Published: Wednesday, 16th July, 2008 09:00
'Dean ground clash with Leeds on Irish friendly trip
By David Knox
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GALA FAIRYDEAN have been forced into a Dublin pitch switch after Leeds United stole their park.
The ‘Dean head for Ireland on Friday to play against Enfield Celtic over the weekend.
But the Netherdale club received word last week that the pre-season friendly is being moved from the glitzy Mariott Johnstown House Hotel and Spa after a double booking with the Yorkshire club.
And they will have to travel around 20 miles to face the County Meath side on their home ground.
Dean vice chairman Simon Gillie told the Border Telegraph: “The hotel is really popular with football teams from England and it seems that we will be staying there at the same time as Leeds United.
“The pitch and training facilities are amongst the best in Ireland and Enfield Celtic wanted our game to be played at the hotel.
“Everything was fine until the hotel contacted us to say that Leeds needed the pitch to warm up for their Irish tour – we couldn’t really argue.”
Gary McAllister’s Leeds United play three games – against Galway United, Bray Wanderers and Shelbourne – during their pre-season trip.
And the Elland Road stars of Coca Cola Division 1 such as Paul Telfer, Jermaine Beckford and Leon Constantine will rub shoulders with the Fairydean players, including Paul Hossack, Gavin Watson and Brian Wilson.
Co-manager Bryan Templeton isn’t too bothered about the late change in grounds. He said: “I’m not sure what Leeds will make of us and they are welcome to the main pitch.
“Our trip and the game with Enfield is more of a team-building exercise and it’s a reward to our players for all of their efforts.”
The Irish trip is being organised by executives from Dowshu CCTV Manufacturers in Dublin, who are business associates of the Fairydean vice-chairman.
As well as organizing the Saturday match the company is also hosting a welcome reception and a post-game evening party for the Gala boys.
Mr Gillie added: “The idea is for Enfield Celtic to come to Galashiels next year and keep playing the fixture back and forth on an annual basis.
“They have gone to extreme lengths to make us welcome.”
Roy Keane’s Sunderland are due to arrive at the Johnstown Hotel the following week for their tour of Ireland.
**Border Telegraph correspondent David Knox will be with Gala Fairydean in Dublin. Read his full match and trip report next week.
Gala Rovers began training last night at Netherdale.
New bosses Neil Collins and Ian Blackwood will welcome old and new players every Tuesday and Thursday at 7 p.m.
editorial@bordertelegraph.com
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Further Details
Coach calls for Gala repeat