Jamie Mulgrew programme interview
Posted : 1st October 2021
Linfield captain Jamie Mulgrew is one of the club’s all-time greats and one of the most decorated players to wear the blue shirt, and just a few weeks ago he made a little bit more of his own history as he made his 639th appearance in a Linfield shirt.
The significance of that number is that it drew him level with former defender William ‘Winkie’ Murphy, and the midfielder then overtook his former teammate last week with his 640th appearance in a game against Glenavon. Only Noel Bailie MBE (1,013) and Tommy Dickson (660) are ahead on the all-time appearance list, with legendary former goalkeeper Alex Russell in the mix with an unconfirmed number somewhere 'over 600' appearances. Speaking to ‘Look at Linfield’, Mulgrew said he’s proud of his latest achievement.
“It’s pretty special. You set goals and aspirations for yourself. When I first arrived, it was about getting into the team and playing. As the years go on, you have different goals and aspirations, whether that’s trophies, appearances or whatever. You have got to be hungry to continue to win trophies and to continue to work hard, if you want to stay at Linfield and to make many appearances.”
Similarly, a number of plaques honouring legendary figures and teams from Linfield’s history were erected on the wall behind the Railway End at Windsor Park and one was dedicated to the skipper which, again, he is very proud of.
“It was a big shock when I heard about it. I didn’t really know the extent of the occasion to officially launch the plaques until I got there on Monday. To be there and see all the hard work that has gone on in the background to make it happen, has been absolutely brilliant. I am humbled to be among that.”
In other news around Windsor, former Northern Ireland international George McCartney has joined the coaching staff and Mulgrew believes that he has and will continue to make a positive impact on the team.
“George has been in now for quite a while. He was a high-profile player who accumulated a lot of experience throughout his playing career. George has been doing his coaching badges and hopefully, he will continue to be a positive influence in our squad by handing over and relaying that experience. He has been fantastic and it’s another voice to add something to the group.”
On current events on the pitch, Linfield have earned 11 points from their opening five league matches and on reflection, Mulgrew believes that’s a decent start to the season, particularly after Tuessday night’s win over Glentoran.
“At Linfield you want to, and are expected to, win every game. We’ve won three and drawn two of our five league games and, in a way, we have been disappointed with that. However, whenever you sit back and ponder, like Glenavon away where it has been very difficult for us over the years, and the other draw against Coleraine who are there or thereabouts every year, it’s not so bad.”
“To go to the Oval and get three points, along with the other wins over Crusaders and Portadown, I think it makes it a positive start, considering we have a new team settling in here, in a new full-time environment. There’s been a lot of changes and with a lot of new players getting used to the league, I think it’s a positive start.”
Finally, Linfield take on the early pacesetters Cliftonville at Windsor Park in what promises to be a great game under the floodlights tonight. However, Mulgrew may not be involved after he was withdrawn early on, in Linfield’s midweek 3-0 win over the Glens at the Oval, and he says the team must come first.
“We set the marker down with our performance on Tuesday night. It’s a stepping stone but there’s no point us doing that and then not repeating it against Cliftonville. That’s the challenge for us against a Cliftonviile team flying high, full of confidence at the top of the league. I’m sure they will fancy coming for a result and it’s important we meet that challenge head on.”
On the pitch or off the pitch, the inspirational Jamie Mulgrew is sure to have a major influence over his team mates not just tonight but over the demanding fixture schedule ahead. He may have had to be withdrawn in the first half at the Oval on Tuesday but no doubt, it won't be long until the ever consistent Mulgrew makes his 642nd appearance in the Linfield shirt he has worn with great distinction over many years.