Brian once suspected Esther of being a spy sent to report on his activities, when he discovered a link between her and a high-profile protest group. She knows me better than anyone and she loves me for all my faults.". Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ned Hancock (Barnaby Kay) (20132014): The ex-husband of Sasha Miller, he and his wife were initially viewed as the golden high-flying couple of the police force until she divorced him owing to his infidelity. In "A Death in the Family", Fisher blackmails the reluctant ex-cops into helping him with a case relating to government dealings with the Chinese by unearthing personal secrets and consolidates his minimal respect for the team with jibes about the detectives' weaknesses, particularly Brian Lane's alcoholism. By Gillian Anderson 4th Jul 2020, 5:00pm - 8 min read Debby and Gerry. View all posts by somethingforyourmallorcaweekend, Follow Dad Taxi Mallorca on WordPress.com. I grew up in the Springfield Road and was big mates with Tom Finney, who went on to play for Northern Ireland. A. The couple have two daughters,. Thu 12 Jun 2014 at 11:10. In this extract from his new book Northern Ireland football legend Gerry Armstrong reveals how he fell for his wife, SUN-KISSED: Gerry Armstrong and his wife Debby on their wedding day in Bangkok. Gerry and Debby Armstrong. When we went to Spain she picked up tennis and became a good player. Jim 'Stick' Thompson was there and I loved it. Q. I'm sure you've probably forgotten about that goal against Spain in Valencia at the 1982 World Cup, but did it change your life? But theres some great stories about George Best, Elton John and Diego Maradona to name a few. Going back to my youth when I was only 19 and married to my first wife, Anne, we had twins who died within a few days. Required fields are marked *. Tom had been left at a church by Gordon's associate Jean Bennett and adopted by Harry and Julia. Dearly loved husband of Patricia (deceased) and treasured Father and Father-in-law of Mark and Donna, Craig and Simone, Paul and Leanne, Fiona and Jeff, Glenn and Cushla and Sean and Janie. Despite being a somewhat self-serving officer, he has nonetheless been quite supportive of the actions of UCOS. Although he worked with Whitehall intelligence operative Stephen Fisher before the force, Strickland is always wary of him and will defend his officers when Whitehall attempts to manipulate them in socially sensitive cases. She also becomes partner to Danny Griffin, whom she met while they were investigating the death of a personal trainer together. A year later, Sandra again confronts Jean and forces her to admit that Gordon fathered an illegitimate child with another prostitute who died. Throughout history, I'd go for Muhammad Ali - I loved him - and Nelson Mandela. We had a run of five-and-a-half years undefeated at Windsor Park. Ted knew that a lot of his squad from 30 years previously were bent cops, but was surprised when the UCOS team informed him that he was probably the only honest cop in his squad. The next day, I asked Norman to get hold of Alison and get Deborahs number off her, I said Id love to speak to her again. John 'Jack' Halford (Ex-Detective Chief Superintendent) (James Bolam) (20032012, 2013): The highest-ranking retired officer on the team, and the first to be approached by Sandra when setting up UCOS, Jack Halford is the unofficial second-in-command. Now, a loving and stable couple, they support one another through the various trials of their jobs and Danny's somewhat complex family life. Along with his familial commitments, he has a continuing interest in gambling, and thus joined UCOS for financial reasons. Published 09/11/2018 at 10:44 GMT-8. I wasnt looking for a relationship. Despite this, he has respect for UCOS and its members, being a strong supporter of the UCOS team, with having used his influence to protect them when necessary. Its 23 chapters and over 100,000 words. Fiona Kennedy (Tracy-Ann Oberman) (20142015): Fiona first arrived as a pathologist and love interest for Danny Griffin. I was looking at a scrapbook one night and saw photographs of me in it. Do you want me to get you a drink?, No, I buy the girl a drink, you dont buy me a drink.. [7], He subsequently moved on to play for Cromac Albion and Bangor. Michael's done a fantastic job from a tough start and it will be very sad when he leaves, but we wish him even more success at Stoke. Wed only been married around a year and were starting a new life and for Deborah to suddenly have two kids arrive in the picture as well as our own baby, I dont know any other woman that would have done it to be honest. Gerry Armstrong's income source is mostly from being a successful . Thats what makes her so special, that she did all of that and took it in her stride. Also, because of who I was, and who she was, Miss Northern Ireland and Miss Belfast, known in the modelling industry and for doing commercials and stuff on TV, we were both famous faces. Im sure that between 1975 and 1980 before he left I would have seen him play. I am also part-owner of a football club in Portugal where I am investing my time into training and developing up-and-coming young players. A year later, I was playing for Northern Ireland. Gerald " Gerry " Armstrong is a former member of the Church of Scientology. Her teacher mentioned to me she's a bit too physical as she said her dad said 'if you can't go around them, go through them!'. She later suffers a stroke, causing her to reveal to Sandra the truth about her father's death after Sandra looks into a closed file. But then on a Sunday, when I had a game at Casement Park, I was told to report to the back of City Hall where I was taken to the Dunadry Hotel and Bertie helped me negotiate the deal with Terry Neill, the Spurs manager. She is not easy to buy for, though, as she prefers simple gestures to material things. Everyone tried to help him but I didn't see him all the time. Grace Pullman (Sheila Hancock) (20072008, 2011): Grace is Sandra Pullman's mother and the widow of Sandra's father, Gordon, who died by suicide by carbon monoxide inhalation. After being frustrated by Hanson's acquittal in his trial for attempted murder, Jack briefly disappears, but is found by Brian, and later returns to UCOS. He maintained that it was a conspiracy against him; his colleagues believed that he simply refused to admit his own mistake. When I was a teenager I thought I knew everything but I was very wrong. Ricky Hanson (David Troughton) (20062009): Ricky Hanson is a career criminal whom Jack and Sandra were investigating for at least three murders in Jack's last case before he retired. Q. Brian is an AFC Wimbledon fan, and he once missed a celebratory drink with his UCOS mates to support his team. DCI John Caldwell: The New IRA threat after Omagh shooting, The Firm: Inside Lurgan and Portadowns cross-community crime gang. If youre talking about the most gifted footballer to come out of Northern Ireland then I imagine that George Best would be the man that most people would pick. I was an Arsenal fan but all my mates were Spurs, so I used to go with them to watch games. Your email address will not be published. Facebook gives people the power. Fiona is a smart, independent and feisty woman. Q. Watford broke their transfer record and paid Spurs 250,000 to sign him in 1980. But I kept looking at Deborah. When Jack confronts Hanson, he cruelly confesses the crime in detail, prompting Jack to attempt revenge by running the criminal down, but Jack is prevented from doing so. Deborah Armstrong manages a restaurant in Majorca where she lives with husband Gerry, the ex-Northern Ireland football star who is now a Sky sports presenter. I came home with Deborah and it was a big shock and loss to the family. A while later Deborah and her sister Dawn and her children visited me at my flat in Brighton. He says it was the very warm and humid and there werent many Northern Ireland fans amongst the 49,562. The girls love the relaxed way of life over there. Mal Donaghy at left back and Sammy McIlroy at left midfield weren't left footed, and Billy brought in Norman Whiteside who had matured so much. Watch: Peter Crouch sings the Fields of Athenry with Liverpool fans in Dublin pub, Final report from public inquiry into Manchester Arena bombing to be published, Hollywood stars and cruise ship passenger memories feature in photo exhibition, Portrait of Picassos daughter Maya sells at auction for over 18 million, We deserved this, claims Belfast Giants captain David Goodwin after Challenge Cup success. He got an extra five or 10 per cent out of me and his mentality was incredible. A running sub-plot involves Pullman's unsuccessful love life, which is mostly shown as a string of unsatisfactory relationships and numerous failed efforts at romance, including an attempt at speed dating. I also played against Michel Platini in the World Cup but Maradona must be the toughest opponent I've faced. Nothing happened when we first met that night, because she was engaged at the time, although she wasnt happy in that situation. George was a special, unique man, and it's just sad we couldn't help him. But I trained hard, knowing I had to up my game. He currently co-commentates for Virgin Media TV in Ireland. I was suspended from gaelic for fighting. Caitlin is 19 and at university in Glasgow. It was in my mind, could I play at a higher level? They were all dressed in orange robes and so it turned out that on the 12th of July, we got married by nine orange men! Believe me when I say Gerry packs a lot into the book. She leaves UCOS after episode 8 of series 10. Not long after, I was working for the BBC and doing a show called Bits of Belfast. [15], Armstrong had combined his coaching positions with employment in football journalism - in television, in radio and in print. One of them was Deborah, and thats how we first met. When mum died seven years ago that was a bad day. My first goal for Spurs was a brave diving header against Royal Antwerp in a friendly at White Hart Lane. Even now, I still cant believe Deborah did what she did, to take on all that responsibility, because she was only 29 when we got married. How important is Deborah in your life? She lived in Omagh and was always on the go but had a blood clot and didn't recover. Hanson later attempts to murder Jack in the hospital by smothering him with a pillow but is stopped by Brian. Three years after that, I was at the World Cup and then played in Spain against Barcelona and Real Madrid. A. Two World Cups and two British Championships within a six-year period - special times. This is a great autobiography and Ive only touched the surface so as not to ruin it. [19][20][21][22]. 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In 1994, he became assistant manager of the Northern Ireland national team, under his former national teammate Bryan Hamilton. Scores and results list Northern Ireland's goal tally first. What advice would you give to a young player hoping to make it in the professional game? Whilst looking for answers about corruption allegations against her father, Sandra tracks Jean down and forces her to admit Gordon's involvement in vice and prostitution, which later leads Sandra to discover his responsibility in the death of local pimp, Ian Randall. I turned into a better centre forward and my level of fitness went up a lot. It worked because we won a lot of matches in the last 15 minutes. Needless to say, we lost 4-1. 1. . I wasn't. We bought the house in Spain 11 years ago and travelled back and forth, but a couple of years ago we decided to make it our home. Deborah, like me, has a flexible attitude and can just pick up and go somewhere if we need to travel because of my work. Jack later leaves, giving only a day's notice, claiming that he has decided to retire to France and does not want to provide his colleagues time to talk him out of it. He told me after 10 days of seeing each other that he wanted to get married and I told him his head was cut. It was also a nice opportunity to get out of Belfast. In last years lockdown we did a few video and podcasts together as Gerrys football knowledge is second to none. This blog will give you my news, views and my life on our island in the sun. Set piece play was important too and Graham put a lot of thought into that. Of Queensland formerly of Auckland and Coromandel. Happy family: Gerry and Deborah Armstrong with daughters, Caitlin and Marianna. I found out later that shed been an air hostess and had taken me on loads of flights from Belfast City to Gatwick over the years with Jersey European. They moved back to Northern Ireland a few years ago but we still keep in touch. Armstrong, who supported English club Leeds United as a boy,[5] began his career in Northern Ireland with St Paul's Swifts. Maradona was a character and I've had a few drinks with him. (Dodgy) Roger McHugh (Keith Allen) (2005, 2011): Later nicknamed 'Roger the Dodger', Roger is a former police officer, notorious for his inept police work and history of selling out, who later becomes a somewhat ineffective private investigator. UCOS discover from Frank Patterson that Hanson's son, Luke, was in the car that ran down Mary. Bevan then accused Standing of beating the girl himself, prompting Gerry to break his jaw. But my versatility was my problem as I could play in virtually any position, from defence to midfield and attack. Elijah and Josiah), his extended family, his church family, his grandchildren, children and his wife. This was no coincidence, as an investigation by UCOS several years later revealed that Hanson had run over Jack's wife, Mary. Ive got photographs that she took of me when I was playing football for Northern Ireland at our hotel. At the time, Pauline was dating The Beatles guitarist, George Harrison. Life is a learning curve and I've had to learn from the experiences. Bradley Quinn was born in 1976 in Bangor, younger brother to Jonny Quinn.His aunt is actress Patricia Quinn and cousin Debbie Armstrong, wife of former Northern Ireland assistant manager Gerry Armstrong. What Id decided to do was propose to Deborah on the pitch and announce it to everyone there and then. A. Billy had a knack for picking the right player and putting him in the right position. I've been blowing the trumpet for so long and some people are starting to listen. Spending time together whether that is over lunch or dinner is what I enjoy doing best. His lifestyle was different and he never even made 60. Sandra is often exasperated by her colleagues' eccentricities and their willingness to bend the rules, although she doesn't always play by the rulebook herself. He and Gerry bonded and became fast friends. She knew Stephen and she recognised me from back in the 80s and we got chatting. She was in there with a friend and they took some photographs of myself and Pat Jennings and Alan McDonald. I knew I recognised it, but I couldnt remember what the link was so I was asking my mum about him. She turns round and it was Deborah. Dan's wife Sarah is in a secure unit at a mental hospital Danny eventually tells Sasha that she suffered a neuropathic condition that caused her delusions, which eventually led to her harming herself, Dan and people in the street. I want you to try it tomorrow morning, Ive got this feeling., So anyway, we had a great nightand she took the test the following morning. When Hanson attempts to strangle Brian, Jack strikes him with an oxygen cylinder. We have always been sporty and push that onto our daughter Marianna (13). Jack retired to care for Mary, although she did not live very long after the incident, which was thought to be a simple hit-and-run. Would you have liked a crack at the job? Did you survive the parties with Elton John? Mum's family had a big gaelic background and both liked to see me play sport. Standing claimed Bevan's choice of position exposed his unit, so when Gerry left his position to tend to a badly beaten girl and his partner absconded, the gangster got away with the money. I would have liked the Northern Ireland job 20 years ago - not now! Gerry has 2 jobs listed on their profile. They moved back to Northern Ireland a few years ago but we still keep in touch. I like . After a 00 draw in their opening match against Yugoslavia, Armstrong scored the opening goal in the 11 draw against Honduras. Deborah Armstrong manages a restaurant in Majorca where she lives with husband Gerry, the ex-Northern Ireland football star who is now a Sky sports presenter. ARMSTRONG, Gerald (Gerry). He took off after that and his acceleration from the first five yards was explosive. We started to make plans, what we would call the baby if it was a boy or a girl. A. Watford was good, I enjoyed playing for Graham Taylor. Though he will still discipline the team when they blatantly break rules, he is willing to accept their actions if a result is achieved. Seven or eight months after we got married, we came back from a trip to Barbados. It gave me greater knowledge of Spanish football, which got me a commentary and analysis job at Sky TV for 22 years. Richie presents the Radio One Mallorca Breakfast showMonday to Friday07.30-11.00am on 93.8fm in Mallorca and 102fm in Calvi, online atwww.radioonemallorca.comon mobile through their free App for IPhone & Android, The Tunein Radio App, iTunes, the Spanish TDT TV service and all smart speakers. He was introduced to photography at an early age by his father, and started doing amateur work using the darkroom in their house. Jack has little time for the internal politics of the force, and is openly disdainful of those who lie, obstruct or mislead the police. On his debut, Armstrong scored for the Spireites in a 31 home defeat to Brentford. And so, live on TV, I announced our engagement and pulled the ring out of my tracksuit pocket. They love swimming in the pool in the afternoons and having their friends over. [11] He played twice more in the league for Whitehawk that season.[12][13]. She adjusts to single life comfortably, and becomes annoyed when her colleagues offer opinions on potential dates. Of course, our baby was a girl and we called her after Deborahs mom, which was Marian. Life is busy, as I also help Deborah out with the restaurant when I can. With Northern Ireland requiring a win to progress to the next stage, Armstrong scored a 47th-minute goal against hosts Spain in Valencia. Relationship with Pauline Marsden. We trust each other and are best friends. St Paul's Swifts was my first football team and I scored 35 goals in one season. Rather than risk another cover-up, Brian passes on a taped confession by the senior officer to Kaye's mother, which in turn forces Strickland to fire Brian. George was a humble, unassuming and intelligent guy and you never had a dull night with him. [6] He joined Glenavon as a player the same month, and by April 1990 he was also playing midweek games for Bromley. However, he does not always follow his orders, as he gives information that allows the team to attempt to arrest the hitman, although the operation does not go according to plan. That adventure included leaving England and heading back home. He said he and Debbie went to a tasting and tasted 17 different whiskies. The Spaniards had different skills and techniques so I was learning again. Broadcaster, TV, Radio and Facebook Live. A. He is also skilled in self-defence. That's how I worked my way to the front of the queue. She is great at her job, highly respected in her field and brings a positive balance to the dark nature of her work with her sharp wit and open, friendly personality. The fans did give me stick, I had tomatoes, apples and oranges thrown at me at Valencia, which was fun, but I scored in a 2-2 draw. Its called Gerry Armstrong My Story, My Journey and it is a real in depth look at his life.