It’s back to the future for Blues and Fenlon

IT is perhaps the most intriguing signing of this or any other season as Pat Fenlon, a playing hero of the Nineties, has returned to Linfield as General Manager.

The remit, we are told, will see the former Derry City, Hibs and Shamrock Rovers boss 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. Interesting stuff. It is a role Fenlon has previously filled at Waterford, and the man himself insists that it is now facts and figures and not formations that are his goal in life. That hasn’t stopped social media going into meltdown with rumours that he is being lined up to replace David Healy, who is clearly under-performing if some of the people are to be believed.

The reality is that after years of having things their own way, financially and most of the time on the football front, there are new challenges and challengers ahead, with Crusaders and Larne moving towards a full-time model, and the Blues, who tried it before, need to move to keep one step ahead of the rest.

It is a fascinating appointment, and Healy is certainly too much of his own man to countenance any inside interference, but anything that can give him a bigger treasure chest of goodies to splash out will certainly be welcomed.