February 17, 2011
By Staff Reporter
For Nicola Greer it was an easy call.
“I know nothing about football,” the newlywed said. “I’ve no interest. But him, [meaning Dave her husband] — he loves it. He’s still trying to play for God’s sake.”
Teresa Cronin on the other hand insisted: “I’m a Liverpool supporter. I like watching the game when they are playing. I’ve always followed Liverpool insisted but I’m not as bad as Willie [her husband] when it comes to football.”
The two life-long friends, Dave and Willie, decided to holiday in New York. For Dave it was his first time here. For Willie it was a return to the Big Apple where he once lived and at times still dearly misses. “I’m settled back in Ireland now,” Cronin said. “I miss the States but I made the right move to return home. The minute I got back Dave checked in and convinced me to play for his team Irishtown FC over 30s in the Amateur League. I look forward to the games every weekend. Playing football keeps us fit enough and we have a great laugh after the game in Ringsend. What’s great about being in Ireland is I can still go to see the Super Reds, Champions of Europe. Isn’t that right Dave?” Cronin asked.
“Liverpool were lucky last year to win the Champions League final against AC Milan,” responded Greer. “It all came down to their manager Benitez but Gerrard was good. However in all the games Gerrard has played against United, Roy Keane has had his number every time. Although I do have to admit with Keane getting on, Gerrard could be the new kingpin in the Premier,” he added.
McCormacks, between 26th and 27th Streets on 3rd Avenue, was the port of call for the die-hard supporters. Life long friends they may be but there is no love lost when it comes to the red in their veins. It was Greer’s day as United was up first against Lille on the Tuesday with Liverpool to follow the next day against Anderlecht. The holidaymakers settled down at McCormack’s counter and little or no reaction to the game was made throughout the first half.
At half time Greer acknowledged, “United are not as good without Keane and Wayne Rooney. We’ve nothing up top. No presence at all in the middle is also hurting the attack. We lack leadership. I know Keane is nearly finished but he still has a lot left in him for the season. I think we’ll be all right in the second half. We look slight favorites to win this one. Although we’re at home I’m not totally convinced just yet. We’ll see, wont we Willie?” asked Greer.
Cronin had sat most silently throughout the first half with an odd comment here and there. “It’s all right Dave,” he’d say. “United are jammy. Don’t worry they’ll score in the 85th minute like they always do.” But at the half Cronin was not satisfied. “It’s been a boring half,” he said. “I think I’ll try a shepherd’s pie.”
Cronin continued, “United are not good today. They are lacking a lot of punch. They lucked out with the group draw. It’s a very weak group. Lille are also below par today. But I think United will qualify. How’s that shepherd’s pie coming on, Ciarnan,” Cronin asked Cormack’s bartender.
“A lot better than the game,” Ciarnan replied.
Greer kept one eye on proceedings as the second half got under way. He seemed to realize that United had become a shadow of the team they once were. He wondered if the young players coming through have what it takes to dominate.
“United will be all right here in this game. I can’t see us losing at Old Trafford today. At the same time I can’t see where the goal will come from. Alan Smith is not the answer to a Keane replacement. He’s not the answer to simply playing in midfield,” Greer said. “I don’t like this. I don’t know what Ferguson is thinking of. At this point United should have a center midfielder who has been groomed under Keane.”
He looked at Cronin and said: “It’s a horrible game. Isn’t it?”
Cronin replied, “It is, but this shepherd’s pie is lovely. You should order one.”
The Liverpool fan added. “Although United are obviously stronger they can’t put Lille away. Can they?” His United-supporting friend responded: “I think I’ll have a shepherd’s pie now.”
There was little or no excitement in the game until Paul Scholes received a red card. A supporter sitting nearby jumped up and protested furiously at how ridiculous United had become. He went to town on the Red Devils. He was lashing the performance as he began to put his coat on. He had seen enough. He was ready to leave just like the fans at the game. Then Greer said, “Hey, what’s your name.” “Pat Whiley,” said the disgruntled supporter. “Pat,” said Greer, “You should try the Sheppard’s pie.”
The next day the girls went shopping and the boys went to the Starting Gate in Woodside, just off 61st Street, in Queens.
Cronin rubbed his hands, anxiously awaiting Liverpool. He was a bit worried about the Reds’ scoring power, but felt they had enough to get by Anderlecht on the day. Greer said: “Liverpool looks good here. Anderlecht are not causing any serious problems. It’s very early stages but Liverpool and Chelsea will come out of their group. And I think United will too. The real games get going in the next phase. These teams just do enough to get through to the next stage. They know how to get results when it matters,” he said. ” But it looks like Liverpool will get better as they move along. Same as last year. What do you think Willie?”
“Xabi Alonso is going to be great for Liverpool. He’s a real Liverpool player. He reminds me a lot of Ronnie Whelan,” Cronin said. “You know many Liverpool fans agree that Whelan is right up there as an all time Liverpool great. They know Dalglish was above the rest, but as far as how the fans like to see the game played, Whelan is an idol when it comes to the Liverpool style. Alonso can be that player for Liverpool. And with Gerrard we can be one of the better midfields in Europe. We just need a goal scorer and the sooner the better. I am not sure on Crouch and Morientes,” replied Cronin. But when Djibril Cisse scored the winner for Liverpool, Cronin smiled and said, “We’ll not be needing any shepherd’s pie today, will we Dave?”