Unprofessionals take away ex-Claret's international chance

Last updated : 04 November 2003 By Tony Scholes

Striker Billy Hamilton was collecting all the plaudits but midfielder Tommy Cassidy was also a vital member of Billy Bingham’s squad that even beat hosts Spain to qualify for the second phase.

Some years later those two now former Clarets linked up to help provide us with Glen Little. It was Heath that signed Glen after a tip off from Billy Hamilton to take a close look at the winger then playing for Glentoran who were managed by Tommy Cassidy.

Tommy is now back in England and manager of Unibond Division One Workington where they are currently in mid table.

But recently he got the call from his country and from manager Sammy McIlroy no less. McIlroy was considering doing away with the Under 21 team and instead introducing a B team and wanted Cassidy to manage it.

The golden opportunity to work for his country was snatched away when McIlroy chose to leave the job and accept the manager’s job with the Unprofessionals of Stockport. The plans for the B team have now at the very least been shelved.