-
5 days ago | 
belfasttelegraph.co.uk | Liam Beckett
It’s that time again when my ears tend to overheat as I announce my Team of the Year, because I’m quite sure many of you will differ from me in your own choices — but that’s what makes our sport open to debate and varying opinion. When I select my annual Premiership XI, I always pick it as an actual team and not just a collection of top players, and this year I’ve opted for a 4-4-2 formation. Let me know what you think.
-
1 week ago | 
belfasttelegraph.co.uk | Liam Beckett
Yes, the biggest annual outdoor sporting event in Northern Ireland, the North West 200, is almost upon us. For all motorcycle road racing fans, this event represents the biggest opportunity for them to turn up and see the best road racers on the planet racing their machines at incredible speeds on closed public roads. It really is a sight and experience to behold.
-
1 week ago | 
belfasttelegraph.co.uk | Liam Beckett
It’s never nice to see any manager lose his job, but the rumour mill had been in overdrive this past few weeks with regards to Coleraine head coach Dean Shiels’ future at the club. My colleague Steven Beacom exclusively revealed in the Belfast Telegraph last week that Dean, who they only appointed last May, was set to be replaced by former Derry City manager Ruaidhri Higgins and this came to fruition just a few days ago.
-
2 weeks ago | 
belfasttelegraph.co.uk | Liam Beckett
On Saturday, Coleraine’s Irish Cup-winning team of 1975 were very kindly welcomed back to The Showgrounds for a celebratory dinner to mark 50 years since our trophy triumph. I was lucky enough to win a couple of Irish Cups with the Bannsiders, with the first of those coming in ‘75.
-
3 weeks ago | 
belfasttelegraph.co.uk | Liam Beckett
I don’t want to sound like a cracked record, but when several people — including two former IFA Presidents — contacted me last weekend supporting my views on the way football is heading, it became clear to me that we need to act immediately if we are to stop the rot.
-
1 month ago | 
belfasttelegraph.co.uk | Liam Beckett
Daily Headlines Newsletter Receive today's headlines directly to your inbox every morning and evening Please check your inbox to verify your details
-
1 month ago | 
belfasttelegraph.co.uk | Liam Beckett
Just when I was beginning to enter into a period of wishful thinking with regard to any more bizarre changes to the rules and laws of football, up pops something new. I should have known better. These interfering do-gooders who continue to tweak and change the fabric of football have no intention of letting up. Join the Belfast Telegraph WhatsApp channel Stay up to date with some of Northern Ireland's biggest stories
-
1 month ago | 
belfasttelegraph.co.uk | Liam Beckett
It gives me no pleasure whatsoever in being the bringer of bad tidings or saying what I’m about to say but, for the first time in a few years, I feel that standards have dropped in the Irish League. It happens in other Leagues but simply because our product has been so good recently, it strikes you as odd when you realise — albeit reluctantly — that we’ve let things slide for the first time in a long time.
-
1 month ago | 
belfasttelegraph.co.uk | Liam Beckett
Saturday, March 15, 2025. Make a note of the date. I was at Windsor Park to cover Linfield’s Sports Direct Premiership fixture with Glenavon when, in the 82nd minute, referee Evan Boyce awarded the Blues a penalty which may well prove to ignite an historic change with regard to eventually ridding our sport of the pathetic trend of pushing and shoving in the box, particularly at set-pieces.
-
2 months ago | 
belfasttelegraph.co.uk | Liam Beckett
Friday saw the deadline expire for all qualifying clubs who will by now have submitted their plans, applications and requests seeking a slice of the Northern Ireland Football Fund. It goes without saying that all clubs will justifiably feel fully entitled to their fair share, and why shouldn’t they? To say it’s long overdue is something of an understatement. Join the Belfast Telegraph WhatsApp channel Stay up to date with some of Northern Ireland's biggest stories
