Willie McStay's unbelievable time in Hungary

by Joe McHugh "An unbelievable experience," was the phrase that Willie McStay used tonight to describe his time with Ujpest Dozsa.

Resigning from the post as first team coach yesterday wasn't done lightly or in the heat of the moment but looking back at his stint in Hungary there are no regrets from the former Celtic reserve and youth team boss.

"It has been a fantastic experience and I'll be returning a different person and a different coach," McStay admitted.

"After coming out to a totally different football environment, adapting to a strange language and having a degree of success I've learned so much. It's been priceless.

"Working for a famous club has been great for me. There was a lot of success in the first part of the season and I got a great response from the players.

"There are some fantastic memories, beating Ferencvaros in the derby match was very special for the fans.

"We got into a good position in the league and the cup. We beat Videoton home and away to reach the semi-finals of the Magyar Cup and won away at Debrecen while they were involved in the Champions League

"I've enjoyed my time immensely and have nothing but good memories about Ujpest. I've learned a lot about myself as a person and as a coach and wish Ujpest all the best in the future."
McStay will return to Celtic next week with midfielder Mark Millar also likely to cut short his loan deal with Ujpest.

Willie McStay resigns as Ujpest Dozsa manager

Willie McStay has resigned as manager of Ujpest Dozsa with the club in deep financial trouble.

Despite taking the Budapest side to third place in the league and the semi finals of the Magyar Cup in the first half of the season it's believed that some players haven't been paid wages since before Christmas.

McStay has been attempting to keep the players focussed and motivated against that backdrop but has watched his side lose four out of five matches since the end of their winter break.

Saturday's 1-0 defeat away to Haladas turned out to be his last match in charge of the club with Ujpest accepting his resignation yesterday.

McStay had hoped to stay on until the after the return leg of Ujpest's Magyar Cup semi-final with ZTE on April 14 but opted to quit yesterday.

Joe McBride, McStay's assistant at Ujpest will also be leaving the club.

Speaking after the defeat at Haladas McStay said: "I am proud of the players. They did everything to get the win today. We worked hard with lots of devotion and at times played well. The players battled fantastically.

"We had more chances when we were down to 10 men than Haladas, and I feel that we did everything to try and get the equaliser, and then go on to score the winner. 

"Sadly a laughable decision by the referee signalled the games turning point. What Zoltan Pollack did was everything but not acting. The referee was inconsistent and did not punish the other teams players for the same things. 

"From the country that I come from, the football association would not hand out a ban to a player for that, and that would show that the referee got it wrong. Perhaps I seem angry about the referee's decision, but as a sportman, I would like to congratulate Haladas, as they fought very well."

Ujpest website statement.

Testing times for McStay at Ujpest

Former Celt Willie McStay takes Ujpest Dozsa to face third bottom Haladas this afternoon facing the toughest times of his management career.

Four defeats out of five since the end of the winter break, and a first leg defeat in the semi finals of the Magya Cup, have saw Ujpest slip out of contention for the title and battling for a European spot.

While their rivals strengthened their squads during the three month winter break hoping to follow Debrecen into the Champions League Ujpest had to make to do attempting to hold on to their players.

A run of injuries and suspensions has had a major impact on McStay's options.

Captain Peter Kovac's goals helped drive the club up the table in the first part of the season but McStay is looking for the rest of his side to roll up their sleaves and grind out some wins before the return leg of their Magyar Cup semi-final away to ZTE on April 14.

He said: "Things have been tough since the season resumed, there has been a few factors but the only way to resolve things is to work harder on the park.

"We've got a small group of players and we've asked a lot of them but to be successful they have to push themselves further.

"There hasn't been much luck around recently but you have to keep working hard and believing in yourselves to turn things round.

"Every mistake seems to be getting punished but we have to be sharper in front of goal and tighter at the back, we've had chances to win matches but haven't been decisive enough.

"Against Haladas we need 100% concentration and determination, we need to fight for everything.

"They have some good attacking options but we need to win to pick things up again for the league and cup."

Celtic u-19s v Rangers 1pm today!

Cup misery for McStay and Ujpest

Willie McStay had an even more miserable time than most Celtic fans last night as Ujpest Dozsa lost 1-0 at home to ZTE in the first leg of their Magyar Cup Semi Final.

A last minute goal from Balazas capped off a bad night for the home side who have been unable to recapture the form that they showed before the winter break.

Beating league leaders Videoton home and away in the quarter finals earned Ujpest their semi-final place but McStay is still hopeful of turning the semi-final around.

He said: "It was a bad night allround, we had a player sent off then lost a last minute goal.

"I can't fault my players efforts in any way, they are giving me everything but not much is going our way just now.

"We're working as hard as we can with a small squad but when we are down a couple of players it makes things very difficult.

"I've still got faith in the players, they have had a great season and showed with their wins over Videoton and Debrecen that they are as good as anyone in the country.

"We'll have to lift ourselves for the league at the weekend before we can think about the return match with ZTE.

"We're still in the cup and given the breaks more than capable of winning the return leg and reaching the final."

.

McStay pleased with win, hospitality Ujpest style

Willie McStay was delighted by Ujpest's 4-1 win over Diosgyor which got his side back to winning ways.

Four months is a long time to wait for a league win but after a three month winter break the former Celtic coach was pleased to see his side remain in fourth place, a point behing Gyor in third position.

"It was a satisfying win for us," McStay admitted. "We worked hard in training through the week and got our rewards.

"Diosgyor equalised but that was another test for us, we never panicked and came back strongly which was pleasing.

"Peter Kabat was in form, when he's playing it gives the side confidence and he's a match winner. He scored twice but brings much more than goals to the team.

"Mark Millar had a good game as well, he's adapting to the physical side of the game and is becoming more influential.

"He scored his first goal the previous week and is recapturing the form that he showed before getting injured."

Life and football in Budapest is certainly different to SPL fare.

Sky Sports News in the office and the internet keeps McStay and assistant Joe McBride upto date with everything that's happening at home.

Budapest has thanfully avoided following the Prague blueprint of becoming everyone's favourite stage night destination but there's no shortage of tourists with football in the five club city a popular attraction.

McStay explained: "There always seems to be some Scottish supporters over at our matches and they enjoy themselves.

"On Sunday there was a party of six from Edinburgh who support Hearts or Hibs.

"Every year they make a weekend of it somewhere and go along to take in a match.

"All that they need to do is put on some 'Jimmy wigs' and they can be virtually certain of appearing on telly or in the papers.

"They got full hospitality for £60 and I ended up giving some of them a lift back to their hotel- I'm not sure if that would take off in the SPL.

"It's great to hear other Scottish voices around the club and if anyone is looking for a good weekend with some passionate football they are very welcome at Ujpest."

Hospitality Ujpest style 

McStay's challenging times at Ujpest

There are no cracked crests yet but when Ujpest Dozsa face Diosgyor this afternoon on on the back of two consecutive league defeats the stakes will be high.

The winter break has been cruel on Willie McStay's squad with back-to-back defeats from Gyor and Kecskemeti derailing their title hopes.

Hungary's season closed down in November for three months with the momentum that Ujpest had built up, including home and away wins over leaders Videoton in the Magyar Cup, left in cold storage as the season resumed.

Zalaegerszek await in the semi-final of the Magyar Cup but after experiencing back-to-back defeats for the first time in his managerial career McStay is facing a new aspect to his Hungarian adventure.

He said: "There's a big challenge to be faced just now but it's one that I'm prepared for and know how to deal with.

"The break in the season is enormous and it really seems like two different seasons and two teams. We built up some momentum before the break and ideally would have liked to have kept that momentum going.

"There are expectations at he club now and we have to deal with them, there has been a dip since we restarted and key players missing. If they had been out in the first half of the season I think that we would have struggled as well but we'll have two key players back to face Diosgyor.

"This job can seem easy when the going is good but despite the last two league results it has still been a fantastic experience for me.

"When result don't go well you learn about yourself and your players, there are different dynamics to the job. The harder that you work the more rewarding it becomes, I can honestly say that every day I am loving the job.

"Dealing with the media can be interesting, the language is obviously an issue. Generally there is an understanding but things can get lost in translation a little. The emphasis and context doesn't always translate easily."

While other Hungarian clubs spent money during the transfer window hoping to emulate Debrecen's run into the Champions League things were much tighter at Ujpest.

Finances wouldn't stretch to a training trip to Scotland with no major incoming transfers to boost the squad.

As Middlesbrough bought up a job lot of players from Celtic McStay was able to sign teenage Boro striker Gary Martin on loan.

Martin scored in midweek in the 2-0 League Cup win over Haladas and could make his league debut against Diosgyor.

McStay added: "With the injuries that we've had I've had to have a look at younger players and Gary showed up well against Haladas.

"When I was at Celtic I'd be pushing the case for the younger players but now I'm looking at that from the other angle.

"I have to decide if they are mature and ready for first team football. There has been a few players emerge from the squad over the last couple of games but I know my strongest team, when they are available I'm confident that we can get winning again."
Final score Ujpest 4-1Diosgyor (in hungarian)

Ujpest resume with a draw against Paks

Ujpest Dozsa returned to competitive action after a three month winter break to draw 1-1 with Paks today in the League Cup.

After five weeks back in training for the resumption of the league next weekend Willie McStay's side had the unusual experience of playing on an artificial pitch with most of Hungry gripped by snow.

Next Sunday's league match with Gyor already looks in danger of being postponed but the former Celtic reserve boss was pleased with today's outing.

McStay said: "That was the first competitive game that we have played on astro turf. I have been working at Ujpest for 7 months now, and I cannot remember us playing in such windy conditions. 

"Astro turf and strong winds - is not the best combination, but the attitude of the players was spot on. We dictated play in the first half, and could have made more chances perhaps. Paks scored with their only chance, which I am disappointed with. 

"We will have Peter Kabat and Zsolt Korcsmar back for the next game, which will strengthen our team. It is also hard to see where we are at the moment as we have not yet played on grass."

The Hungarian transfer window remains open for another week with McStay hopeful than he can hold onto centre half Korcsmar who spent four days training with Celtic in December.

He added: "All of the teams around us have been adding to their squads during the break but I'm just hoping that we can hold on to Korcsmar.

"It's going to be difficult to repeat what we achieved in the first half of the season but I've told our players that our opponents can only field eleven players.

"Ideally I'd liked to have added to the squad but the players that we have have did well for us.

"If we can keep this group together, keep everyone fit and get off to a good start when the league resumes we'll be in for an exciting time."  
Ujpest website  
Hungarian league table
Celtic's u-19 side face Dundee United at Tannadice tomorrow in the quarter final of the SFA Youth Cup, kick-off 2pm

McStay: Moving on from Celtic

Starting the new year in Hungary was the furthest thing from Willie McStay's mind as Celtic clinched the SPL Reserve title for the eighth year running at Ibrox in April.

Existing doubts over the future of the reserve league were soon to be compounded by the disappearance of Setanta giving hard up clubs a get-out for abandoning an essential level of football.

Celtic's development plans would be severely altered by the demise of the reserve league although the club had already been planning ahead with friendlies arranged throughout the season in an attempt to provide the players with a game every week.

The club had also been busy recruiting a number of players mainly from Eastern Europe who were not yet ready for first team football but who showed promise and potential, 'projects' as Gordon Strachan dubbed many of them.

Player development was to be a two way street with Celtic looking for players to gain first team experience, possibly away from the normal channels such as in Scotland and England.

Hungary had been identified as a country with potential to recruit and develop players with discussions on-going with Ujpest Dozsa to see what could be of mutual benefit for both clubs.

Celtic had sent coaches to a number of Eastern countries to study players and clubs but it was an initiative from Ujpest that put a new dimension into Celtic's plans and the career of McStay.

Looking back on his career changes of 2009 McStay recalled: “A year ago I was concentrating on working with Gordon, I enjoyed the chance to work with first team footballers, at international breaks I was holding the fort working with the players.

“That was good. I'd worked with players like John Kennedy and Thomas Gravesen in the reserves, working with the first team players while Gordon was away during international weeks that gave me an edge.

“We were successful in the reserves, we played a good style of football although the personnel was changing constantly. Sometimes we had no strikers, we used Kevin Cawley up front but the style of play was good, we kept the ball and passed with energy, the players knew what they were doing and what was expected of them.

“Little did I know that when Ujpest were watching our players to see who they might want to take on loan that the more they watched the team the more that they liked our style of play.

“They said they liked myself and decided to make a bid to take me to Budapest.

“I knew nothing about it until I came back from the Hong Kong tournament at the end of May. I spoke about what was happening at Celtic and it's been a whirlwind since then.

“I managed four days holiday during the summer with my family then went with my wife over to Budapest. It's a a gorgeous city, our stadium is a great, 15,000 all seater and I told Mary that I had a nice feeling for it. Ujpest and Hungry was a challenge for me.

“I spoke it over with Celtic. They want to develop links with clubs and I'd been over in Slovenia looking at things as had others. Celtic were looking at Eastern Europe and how to develop things and set up pilot schemes. They needed someone there to look at players.

“With a new manager coming in and the Reserve League folding it was a perfect scenario for me to go and get the experience that I need to be a manager, I just felt that it was an offer that I couldn't refuse and if I hadn't taken it I'd have had regrets.”

The move to Hungary got complicated over the possibility of Celtic and Ujpest facing each other in the Europa League forcing McStay to cut all ties with Celtic 15 years after being appointed by Tommy Burns following a treble winning season with Sligo Rovers.

A close up view of the McCann years, the season's of annual managerial change, the successes of Martin O'Neill and the latter turmoil of Gordon Strachan's reign had given McStay experience that no coaching course ever could.

Only Sir Alex Ferguson has survived in the management business throughout McStay's time coaching at Celtic with the new Ujpest boss leaving behind player development to be judged by results on a weekly basis.

He added: “At Celtic there was different demands on me, there's less pressure involved in coaching and I enjoyed 15 years coaching players.

“Winning was expected but as soon as you say you got beat people started to enquire, winning isn't important till you get beat

“Ultimately working with the youth players you didn't stress that it was about winning. At Celtic, in the development side it was about how you win.

“Every game was a test, about your preparation, has the training been good, has your fitness and preparation been good, how did you do against your opponent. That's your test and you have to get through them to make it into the first team.

“At youth level the skills should be there, then the players have to develop their mental strength, that's when the test comes and pressure from the coach.

“Players have to react to their tests. They have to react to going a goal or two down. At Celtic you must believe in yourself and your team-mates, as a coach you have to try and do that.

“I'm one of the world's worst for self analysis. I'd look at a youth game and blame myself for the defeat. Nobody needed to tell me the faults and mistakes.

“After a defeat I would analyse everything that I did during the week, our preparation, what I said, how I said it and try to learn from that.

“Looking back on that it's been a fantastic learning curve for me, to watch managers from Tommy Burns through to Gordon Strachan has been very educational.

“There were things to learn from every manager and now I'm trying to put my stamp onto Ujpest and bring the club success and silverware.”

Manager McStay admits: 'I've got the bug again'

by Joe McHugh 'I've got the bug again' Willie McStay said as he enthused about life in charge of Ujpest Dozsa.

After over a dozen years working with the youth squad and reserve team at Celtic the one-time Sligo Rovers manager is back in the cut and thrust of management in a country that he had never even visited.

Ujpest are sitting in third place at the winter break, four points behind leaders Videoton who they beat home and away in November to reach the semi-finals of the Hungarian Cup.

Winning the club their first silverware of the century is the task facing McStay in the months ahead with the former Celtic defender delighted to be back in the firing line.

“Management gives you a real adrenaline rush and a sense of fulfillment,” he explained despite the recent spate of dismissals that left Jim Gannon, Gary Megson and Alan Irvine out of work over Christmas. “It's win, lose or draw and the responsibility is on me.

“It's been refreshing to be judged by results every week but I'm still coaching as well. As a coach I have to demonstrate much more to get my message across, there's much more involved with dvd and video analysis to get things through.

“This job has given me an edge, the challenge will hopefully make me successful at Ujpest and also elsewhere along the road in my career.

"Ujpest haven't won a trophy for eleven years, we're still in three competitions and winning something would be fantastic. The challenge for me has been to go to a new country and learn.

 “I've had a fantastic six months. I was walking across the pitch at Steaua Bucharest with 27,000 there in my first match, that was amazing.

“I turned to Joe (McBride) and said 'The last time that we were working together was at a sports centre in Stirling Univercity with no-one there'. They had a running track around a terrible pitch and there we were were walking across a lush surface in front of a full house. I liked that. It's been really stimulating for both of us.”

Football may be a universal language but proving yourself in an alien environment demands more than ability.

Being accepted by a new dressing room and into the football community isn't easy with few managers moving abroad to achieve success on the continent.

Beating Ferencvaros in a heated local derby turned acceptance for McStay into support from the Ujpest fans with the local media also won over.

He admitted: “Initially the media and other managers were sceptical of me, they wondered who it was coming over. Now I have a good relationship with the media and they appreciate that win, lose or draw I'm there to face them.

“The other managers in the league respect me. It's natural that they were suspicious, they'd have preferred that a Hungarian got the job so it was a challenge to win them over.

“When you walk into a dressing room as an unknown you have to win the players over, you need to get them playing for you. That's the key to management.

“At Ujpest we've got a good team spirit, Hungarian players can be very emotional, it's either highs or lows. Usually when they lose the first goal they lose the game but we've went behind nine times this season and went on to win seven of the games.

“That's not been done by design but it shows that there's something about us. Some of the papers call us the Miracle Men and that's a compliment, there's a belief about the players.

“Those results come from the work that we've put in at training, the fitness levels and preparing the players properly. If you aren't up to the demands of the game you can't come back.”

Part 2 Tomorrow: Leaving Celtic after 15 seasons

McStay looks to 'veteran' McGeady to inspire

Willie McStay is looking to Old Firm 'veteran' Aiden McGeady to lead Celtic back into the SPL title race.

Amazingly, McGeady will be the most experienced player on the park tomorrow when Glasgow's big two collide, having first sampled the unique atmosphere as an 18-year-old in May 2004.

Rangers' storming form through December has opened up a seven-point lead over Tony Mowbray's inconsistent Celic side, with the prospect of a 10-point deficit unbearable for the Hoops' support.

On-form McGeady will carry the hopes of the home fans into the showdown, with McStay impressed by what he has witnessed recently from his former youth-team prodigy.

After quitting Celtic during the summer to take charge of Ujpest Dozsa, the former Sligo Rovers boss has been enjoying the winter break at home in Glasgow and catching up on all things Celtic.

He said: "It's surprising to think that Aiden will be the most experienced player in the team. Celtic need to ignite in this match and there's no better game than an Old Firm match to produce your best.

"I've been very impressed with what I've seen from Aiden over the last month, there has been an end product to his game and he's hurting teams.

"No one has ever doubted his ability but he's scored a few goals this season and has had a lot of assists recently as well.

"With Celtic's match being postponed at Kilmarnock, Rangers have gone further ahead in the SPL but playing Rangers at home is always a must-win match for Celtic.

"They are at their best in situations like this, Rangers allow teams to come at them so it will be an interesting match.

"It will take some individual brilliance to win the points and someone like Aiden can swing it Celtic's way.

"I think that he has regained his confidence this season, he knows how he can influence a game and is using that for the team.

"I've mainly been watching Celtic on television this season and his workrate has been high. Seeing Aiden in the flesh again he looks to be back towards his best.

"He's playing with freedom, he's scored a few goals and recently he has provided a lot of assists. The final product is definitely hurting the opposition."

McStay added: "No one has ever doubted Aiden's ability but he's needed an end product to his play and that's coming; the whole team is benefiting.

"Two seasons ago when he was voted Players' Player of the Year he was absolutely magnificent, he could change a game. I've watched him and worked with him since he was a kid but I'd happily pay money to watch him in that sort of form.

"There are other very talented players in Scotland but Aiden has the unexpected about him, he's one of the players that determines games.

"It's important that he is contributing to victories, working hard on every part of his game and is exciting for supporters to watch. He's looking like he's back at his best."

McStay was in charge of Celtic's youth development as McGeady was nursed through the club to make a scoring debut away to Hearts as a 17-year-old.

At that age McGeady expected to be a regular in Martin O'Neill's all-conquering side at the tail-end of Henrik Larsson's career, rubbing shoulders with Chris Sutton, John Hartson, Stilian Petrov, Neil Lennon and others.

He had to wait until Gordon Strachan's second season in charge of Celtic to become a first-team regular but that relationship was always strained and confrontational.

Twelve months ago McGeady spent the New Year at home serving a two-week ban after a dressing room bust-up with Strachan.

Evening Herald interview
That relationship was unconvincingly patched up but the arrival of Tony Mowbray has given the 23-year-old's Celtic career a fresh lift.

McStay added: "Looking back, the incidents with Gordon Strachan has only made Aiden stronger.

"The rights and wrongs are for other people to discuss, but when you bounce back from something like that to produce the sort of form that he's on just now, you have to admire his strength of character. Aiden has always had a streak in him, I had to punish him at times while trying to shape him into a player that can be a top professional.

"He's came through his problems with Gordon, a player with lesser self-belief and less character might not have survived that."

McStay will enjoy tomorrow's match before returning to Budapest to plan Ujpest's title challenge in the second half of the campaign.

He happily admits to "having the bug again" for management after ending his spell in charge of Sligo to take up the youth team job at Celtic in 1994. Retaining his extensive Irish contacts he had Seamus Coleman over on trial at Celtic a year ago before Everton moved in to snap up the full-back.

Tomorrow he'll resume his role as a lifelong Celtic fan, hoping that Aiden McGeady can play a decisive role in restoring Celtic's title challenge.


Evening Herald interview

McStay looking to sign off in style at Ujpest

Ujpest Dozsa closed the first half of the league campaign on Saturday with a hard fought 2-1 win away to Budapest rivals Vasas.

Manager Willie McStay was far from happy with his side's performance but was relieved to collect all three points as he prepares to return to Scotland for the winter break.

He said: "It was a patchy performance in a difficult match, I look for a higher level of performance but we were happy to take the points from Saturday.

"There was two sendings off and the game never settled down. The points are important and mean that we're four points off Videoton when the reason resumes in February.

"We're in a good position in the league and I'm reasonably happy with how things have gone.

"The target was to be in the top three at this stage, now on Wednesday we have the chance to reach the semi-finals of the Hungarian Cup.

ADVANTAGE

"Videoton will be anxious for a result as well but we won have a one goal lead from the first leg and want to make home advantage count.

"Winning a trophy would be a fantastic achievement and something that everyone is focused on."

Budapest will be the centre of attention tomorrow night with Liverpool facing their departure from the Champions League.

A win over Debeceren is essential for Rafael Benitez's side a win for Fiorentina over Lyon would see Liverpool out before the knock-out stage.

McStay helped Ujpest to a 2-1 win away to Debrecen last month and expects Liverpool to be too strong for the Hungarian champions.

PROBLEMS

The Ujpest boss added: "Playing in the Champions League has taken a lot out of Debrecen, even with Liverpools problems I think that they'll be too strong.

"The game will be played in Budapest at the national stadium and that will suit Liverpool, it's a great surface and will allow them to pass the ball around.

"If the game had been at Debrecen it would have been much tighter but I'd expect Liverpool to come out on top."

Evening Herald report on Dundee United-Celtic match

FREE £20 PADDY POWER CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SPECIALS

'He was a colossus' Willie McStay on John Kennedy

“John can look back with a lot of fondness on what he did achieve in the game and I'm sure will have lots more to look forward to in his life.”

Those were the words of Willie McStay this evening as he returned from the Hungary-Italy u-21 match after hearing the sad news of John Kennedy's retirement.

McStay fought off interest from Manchester United to sign the schoolboy defender and was delighted to see Kennedy make his first team debut before his seventeenth birthday.

Sadly a decade later the glittering career predicted and hinted at failed to materialise with his career virtually ended by a brutal assault from Romanian thug Ioan Ganea just 14 minutes into his international debut.

Five years and various operations later Kennedy has had to give up on the dream of returning to top level football and has announced his retirement from the game.

McStay was as close as anyone to Kennedy throughout his career and was devastated to hear the news that his long battle to return to football was over.

“It's terrible news for an awful lot of people, it must be very difficult for John and his family because they are all very close,” the Ujpest Dozsa boss said.

COLOSSUS
“He has a strong family that will help him through this stage and whatever he turns to in future I'm sure that he'll be a success. He has been a colossus the way that he has worked hard and did everything possible to get back to full fitness.

“It's a real tragedy for John and everyone that knows him. Hugh McGovern was the scout that brought John to our attention and I know he'll be devastated by this news.”

Despite the horrific injury Kennedy returned to play for Celtic in the Champions League making his first team comeback away to Kilmarnock on April 2007 when the SPL title was won.

Last season he made 15 first team appearances on loan at Norwich City before returning injured to Celtic with his final competitive match a 2-0 defeat at Reading on 13 December 2008.

After his initial burst of first team football Kennedy had to go back to the reserve and youth sides to develop his game as Martin O'Neill's Celtic side dominated the domestic game and made advances into Europe.

NOU CAMP
Seville and Boavista are two of the greatest highlights for most Celtic supporters but up there in the same bracket was the night in March 2004 when Barcelona were held at bay in the Nou Camp as Celtic progressed into the last eight of the Uefa Cup.

That night an old song was heard around La Ramblas with some extra meaning: 'Barcelona, Real Madrid, they will make a gallant bid' with Kennedy a giant in defence alongside Stan Varga in front of David Marshall on a never-to-be-forgotten night.

A week later Kennedy's career was virtually over as he lay on the Hampden turf, football has rarely been so cruel as to have robbed one of it's good guys so soon after he had announced that he was more than just another prospect.

“Straight away when Kenny Dalglish came to the club he identified John as a special talent and he was promoted to the reserves and first team,”McStay added.

INFLUENCE
“There was much more to John than just his physique and stature. He had an influence over other players and was an organiser.

“A lot of young players stand out physically at 14 and 15 but fail to develop when other players catch up with them in terms of size.

“John had much more than just size to his game but worked very hard in the gym as well. The youth side switched to playing a back three so that when John moved up to the first team he was used to the system.

“John was in the centre of the three alongside David van Zanten and Stephen McManus.

“A few years later when I moved up to the reserve side it was funny to see John in the dressing room again, he was a great character and always liked a joke.

“In the reserve side he was a good example to the other young players coming through. He was totally dedicated and thoroughly professional at all times.

“I'm gutted for John that he has had to retire. He'll have lots of opportunities and offers and whatever he does in future I've no doubt that he will be very successful.”

SOME HIGHLIGHTS FROM JOHNS CAREER
CELTIC 4-0 MOTHERWELL 5.4.2000
Gould, McNamara, Mjallby, Crainey; Petrov, Lambert, Wieghorst, Berkovic (Moravcik 81), Blinker; Viduka (Burchill 81), Johnson (Kennedy 85)

BARCELONA 0-0 CELTIC 25.3.2004
Valdes, Reiziger (Overmars 53), Puyol (Marquez 34), Oleguer; Xavi, Cocu, Lopez, Enrique, Gabri (S Garcia 64); Ronaldinho, L Garcia
Marshall; McNamara (Miller 52) Kennedy, Varga, Pearson; Agathe, Lennon, Petrov, Thompson; Sutton, Larsson

KILMARNOCK 1-2 CELTIC 27.4.2007
Boruc; Kennedy, Pressley, Caldwell, ODea; Graevesen, Lennon, Hartley, Nakamura; Vennegoor of Hesselink, Riordan

McStay's Champions League challenge

Ujpest Dozsa face their toughest domestic challenge of the season tonight when they travel to Debrecen.

Manager Willie McStay is looking forward to testing his side against Hungary's Champions League entrants knowing that a win will put his side into joint top place in the league alongside Videoton.

The game has been brought forward to tonight to give Debrecen extra preparation time for their trip to Italy to face Fiorentina with the first match between the two sides ending in a 4-2 defeat for Debrecen.

"Every game in this league presents a challenge but we're really looking forward to playing Debrecen," said McStay. "I know that my players thrive on the big occasion and that's exactly what this game will be.

OPPORTUNITY
"We've prepared well for the match and have a good idea of what to expect from Debrecen, they are a team that likes to score goals and that gives us the opportunity to attack them.
"Debrecen play with a lot of passion as they showed against Fiorentina, we'll have to match that and have the players to do that.
"It's great for Hungary to have a team in the Champions League and so far they have been a credit to themselves and the league.
"They played well but lost 1-0 at Liverpool then lost a few bad goals to set pieces at home to Lyon then gave Fiorentina a great game.
"They've had a go and expressed themselves which is good to see, they haven't set out to frustrate teams and have shown that they can play a bit themselves.
"This is an important game for us in the league, there are a few teams at a similar level to ourselves and we want to stay up there in contention.

SILVERWARE
"It's eleven years since Ujpest won any silverware and that's what is driving myself and Joe McBride on. Winning something in our first season would be an amazing feeling.
"We've got a run of tough games coming up before the winter break starts on November 21. Hopefully we'll still be up there in the top three and in contention when the season resumes in February."
McStay has been on a fantastic learning experience since making the switch from Celtic to Ujpest.
A week of frantic dvd viewing was all the preparation that he had for the job before being pitched into pre-season training for a league that he had never experienced.
With Joe McBride appointed as his assistant they went about the task of imposing their own ideas on the game onto a group of players who were equally in the dark about the new management team at their club.

LANGUAGE
Every season new managers takeover at clubs but the challenge of a new country and a new language added to the task facing McStay.
He admitted: "Every manager has to gain the respect of the dressing room, when you don't speak the same language gaining respect is even more important.
"There wasn't any time to adapt, myself and Joe knew the job that we had to do and made quick judgements on the players that we had and what they were capable of.
"We had to work with the players that we inherited, my biggest decision was to retain Peter Kabat.
"From the first dvd's that I watched I knew that he would be central to our plans, he's our number 10 and brings things together in the team.

CAPTAIN
"There was an offer for him from Debrecen but I told the directors that he had to stay with Ujpest and I made him our captain.
"That was important for the team, he's respected by his team-mates and has been magnificent for us.
"We've put a lot of work and effort into training and it was important to increase the tempo that we play at, we've been rewarded by that with a few late goals that have been important.
"The players have been used to doing things their way, we're doing things differently and trying to keep the best parts of the Hungarian game and add it to our own ideas and the methods that I used at Celtic.
"You can't raise players fitness overnight, we've worked on it gradually and the players are feeling the benefits in their performances and results.
"It can get quite intensive but we work with the players on the training ground then show them dvd's of what they are doing, good and bad, and back that up with some visual presentations.
"That's not easy to do and I've had to become a video editor to help get things through to the players.
"Working on the training ground is just one aspect, showing them examples and explaining yourself is just as important and helps their understanding.
"I've had to become very demonstrative to get my ideas through because of the language issue but the players seem to be responding to the work that we are putting in with them."
The game against Debrecen tonight will certainly have an important bearing on Ujpest's season but McStay knows his squad well enough that tonight's match won't be an eye-opener.

JUDGEMENTS
After a decade working behind the scenes at Celtic with youth and reserve team players he is enjoying the challenge of being back in the firing line with judgements being made about him and his team on a weekly basis.
While the Scottish games stagnates and comes in for increasing criticism at the lack of quality and competition Hungarian football seems to be reviving after 20 years or more in the wilderness.
Budapest alone supports five First Division teams with half a dozen clubs having ambitions on the championship and the benefits of the Champions League.
Ujpest have waited a long time for success with McStay cautious about predicting how the season will unfold.

SCHEDULE
The former Celtic boss said: "We've got a hard schedule of games against the top teams coming up before the winter break at the end of this month.
"We've started the season well and are looking to be in the top three when the season resumes in February, doing that and still being involved in the cup is our immediate ambition.
"The Debrecen game will be a great test but I wouldn't say that they are a role model for others to copy.
"They have invested in a new stadium and training complex as well as players thanks to the Champions League money.
"That shows what can be done with success. The other challengers in Hungary want to get the championship and then get into the Champions League.
"If Debrecen win the league again and qualify for the Champions League it will put them into a very strong position.

AMBITIONS
"We want to achieve success and obviously seeing Debrecen in the Champions League gives every other club ambitions.
"This season we played Steaua Bucharest in the Europa League and I learned a lot from that. The players were bold, gave it a go and took a lot out of the matches despite losing.
"They saw what they could achieve and have carried that into the domestic season, hopefully we can build on that and bring the club some silverware this term."
Ujpest are expecting to visit Scotland for a week during their winter break as well as going to a training camp in Austria.
UJPEST website
HUNGARIAN league table

McStay pleased with Ujpest progress

Ujpest Dozsa face mid-table Nyiregyhaza today at 5.30pm (local time) as Willie McStay's side continue their push towards the top of the table.

The Violas, their nickname shared with Fiorentina, have made a solid start to the season with just one defeat from seven matches.

McStay and assistant Joe McBride have adapted quickly to the new environment, especially the stifling heat, and have made an impact on the team with only midfielder Mark Millar coming in on loan from Celtic.

Coming to terms with an entirely new culture of football isn't easy but two months into the campaign the former Celtic reserve boss feels that he is coming to terms with life at his new club.

ADAPTED
McStay said: "There's a lot to get used to when you move into a new club, especially in a different country but I feel that I've adapted quickly to the demands of the job.

"I've had to get to know the league and the other teams as well as becoming familiar with the strengths and weaknesses of our own squad.

"Nyiregyhaza will be tough opponents, I've watched dvds of their recent matches but after our win last week and ZTE we want to maintain the progress that we're making.

"Home games are special for us with the support of the fans we're looking for a good game and a good performance against Nyiregyhaza.

"Physically and mentally I'm pleased with the condition of the players, there has been progress and this improvement is very gratifying to me.

"We've got a big game coming up against Ferencvaros, they are at the top of the table and it's important that we win our games leading upto that match."

Hungarian league table

4-1 win over Gers takes Ujpest to the top of the table

Ujpest Dozsa moved to the top of the Hungarian table with a 4-1 win away to Zalaegersegli to the delight of manager Willie McStay.

The staggered nature of the fixture card means that their lead is likely to be short lived but that's unlikely to effect McStay's satisfaction.

ZTE as they are better known took the lead in the 20th minute but captain Peter Kabat led by example with a hat-trick with Foxi Kethevoama striking the other as Ujpest fought back to claim the points.

"We kept the tempo high and that brought it's rewards," McStay said after the game. "Any win away from home is very satisfying and ZTE have had some good results recently.

"The squad has worked hard on it's fitness and the players are getting their rewards. In this league teams can take their foot off the gas at times but we're keeping the tempo high.

"It's nice to be top of the league especially after winning away from home. Peter Kabat played a real captains role and took his goals well.

"I was very pleased with Mark Millar. He came onto a good game in the second half and is starting to assert himself on the team."

Elsewhere in the world of Celtic the u-19s drew 0-0 away to Hibs in a game in which neither side really deserved anything more from.

Draws were the order of the day with Darren O'Dea having to settle for a 0-0 draw on his Reading debut against Doncaster Rovers with Swindon drawing 1-1 at home to Colchester.

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McStay: I felt like Mourinho

by Joe McHugh Ujpest Dozsa boss Willie McStay couldn't contain his delight as his side came from behind to beat Haladas 3-1.


The win lifted Ujpest into third place in the table trailing leaders MTK Budapest by three points with six games played.

Ujpest were behind until the 73rd minute when Peter Kabat equalised with McStay losing his cool when Foxi Kethevoama put his side in front.

The former Celtc coach admitted: "When the second goal went in I was off running down the track just like Jose Mourinho!

"It was a tough match and we worked hard to get ourselves level and then in front. With a break coming up for international football it was important to get the points.

MEANINGFUL
"Being back involved competitively with games every week is a great feeling. I enjoyed my job at Celtic working with players and developing them but it's good to have meaningful games at the end of the week be involved in.

"The move was a bit of a step into the unknown for me but I'm delighted that I took the opportunity.

"At half-time away to Steaua Bucharest I was walking across the pitch with Joe McBride. We were drawing 0-0 and I told Joe that this is what the game is about.

"We did really well against Steaua but just didn't have enough. It was a great experience and I wouldn't be surprised if they were to go far in the Europa League."

Ujpest have won three, drawn two and lost one of their opening six games to trail MTK and Fehervar with Debrecen sitting in fifth place with two games in hand.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
Debrecen qualified for the Champions League last week where they were drawn in Group E alongside Liverpool, Lyon and Fiorentina.

The Champions League cash that will come their way should ensure that Debrecen retain the Hungarian title with McStay already feeling the effect in the transfer market.

The Ujpest boss explained: "I've put in bids for three different players but on each occasion we've lost out to Debrecen who've came in with bigger bids.

"We're looking for a striker and a left sided midfielder, hopefully we can bring someone in before the transfer window closes.


STUDYING
"There are a lot of good players in Hungary and it's great to get hands on and find out what's really happening rather than just studying coaching methods for a few weeks.

"The job is a big challenge for me but it's something that I've probably needed. It's different but enjoyable and I'd love to win something for the club."

Ujpest website

Hungarian league table

Evening Herald, Dublin

Diarmuid O'Carroll on trial at Ujpest

Former Celtic striker Diarmuid O'Carroll is to join Ujpest Dozsa for a week long trial.

The 22-year-old scored five goals for Morecambe in League Two last season but is currently without a club.

Ujpest, now managed by former Celtic reserve coach Willie McStay, are on the look out for a forward after losing THREE strikers in less than a week.

Injuries to Peter Kabat and Atilla Simon will put both strikers out of action for at least a month with Tibor Tizsa transferred to Royal Antwerp in Belgium on Monday.

IMPROVE

Ujpest are sitting in sixth place in the table after four games with McStay looking to improve the squad ahead of the transfer deadline and has already secured Celtic's Mark Millar on a season long loan.

McStay said: "It's great to be managing at a good level of football, I've been impressed by the standard of football in Hungary and the quality of the players at Ujpest.

"Every manager is looking to improve his squad and we're looking at Diarmuid as a striking option.

"I know him well from his days at Celtic, he's had a full season with Morecambe and I'll look closely at him over the next few days.

"We had a decent start to the season then lost 3-0 at home on Sunday to Papa, I learned a lot from that game, mainly that at any level you must convert your chances.

"We had twenty efforts on goal in that match and failed to score, Papa had five chances and scored three of them.

STRIKER

"In training we've worked hard on a lot of things but ideally we'd like to bring in another striker or two. After losing last week it was a big blow that two of the strikers got injured just as we were selling Tibor Tizsa to Antwerp.

"We've got Honved to play on Sunday which will be interesting because it's a derby match. There are five Budapest clubs in the top division and the whole country has had a big lift with Debrecini looking good for a Champions League place.

"They won the first leg 2-1 away to Levski Sofia and the whole country is looking for them to qualify next week."

McStay added: "The job here is all consuming but we're quickly coming to terms with things and finding our way around the football scene although the language is difficult to learn.

"Having Joe McBride with me is great, we know how each other operates and the signs are good that we can bring some success to the club."

Mark Millar joins Ujpest Dozsa

Reserve midfielder Mark Millar has joined Willie McStay on a year long loan at Ujpest Dozsa and could play against Diosgyor this afternoon.

Millar was probably the Player of the Year for the reserves last season but was unlikely to make any progress this season due to the incredible competition for first team places in midfield.

The 21-year-old was competing with Charlie Grant, Simon Ferry, Teddy Bjarnason and Ryan Conroy for a midfield place in the double winning youth side of 2006 but through various circumstances has made more progress than the others.

Millar is an all action midfielder, the original box to box type. Despite his small frame he has a good physical edge to his play and is never afraid to mix it.

MCSTAY
Spending a season alongside McStay in a new environment where he is likely to get regular first team football is exactly the boost that his career needs.

"I saw Mark Millar play last year, and he was one of the eight players we had a look at." said Istvan Salloi, Ujpest Sports Director. "There are still a few places left to fill within the squad. We are purposefully asking for players from Celtic, and if we get an offer for one of our players, that will also influence the building of the team."

Millar said: "My first impressions are very positive, the stadium is impressive. I am happy to get the chance to work with Willie McStay once more, as he has a winning mentality. I hope that I will get the chance to play regularly in the first team. That was the reason I signed for Ujpest, and also to win trophies."

It'll be interesting to see how Millar develops. Without being outstanding he does have something extra to his game. Coming through the youth and reserve sides he linked up brilliantly with Paul Caddis who has made a favourable impression in his first team appearances.

MIDFIELD
Getting a place in centre midfield is going to ultra-competitive at Celtic this season with Scott Brown and Landry N'Guemo likely to be the first picks with Marc Crosas, Massimo Donati, Willo Flood and then Simon Ferry competing for places.

A season in Hungary, in a new environment but alongside McStay and Joe McBride, will give Millar the experiences and responsibility that he needs to develop his game further.

Breaking into the Celtic first team will be just as difficult in a years time but if it's not to happen for him at Celtic he'll be better placed to move on in the game and make a career for himself elsewhere.

AARHUS
Strangely this week Liam Miller and Mick Doyle have been in the news. Both of them benefited from a loan spell with Marc Reiper in Denmark with Aarhus before their careers took off in various directions.

Doyle joined Leeds Utd on loan from Coventry for a season while Miller will join the Irish international side to face Australia without a club. A few sides are interested in signing the former Celtic and Manchester United midfielder who knows that making the right choice could open the door to a place at the World Cup Finals in South Africa.

Look out for more Celts moving out to Hungary and reports on Ujpest through Video Celt