QUAY MAN HORAN HITS BIG TIME AT 38
More history is beckoning for veteran defender
GEORGE HORAN is living the Champions League dream at the age of 38 with little Connah’s Quay Nomads.
It is the culmination of an amazing six years with the North Wales side as the club skipper prepares to face FK Sarajevo of Bosnia in the first qualifying round tonight.
Last Saturday he was finally able to lift the Welsh League trophy in a special presentation after former Manchester City hero Andy Morrison steered Connah’s Quay to the title for the first time in their history.
They will create more history if they beat Sarajevo at the Cardiff City Stadium – becoming the smallest club to go past the first qualifying round. “We played Cardiff City Under-23s at the Cardiff City ground last Wednesday so we could get used to the surroundings and the same kick-off time,” said Horan.
“We won 2-0. We are a side that gets stuck in and roughs the opposition up a bit. These academy teams don’t know what’s hit them when we play them.
“We’re having to play in Cardiff because it’s a Championship ground which has all the facilities in the current Covid-19 world. They have all the testing and safety measures in place.
“Being somewhere more local would have been better – like Wrexham – but even though it’s a fair way we’ll give it a right go. I’ve been with the club for six years and it’s been a steady rise every season. Now we’ve won the Welsh League for the first time in our history.”
Next season’s Champions League is starting even before the current one has ended.
“For Connah’s Quay to be in the same draw as some of the big teams in Europe is just great,” said centre-back Horan.
“We’ve got a great incentive because the gaffer pointed out that no team at our level has gone past this round, so there’s the chance to create more history.
“It will be surreal hearing the Champions League music before the start even though there won’t be any fans. “There are many Premier League players who go through their whole careers having never played in the Champions League – and here we are, little Connah’s Quay Nomads, being involved this week.”
Much of that is down to boss Morrison, who is still worshipped by City fans as a no-nonsense defender.
“I’m surprised he’s still here. I thought he might have kicked on and gone somewhere else.” said Horan.
“He gets a bit of stick for the way we play. But we play a man’s game and his methods are proven.
“I have never wanted my career to fizzle out so it’s great being involved in games like these. It’s been great with European games, vital domestic league and cup matches. There’s something to aim at.”