard was from a friend of mine, who claimed McGrath was actually Roland Gift from the 1980s band The Fine Young Cannibals. This of course is rubbish, but it does throw up an interesting precedent. Talent tends to be universal - whatever the skill - and just as irish fans had confidence in McGrath s defensive abilities, one begins to think that given the inclination, he could probably hold a tune too. Just as McGrath idolised some of the very best, it is vindication of his own talent that he too should be an icon to the modern game. Wes Brown stated on Soccer AM in 2000 that alongside Pele and Gary Pallister, Paul McGrath was one of his footballing heroes. This in itself proves what many already knew that Paul McGrath remains a legend of the sport and a Football Master in every sense. Will Rogers Masters Football
English Masters Home Nations History Shirts: Shorts: Socks: White Blue White 1999 Fourth 2000 Fourth 2001 Fourth Despite fielding some of the greatest talents England have ever produced, the likes of Waddle and Hoddle have so far been unable to clinch Home Nations victory. With only one win in the last three Home Nations events, will 2003 bring a change in fortune? Players Chris Woods A former first choice keeper for England, Chris won 43 caps and was Peter Shilton s understudy at both Forest and England. He is now one of the most experienced six-aside goalkeepers in the country. Dave Watson An Everton legend, Watson s formidable aerial power and tough tackling marked him out as strong, committed captain, as he led the blues to FA Cup victory in 1995. John Beresford A very popular player during his time at St James Park, John played 227 times for Newcastle. The full-backs defensive and attacking skills were appreciated by the Toon Army. Steve Hodge Born in Nottingham in 1962, Hodge played for a succession of top clubs during his career, including Aston Villa, Spurs and Leeds, where he scored at Elland Road to beat Liverpool and overturn an 18 year losing streak for the Yorkshire side. Paul Parker Paul played the best football of his career following a 2 million move to Old Trafford. He was also a member of the England team that reached the semi-final of the 1990 World Cup. Trevor Stephen A revered player, Trevor made up Everton s midfield during the glory days of the 1980s before having successful spells at Rangers and Marseille. He was capped 38 times for England. Michael Thomas Best known for his chip over Grobbelaar in the 1989 League Championship decider for Arsenal against Liverpool, Michael Lauriston Thomas later joined Merseyside s finest in 1991. Steve Bull Stephen George Bull aka the Tipton Slasher made 561 appearances for the midlands club and scored an impressive 306 goals. A living legend. Peter Beardsley A player who attained legendary status at several clubs, Beardsley was a true magician with the ball. Played for Everton and Newcastle and he was a also consistent fixture in the England side. A true Master. Mark Walters An attacking midfielder, Walters played for Rangers before moving to Liverpool where he played 115 games and scored 19 goals.
Welsh Masters Home Nations History Shirts: Red Shorts: White Socks: Red 1999 Champions 2000 Champions 2001 Runners up Two time winners of the event and one of the teams to watch, the Welsh Masters come to Scotland eager to exact revenge for their defeat in the final two years ago. With an enviable record of having scored in every Home Nations game they have played, they remain a serious challenge for the honours. Players Neville Southall Born in Llandudno, Neville won 93 caps for Wales, and made 578 appearances for Everton. The highlight of his career was the 1985 Cup Winners Cup Final, when Everton beat Rapid Vienna 3-1. Clayton Blackmore A midfielder who was feared for his long range shooting, Clayton was capped 39 times for Wales and now divides his time between a media career and coaching. Dave Phillips Dave had a memorable first season with Coventry City, winning an FA Cup medal within a year of joining the Sky Blues. He later played for Norwich City, Nottingham Forest and Huddersfield Town. Born in Germany, he won 62 Welsh Caps. Malcolm Allen As a forward, Allen began at Watford and went on to play for Aston Villa and Millwall, where he made 64 appearances and scored 24 goals. He played for Wales between 1986-1993 Paul Bodin A proficient left-back with 23 caps for Wales, Bodin has an enviable goals tally for a defender, netting 37 times in 227 games for Swindon. Andy Legg Born in Neath, Wales in 1966, Legg played as a defender and played for a succession of clubs, including Swansea City between 1988-1992 as well as Reading and Ipswich. Glyn Hodges A Welsh international who scored 99 goals in almost 500 appearances. Glyn is a whole hearted midfielder who has also played for Wimbledon, Newcastle United, Watford, Crystal Palace, Derby County and Nottingham Forest. Mickey Thomas Capped 51 times for Wales, Mickey played for a succession of clubs including Wrexham, Manchester United, Everton and Leeds. He now has a varied media career with BBC Wales, Sky Sports and MUTV. Colin Pascoe Capped 10 times for Wales, Pascoe was an accomplished winger who started his career at Swansea and went on to play 116 games for Sunderland Steve Lovell A gifted striker, Lovell represented his country on 6 occasions. Domestically he played 222 games for Gillingham and 143 games for Millwall.
Masters of Britain Cup 2002 an overview With the biggest sponsors in the business, the worlds media jostling for position and fans in over 300 countries proudly adorned in team colours and praying silently to the God of Football, the 2002 Masters of Britain Cup proved an unmitigated success. Continuing in the traditions of Masters Football, the tournament went some way in reminding the football supporter that whilst modern day players are heroes, only Masters players are legends. Immortalised in football s Hall of Fame, 2002 saw 320 players from the four corners of the British Isles risk Premiership call ups as they dazzled in front of open mouthed crowds. Along the way, we witnessed everything. We saw Liverpool, the defending Champions, start miserably in Belfast, we saw Beardsley weave magic in Newcastle, Hibs defy the mighty Rangers, Jason Dozzell in the form of his life and most significantly, a Grand Final that promised so much, but delivered so much more. Below is a selection of images from the 2002 Masters of Britain Cup; the pain, the love, the tears clear for all to see. 3 4 7 8 9 1 5 10 2 6 11
1 Liverpool celebrate winning in Belfast 2 Wolves legend Steve Bull signs his shirt 3 Ipswich s Simon Milton celebrates a goal 4 Don Goodman signs a fan s programme 5 Nigel Clough wins Slendatone Golden Bod award 6 Everton keeper Neville Southall 7 Millwall s Terry Hurlock takes a breather 8 Bronze Adonis - Ian Bishop 9 Glenn Hoddle looks on 10 Frank McAvennie, Ken Brown, Martin Allen 11 Mickey Thomas laps it up 12 A Cheerleader wraps up for the occasion 13 Mark Hughes on sparkling form 14 Motorhead s Bri sorry, Newcastle s Brian Kilcline 15 The Man United Masters Bench 16 Frank Worthington innocence personified 17 Chris Waddle skips past Leed s Scott Sellars 18 Gordon Taylor presents Liverpool s Alan Kennedy with the Masters of Britain Cup 2002 19 Liverpool Masters celebrate back-to-back victories 20 Two fans contemplate victory in Scotland 21 Peter Beardsley accepts best player award 22 Sky s Chris Kamara poses the questions to Peter Beardsley 12 16 13 17 20 14 18 21 15 19 22
2002 Europe Masters an overview ITV1 may well have pulled off a punditry coup in obtaining the services of Gazza for the World Cup, but here at Masters we went one stage further. In celebration of the expansion of Europe and in response to the over whelming interest in Masters Football, Gascoigne spearheaded a British Masters team intent on conquering the four sides of Europe in the first competition of its kind. 3 Sadly for the British Masters Team, the opposition proved undeniably strong and whilst Southern Europe Masters turned on the style, every man, woman and child at London Arena were treated to a marvellous exhibition of a united Europe, both on and off the pitch. Below is a selection of images from the Europe Masters. 1 4 2 5
1 A british master finishes in style 2 Southern Europe masters celebrate victory 3 Southern Europe claim honours 4 A definite dive 5 No: 3 goes to head the ball? 6 Gazza and tony banks 7 The girls prove its all in the technique 8 Team britain 9 Neville southall and his preferred team 10 Man in white experiences dizzy spell 11 Gazza skips past Central Europe 6 9 7 10 8 11
Rules & Referees The Rules All games will be played on pitches 60 by 30 metres and surrounded by perimeter boards. Each contest will be two halves, eight minutes each way. Each team can use a squad of ten players for each game with a maximum of six on at any one time. An unlimited number of substitutions can be made and at any time during the game. At least one player must be in the opposition s half at all times or a free-kick will be awarded to the opposition on the halfway line. Rule does not apply to a team which has had a player sent off. There is no offside. All free-kicks must take place within five seconds, or the decision is reversed. The opposition must be five metres away at free-kicks. No minor injuries will be treated on the pitch. Clock will only be stopped for serious injury or time wasting. Sin-bin will be used in an unofficial capacity for yellow card offences. The referee will suggest the player leaves the pitch for two minutes. Any player who receives a red card will be sent off immediately, can not be replaced and will be banned for the next match. The Referees Kevin Lynch Career highlight: 1992 UEFA Cup Final First! Issued first red card in Masters Football history, when Tedd McMinn of Derby Masters was sent off in the Midlands Masters clash against Forest Masters. Stephen Lodge Career highlight: 1997 FA Cup Final Most! Sent off Spurs Masters Paul Miller and booked three other players in the North London derby against Arsenal Masters in the 200 London Masters. David Elleray Career highlight: 1994 FA Cup Final First! Home Nations 2003 is David s first Masters event.
THEY RE NO LONGER KIDS, BUT YOU CAN STILL CATCH THEM IN SHORT TROUSERS. Scottish Masters Sunday July 6th K.O. 5pm Glasgow Braehead Arena www.mastersfootball.com ticket hotline 0870 444 6062 24 hour hotline 0870 903 0603
Group 1 Northern Masters Newcastle Sunderland Middlesbrough Everton Sunday June 8 Kick-off 7pm Newcastle Arena Box Office 0870 707 8000 Group 2 Midlands Masters Aston Villa Birmingham Wolves WBA Saturday June 14 Kick-off 3pm Coventry Sky Dome Box Office 02476 630 693 Group 3 Central Masters Leicester Ipswich Coventry Norwich Sunday June 15 Kick-off 3pm Coventry Sky Dome Box Office 02476 630 693 Group 4 London Masters Charlton West Ham Arsenal Spurs Saturday June 21 Kick-off 5pm Milton Keynes Planet Ice Arena Box Office 01908 696696 Group 5 Southern Masters Chelsea Fulham Southampton Portsmouth Sunday June 22 Kick-off 5pm Milton Keynes Planet Ice Arena Box Office 01908 696696 Group 6 Sheffield Masters Man Utd Leeds Utd Sheffield Wed Sheffield Utd Sunday June 29 Kick-off 5pm Sheffield Arena Box Office 0114 256 5656 Group 7 Scottish Masters Rangers Celtic Hibernian Hearts Sunday July 6 Kick-off 5pm Glasgow Braehead Arena Box Office 0870 444 6062 Group 8 North West Masters Liverpool Man City Blackburn Bolton Sunday July 13 Kick-off 5pm Manchester MEN Arena Box Office 0161 930 8000 Grand Final September 7 Venue to be decided