Fenlon is the right man to take Linfield to the next level: chief

PAT Fenlon loved it at Linfield first time around. From 1994 to 1996 he played an inspirational role in midfield as the Blues triumphed in the Irish League and Irish Cup.

Back then, much was made of his arrival at Windsor Park. He was the first Dublin Catholic to sign for the club and there was much debate surrounding how the Blues fans would take to the new recruit. Within weeks his attitude and ability led to him being revered and respected in equal measure, and he was affectionately nicknamed ‘Billy’ by the Linfield faithful.

Over 20 years since leaving, Fenlon returned yesterday in a new role as general manager, revealing his strong relationship with Linfield supporters was hugely important to him and that he wanted to build on the rapport he established over two decades ago.

At different stages in his managerial career, in which he was in charge of Shelbourne, Derry City, Bohemians, Hibs and Shamrock Rovers, there were suggestions that one day he would be the boss of Linfield.

Well, he’s a manager at the club now — general manager that is, with the Linfield board making it abundantly clear that David Healy is still very much the main man in terms of onthe-pitch matters.

In any case, 49-year old Fenlon, a successful businessman across the border, says he has left the dug-out behind, preferring to concentrate on finance, as he did in his general manager post at Waterford, rather than formations, adding that Healy was doing a ‘fantastic job’ leading the playing side of things.

On Fenlon’s appointment, the official statement read: “His new position at Linfield will have lead responsibility for all of the club’s off-field activities, both at Windsor Park and at the new Midgely Park. He will also work with the Board of Directors to formulate the strategic direction of the club over the next five to 10 years.”

Blues chairman Roy McGivern put some meat on those bones, stating: “There are various elements to the role. There is the routine of it, which is making sure that players’ registrations are right, that Uefa Licencing is applied for, that we get our Uefa solidarity payments and player contracts.

“There is the commercial side of it. We really need to maximise opportunities here at the stadium and Midgely Park, and someone with Pat’s background will be really helpful

with getting the Linfield brand out there beyond our natural heartlands. Pat will have targets to generate income that we haven’t had before.

“Then there’s the strategic side working with the board and the manager about where we go in the next five years. That will be a big piece of work. Pat will bring a draft plan to the board and it may lead to some form of full-time football in the not too distant future. I think that will be required not only to compete in our own league but to take it to the next level.”

That full-time road has already been taken by Crusaders and Larne.

McGivern added: “Not qualifying for Europe last season was a blow, so that will have to be put right this season, but where there is income coming in from Europe I think there is great potential for this club, and hopefully Pat will bring in income from other sources that we haven’t had before, and all that together I think would equip us to move to full-time football.

“It may be a case of starting