Lisbellaw United manager Kyle McCleery selects the best Fermanagh and Western XI that he has played against

There are several players who would walk in to most people’s best Fermanagh and Western starting XI’s from recent times, the likes of Gary Beckett, Cathal Beacom, Ryan Mayse, Andy Crawford etc, but personally I have only played against those lads a handful of times in the Fermanagh and Western as they have all spent a large portion of their career playing high level football.

Also, I really only caught the tail end of the likes of Joe Keenan, Collie Elliott, Paddy Colton, to name but a few.

So, I’ve concentrated my squad on players I’ve had real battles with over the years, and players who’ve been a thorn in our side season after season.

To keep things simple I’ll go for a basic 4-4-2 formation.

Goalkeeper

Trevor Morrison

Probably the easiest pick for me. I’d have to go for Trevor ‘Paddy’ Morrison from Killen Rangers. Played with Paddy for several seasons at Ballinamallard, so I know all about him. Consistent, modest, and a superb shot stopper. Next in line I would say maybe Pat Cadden from his spells with Enniskillen Town.

Right Back

Marty Flanagan

I think another relatively easy choice for me personally. Marty Flanagan from Strathroy Harps. So composed on the ball he’s scary, I don’t think I’ve ever seen him take a poor touch or misplace a pass. I am also a big fan of Ciaran ‘Chunky’ Beacom, Chris Crilly and David Crozier, but I have to go with Marty.

Centre Backs

Benny Boyle

A lot of choice here, mostly from Strathroy again. I will go for Benny Boyle just ahead of his team mates Gareth McCrory, Benny McIlholm and Seamus Franthorpe. Boyler has consistently been a top defender over the years, he can play out from the back, he’s a threat from set pieces and a good organiser, he ticks all the boxes.

Nicky Dunbar

In beside Boyler I’ll go for Nicky Dunbar. Again, very good on the ball, good in the air, pacey and aggressive. Always felt he had the attributes to play at a higher level. Neil Coulter and Richard Johnston also knocking on the door.

Left back

Michael Kerr

Michael Kerr, for any club he’s played with but most notably with Enniskillen Rangers. Strong, aggressive, good in the air for not the tallest, and a left foot that could open a tin of beans. I played with Michael many years ago in the Milk Cup and his talent has never been in doubt. Seen him score plenty of wonder goals over the years. He gets the nod ahead of Conor ‘Flood’ Tummons from Enniskillen Town.

Right Midfield

Emmet McNabb

Even though he hasn’t been playing for all that many seasons, I will have to go with Emmet McNabb from his time at Tummery Athletic. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone who can leave players for dead like he can. One drop of the shoulder and he’s gone. Already he appears to be a big hit at Dergview, and who knows where his talent will take him. Other option would be Lee Walker from Kesh, Stuart Rainey (Rangers) or Lee Frazer (Mountjoy).

Centre Midfield

William Burleigh

Two really, really difficult slots for me to fill as this is the area I played in and played against these lads over the years. Names that spring to mind would be Colin Adams from Beragh Swifts, Liam Murphy and Ronan Ormsby from Irvinestown Wanderers, and Graham Young from Killen Rangers. But the first player in centre midfield is William Burleigh from Enniskillen Rangers. Caused us a lot of bother over the years with his all action display. No frills, he just gets on with it. Box to box, and a fantastic goal scoring record too. I watched Rangers win the Junior Cup a few season ago against Hill Street and thought William was superb and he deserved it so much to get his hands on that trophy.

Ryan Hanna

In beside William in the engine room is Ryan Hanna. When he was at Town he scored against us in two Mulhern Cup semi finals, one of which was a dinked finish in extra time if I remember correctly. And he’s now flying high with Tummery. Loads of energy and weighs in with his fair share of goals too, it’s always a tough battle against Ryan. Colm and Gerry McCullagh from Tummery Athletic are worth a mention too. I only played against Colm a few times, and he was probably past his prime, but I thought him probably a level above most of those other lads to be honest, but as I say, only played against him a few times. James Turley from Rangers, Kevin Sloan and Poggie Nugent from Strathroy, the list is endless.

Left Midfield

Darren Teague

Without doubt, and also someone I’d give the captain’s armband to, is Darren Teague. He’s tortured us over the years, and I rate him very, very highly. Strathroy beat us 3-1 or 3-2 at Drumad one season when we were both going for the league, he scored two absolute screamers. He’s strong, tenacious, hates losing with a passion and he has bags of quality. The only thing lets him down the odd time is his discipline. Only for Darren, I’d have Gary ‘Mason’ Maguire in there, who again is always exceptional every time we play Irvinestown Wanderers. Another fantastic player is Christopher ‘Cripper’ Currie (Rangers).

Strikers

Frank Wallace

Again, spoilt for choice. I think over the years, you would immediately think of Frank Wallace from Enniskillen Town and the legend that is Mark Jones from Kesh. Their goal scoring season after season is quite phenomenal. However, Kesh spent several seasons playing outside of the F&W, so Jonsey might have to miss out because of that. Others to pick from would be Stephen Sheridan from Irvinestown Wanderers, Stephen and Michael Browne from Beragh Swifts, Ryan Cunningham from Tummery Athletic, and maybe Jamie Sproule from Killen Rangers. But I think for his performances against us over the years I’ll go with Frank Wallace.

Aidy McCaffrey

This is a difficult one for me. Obviously, Jonesy could slot in here too, but also you have Tony Quinn from Strathroy, or Jason Keenan and Mark Cutler from Enniskillen Rangers. But, the final place in the starting XI goes to a player who in my opinion is possibly the most naturally gifted player in the league, Aidy McCaffrey. We’ve had a fair few run ins, but when all is said and done I admit I rate him very highly.

He ran us ragged in the Mulhern Cup final a few seasons ago when he was at Strathroy Harps. Now back at Tummery Athletic, he put us out of the Junior Cup earlier this season with a free kick deep in to extra time. Small in stature, but an unquestionable talent.

 

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