Linfield double is sweet music to DJ ears

Local

David Jeffrey savours getting his hands on the Irish Cup for the third season in a row

Monday, May 05, 2008

Ususally it's the Robbie Williams hit 'Rock DJ' that gets Linfield manager David Jeffrey strutting his stuff after seeing his team win a trophy.

He boogied on the Windsor Park pitch when the team completed the Grand Slam by beating Glentoran in the Irish Cup final two years ago.

Earlier this season after winning the CIS Insurance Cup against Crusaders he couldn't resist a repeat when the same tune was played over the PA system.

Despite winning the cup again on Saturday thanks to a 2-1 victory over Coleraine to complete a third successive double, 'I don't feel like dancing' from the Scissor Sisters would have been more appropriate.

That's because any Blues fans waiting for Jeffrey to show his moves and throw some shapes were sadly disappointed.

And that celebration method now appears to have been shelved forever.

"I decided the last time I did it that it would be the last time," said Jeffrey.

"It certainly was nice and enjoyable.

"The first time I did it it was very spontaneous. The second time maybe it was more expected, but this time it was more about the players and I left the pitch to go and see my Mum and Dad."

On thing's for sure though, The Rolling Stones track 'I can't get no satisfaction' isn't going to be on Jeffrey's play-list as he is in contrast to Mick Jagger.

"I don't know how to put what we have done into words," said Jeffrey.

"It is an incredible achievement to win three doubles.

"There are those who have been mischievous to say the very least.

"People have been critical and said that we should be doing this every year and weren't giving them credit.

"The players went out and answered it and I think probably the word is just satisfaction."

Jeffrey has been questioned time and time again in the 11 years he has served as Linfield manager.

Regularly those questions have been answered, but even lately fresh criticism has come Linfield's way.

They didn't respond particularly well in the first-half on Saturday as Coleraine bossed proceedings - particularly after Paddy McLaughlin's opening goal - Jeffrey stepped up to the mark and his influence behind closed doors at half-time sparked a different performance in the second-half.

The celebrations, however, were somewhat muted, but that's not a sign that the Linfield squad is growing used to dominating the major trophies.

Even if that were to be the case the manager would soon set about remedying the situation.

"I don't think they even realise what they've done," said Jeffrey.

"They weren't going mad in the dressing room after the match. They were laughing and joking a bit and were happy, but I still think it was sinking in.

"It has been the toughest season of the lot and I personally am shattered.

"I look at what we've done and it is phenomenal. It is tough to do three doubles.

"Now is the time to relax and get off. We might have been tired, but we never stumbled and we didn't fall, but I am absolutely wrecked.

"I can say now that this is history in the making and nobody can deny this team.

"It's the greatest achievement in the history of this club."