Former Linfield and Glentoran striker eager to see others emulate his Canadian odyssey: ‘I would definitely say go for it'
Former Linfield and Glentoran striker Daryl Fordyce is encouraging coaches and players from Northern Ireland to broaden their horizons as he continues his coaching career in Canada.
The Belfast man is assistant manager of Valour FC, and while he's focused on that role, he can feel excitement building ahead of the 2026 World Cup kicking-off in the United States, Canada and Mexico in the summer of 2026.
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Belfast Telegraph
an hour ago
- Belfast Telegraph
Gudjohnsen threat returns to Windsor Park as NI prepare to face famous Icelandic name
Days later they hit back as David Healy scored a hat-trick in a stunning 3-2 victory over Spain that was followed by manager Lawrie Sanchez threatening to quit before staying in post. When asked if he could guarantee there would be no repeat of the 3-0 reverse on Tuesday, Michael O'Neill joked that he was "glad that Eidur Gudjohnsen is not available for this game". The problem for Northern Ireland is that Andri Gudjohnsen, Eidur's son, is in the squad, and on Friday emulated his father's achievement of scoring against Scotland at Hampden Park as Iceland enjoyed a 3-1 triumph. "We were just talking about this," Iceland boss Arnar Gunnlaugsson said. "Eidur Gudjohnsen also scored at Hampden (in 2003), now his son did it a couple of days ago. I think if history repeats itself (on Tuesday) it will be a joyful occasion for the Gudjohnsen family." Gunnlaugsson, who took charge of the national team in January, spent a big chunk of his playing career in England with Bolton, Leicester, and Stoke. Martin O'Neill paid a reported £2million in 1999 to take Gunnlaugsson to Filbert Street, where he was a team-mate of Gerry Taggart and Neil Lennon, and helped Leicester on their way to League Cup glory in 2000 before joining Stoke. "He was an iconic manager, one of the greats," Gunnlaugsson said of former Northern Ireland midfielder O'Neill. "You always try to pick up one or two things from the best. I played with Neil Lennon and Gerry Taggart as well, really just a great bunch of lads. "We had a great time at Leicester, won the League Cup, but it was a quality time so obviously you pick the brains of the good ones and there are one or two things I like to use from my time at Leicester." Gunnlaugsson has sought to implement an aggressive pressing style with Iceland. His reign began with home and away defeats to Kosovo in the Nations League play-offs, relegating them to League C, but last week's win in Scotland shows a way forward. There are plenty of similarities with Northern Ireland too. Iceland enjoyed their best ever period when they reached the quarter-finals of Euro 2016, going on to play in the World Cup two years later, but are now in a period of rebuilding. "I like the project that's ongoing here – young players, strong enthusiastic players, a lot of running abilities, so I'm expecting a really strong match," Gunnlaugsson said of Northern Ireland. "I think both nations really enjoyed (Euro 2016) and they're probably asking the question, 'Why can't we do it every other year?' Football is difficult, especially for small nations. "Now we also have a really good group of young players coming through who are playing at a really high level. "We try to combine that with experience and hopefully get the right mix. Is the World Cup in 2026 maybe too early? I don't know, but we certainly could give it a go."
BBC News
an hour ago
- BBC News
Belgium beat Wales 4-3 in seven goal thriller
Wales have been beaten 4-3 by Belgium in a thrilling qualifying match for next summer's football World Cup. Craig Bellamy's side fought back from three goals down to draw level at former Manchester City midfielder Kevin de Bruyne scored a late winner in the 88th minute to win the match for Belgium. The result means that Wales slip down to second place in Group J. What happened in the match? Romelu Lukaku opened the scoring for Belgium in the 15th minute from the penalty spot after a handball minutes later Belgium got their second goal through captain Youri things got even more difficult for Wales as Manchester City striker Jeremy Doku made it 3-0 inside the first half managed to pull a goal back from a Harry Wilson penalty just before half-time but went into the break 3-1 down. In the second half, Wales staged their Thomas brought the side back to 3-2 with his first goal for his Tottenham's Brennan Johnson, who scored the winning goal in the Europa League final last month, was on form again as he headed Wales' it wasn't to be, as a late Kevin De Bruyne goal sealed a nailbiting 4-3 win for result meant that Wales suffered their first loss in 10 games, and the first under manager Craig the match, Bellamy said he was "really proud" of the team, despite their explained: "To come to a top-eight team in the world and to play that way, it's going to give us so much."After being 3-0 down, where it could've gone the other way, for them to believe in themselves, that will give us so much going forward," Bellamy added.
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
Jack Grealish given new escape route as alternative to Florian Wirtz
Jack Grealish is looking for a new club after being axed from Manchester City's Club World Cup squad and there could be an opportunity for him to join Bayer Leverkusen as they seek to replace Florian Wirtz Manchester City misfit Jack Grealish could become Liverpool -bound Florian Wirtz's replacement at Bayer Leverkusen. The German side have rejected a number of bids from the Reds for their star man Wirtz, who they value at around £126million. Should Liverpool finally get their man, Leverkusen will need a new playmaker and Grealish has been identified by new boss Erik ten Hag as a man who could fill the void. Grealish has no future at City after being left out of Pep Guardiola's squad for the FIFA Club World Cup and he will be eyeing up his next move - though his eye-water salary of £300,000-a-week may cause issues. The 29-year-old has fallen well down the pecking order at Manchester City and there is an acceptance from all parties that a move elsewhere is best. Grealish has been hugely influential in the past and Leverkusen may believe they can get him back to that level. Ten Hag himself is known to be an admirer, reports The Sun, and those close to the player believe he is keen on a move overseas as he looks to revive his career. While the Dutchman won't want to lose a player of his quality after he bagged 16 goals and 13 assists last season, he would be given a huge transfer war chest if Leverkusen are able to collect a reported £118m for his services. Ten Hag has already landed Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flekken and the cash from the Wirtz deal should allow him to sign Grealish and a few more players too. Grealish knows he needs to resurrect his career, as he still hopes of making England's World Cup squad next year. Grealish would be interested in returning to boyhood club, Villa - four years after he left City for £100m - but their lack of Champions League football might make the move difficult. Grealish started just seven times in the Premier League last night after losing his place under Guardiola, who admitted the winger has to play regular football at the end of the 2024-25 season. "Of course Jack has to play," he said. "He's an unbelievable player that has to play football every three days. It didn't happen this season and last season either. He needs to do it - with us or another place. "Who said I'm not happy with Jack? It's not personal. I'm the person who fought for him to come here and the person who fought for him to stay here this season and the last season. "I'm the one who said I want Jack Grealish. Now he didn't come (to Fulham) because he didn't come but not something else. What happens in the future is a job for Txiki (Begiristain), Hugo (Viana) and the agents." Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
