Soccer Scene: Remembering Jackie Jameson, a player with style, grace

When Manchester United came to Dublin, they had Bryan Robson running the show. Robson ran a trench down the middle of the field and it was quite apparent to the crowd that he was not going to stop. But when Jameson got on the ball, the crowd’s anticipation was rewarded. That’s the kind of player he could be, a crowd winner. He was capable of doing something that looked out of the ordinary. In the 1984 UEFA Cup, Jameson’s performance caught the imagination of many an overseas scout.
Jameson was a graceful player whose story has deep roots in Irish soccer. He started with Lourdes Celtic, a Dublin schoolboy club that was known for its flashy players. There was no looking back for the talented teenager when Jameson left to make it in the League of Ireland for Shamrock Rovers. After a spell with Dundalk, he ended back with Rovers again at Milltown. Things perhaps would settle down for him when he joined St. Patrick’s Athletic under Charlie Walker. However, it was to be Bohs, the Gypsies, that Jameson is best remembered as a player.
Jameson joined Bohs and found a platform to work his magic. Once the player settled down with the Gypsies, he started mesmerizing the fans at Dalymount. When talk faded that he wasn’t going to make it across the water, the artistry in Jameson appeared. He could relax and enjoy his game. He always seemed to be at his best in big games, especially against Manchester United, Rangers and the like. He was also at his best when there was a bigger crowd.
Jameson was considered a legend at Bohs. Shock still runs through the grounds of Dalymount and right back to the humble beginnings of Lourdes Celtic. At the Orchard and Rovers, John Wilkes got to know the quiet Jameson with the dry sense of humor. Wilkes described Jameson as a “natural footballer.” In 205 appearances for the Gypsies, Jameson scored 70 goals. He may not have won a league or cup medal, but he had the ability to stun the crowd

WAYNE ROONEY MANIA
Across the waters and onto Merseyside, a star is born and already bright. It looks like an early Christmas cracker for Everton. A Liverpool lad named Wayne Rooney is doing something special of his own for Everton. Rooney-mania is what they are calling it. Big Wayne, at just 17, hit yet another game winner, this time in Everton’s 1-nil victory over Leeds United at the weekend. Recently, he popped one in against Arsenal. Everton’s David Moyes wisely keeps Rooney on the bench. It was the first time Everton has won at Elland Road since 1951.
In the 2001-02 Youth FA Cup, Rooney scored eight goals in eight games. He made Everton’s first team for preseason at only 16. In Austria, he scored a hat trick against SC Weiz, and a week later scored another three against QPR. With only four reserve games at Everton, Rooney jumped into first-team football with his electrifying pace and shooting.
Rooney made his debut against Spurs and he created Everton’s first goal in a 2-all draw. His goal against the Gunners surprised fans on both sides. He controlled a long ball with ease then struck a fierce effort that flew home. Proving that he was not a one-hit wonder, he was at it again against Leeds.
Within five minutes of Rooney’s entrance into the game, Leeds were caught off guard. Things seemed safe at the back when Everton’s substitute got on the ball in the 80th minute. Erik Bakke and Lucas Radebe were first to witness the speed and finishing shot from Rooney that started over 30 yards out. Leaving both Leeds defenders falling behind, Rooney went on to score from inside the box. Crowds were brought to their feet when the goal went in.
Rooney may well go on a roll as a super sub. He is big enough and strong enough to do so. His strike gave Everton a third successive premiership victory. There is much excitement surrounding Rooney’s selection as a starter but Everton boss David Moyes wisely announced: “I will make the right decisions regarding Wayne. It’s easy to keep him out of the spotlight. He does what’s natural to him and I will do what’s best for him.”
Moyes also had high praise for Rooney’s goal. “It was a different type of goal to the one he scored against Arsenal,” he said. “It’s more the type of goal I want to see him scoring, going into the box and committing defenders. People score outside (the box), but most goals are scored inside and that’s where good players need to go in.”
Bill Kenwright, Everton’s deputy chairman, is equally impressed. “You can’t play down Rooney,” he said. “How can you play down the greatest thing around in football? A bright prospect? I think you could say that. You have to try to protect him from us, our fans and our hopes.”