David Graham: Why Linfield's defeat to Shelbourne in the Champions League was ‘inevitable'. . . change is required

Belfast Telegraph

17-07-2025

I had the privilege of watching Linfield play both home and away against Shelbourne FC, either side of the border and either side of the traditional 12th holiday in Northern Ireland. To have my two young boys with me at the away game was a great memory, regardless of the result.
For the second leg at Windsor, my older boy performed his duties as a ball boy, whilst my younger son joined his Linfield Academy teammates in The Kop. I know that the future Linfield players thrived on the atmosphere generated by 'Blue Unity', criticised by many who fail to see the benefit that this group creates for future generations whilst loved by those who want to turn Windsor Park into a fortress.
As I left Windsor Park, my heart filled with pride at a performance filled with courage, determination and desire. Nevertheless, even in the midst of the emotion of defeat, I knew that this feeling was in many ways…. inevitable.
The game, as a contest, across two legs, ended in a 2-1 defeat for Linfield, who represented NIFL and Northern Ireland football with great credit. In reality, it was always going to be an uphill struggle for Linfield, even with the obvious tactical nous of David Healy, and a team driven by the experience and fire of Jamie Mulgrew and Kirk Miller. These are points that will be overlooked now, but I imagine, will be recognised with the passing of time.
Shelbourne, as they approached the second leg, had played 25 competitive domestic games, having only won eight. Crucially, this made them fitter, technically more comfortable on the ball and crucially, sharper at the most crucial moments.
Why was it inevitable?
Why was it an uphill struggle?
In reality, no one can fully answer the questions above.
The differences in seasonal calendar ensure that more questions are raised, than actual answers.
Why does this matter?
Well, it matters more than anyone in Northern Irish football wants to admit.
In short, if an Irish league club wins the first round of the Champions league, you are guaranteed a play-off for the Conference League which is worth around £3m.
For a team like Linfield, with a fanbase comparable to any Scottish league club outwith Glasgow or Edinburgh, that is generational change.
For those who understand the inner machinations of Linfield, that change is well overdue. Ironically, that is a change which may cause consternation within the bloated boardroom of BT12 or other old boys clubs who've been unnerved by the likes of new Irish League owners, Kenny Bruce and Henry Ross.
I am on record saying that I believe an Irish league club needs to invest approximately £1.5m into their First Team infrastructure to give them a realistic chance of winning the Gibson Cup.
Of course, I can be proven wrong.
My good friends, Stuart Dallas and Jarlath Faloon will underline the times Crusaders and Dungannon Swifts won trophies, well beyond their expectations.
But, let's cut to the chase…
We need Irish League clubs vying for Uefa group stage football every year. It makes sense for the game we all cherish across our province, and even setting aside club loyalty, the benefit to our game is unchallengeable.
The solidarity payments for Uefa are something that I believe need to be explained and highlighted in much greater detail. I am happy to go on the BelTel Football podcast and discuss this, at anytime.
I recall my predecessor at Linfield, Pat Fenlon, who talked to me at length about the infamous 'RFS game' in 2022.
He said to me that everyone will always talk about the final few moments, where Linfield looked destined for group stage qualification in 2022, but ended up losing on penalties. Pat underlined the moment that the fixture turned, not in Windsor, but a week prior.
Linfield were 2-0 up after 70 minutes, but conceded in the 88th and 96th minute. Pat, and I agree with his stance, maintained that the game changed because Linfield were essentially in pre-season whilst RFS were firing on all cylinders due to their seasonal difference.
Let's not sit on the fence any longer.
Northern Ireland punches well beyond its weight in world footballing terms.
Nevertheless, it struggles at European level.
Is it simply the mindset of club committees/boards?
If that was the case, why have Larne qualified for Europe and achieved a great result against Auda?
Is it a strategic failure to recognise that, with ambition and desire, NIFL clubs can confidentially plant the Northern Ireland flag in Europe?
We can discuss the exact start and end dates, but the outcome must stop an opposition flag being planted on the turf of a NIFL stadium, four weeks before the domestic season is due to start.