In Series 5, following Jack's temporary disappearance and several bad experiences on cases, Brian resumes drinking, and attends Alcoholics Anonymous meetings again. On his debut, Armstrong scored for the Spireites in a 31 home defeat to Brentford. We love spending time together and we are at our happiest when the two of us are together. Actor Alun Armstrong left the show after filming the tenth series.[1]. They moved back to Northern Ireland a few years ago but we still keep in touch. Then there was the age barrier. Sasha is shot in Series 12 by someone trying to kill Gerry Standing, leaving her confined to a wheelchair for the first few episodes. In 1994, he became assistant manager of the Northern Ireland national team, under his former national teammate Bryan Hamilton. I was not a fan of being with women anymore. I did get stick, particularly when we went to play Valencia, obviously the home fans remembered only too well what I had done to them the year previous, but I was pleased to say we drew 22 with Valencia and I scored a goal into the very same net that I'd scored for Northern Ireland. 'A Young Life Stolen' is a sharp polemic against those who have refused to properly pursue or investigate Paul Armstrong's killers. This was no coincidence, as an investigation by UCOS several years later revealed that Hanson had run over Jack's wife, Mary. You assisted Northern Ireland managers Bryan Hamilton and Lawrie Sanchez. [citation needed]. We looked at Elton, the superstar, and he looked at us thinking he'd like to be a footballer. We had a run of five-and-a-half years undefeated at Windsor Park. I wasn't. Before we talk about the book, Gerry tells me that next year is the 40th anniversary of the 1982 World Cup and that famous night in Valencia on June 25th when Northern Ireland beat Spain 1-0 and John Motson said one immortal word ARMSTRONG! In celebration of that triumph over the host nation, Gerry along with some local brewers has been preparing a whiskey called The Spirit of 82. Later, in the sixth series, Hanson is linked to the disappearance of two Anti-Fascist activists. Fiona is a smart, independent and feisty woman. I had previously worked in the catering industry as did my dad, so it must be in the blood. It all went on until about three or four in the morning. Happy family: Gerry and Deborah Armstrong with daughters, Caitlin and Marianna. Marianna's education was the main reason we came home. I'm working for Virgin and don't want to slow down, you're a long time dead! BBC Sport Northern Ireland, 16 January 2005.[9]. 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. By Gillian Anderson 4th Jul 2020, 5:00pm - 8 min read Debby and Gerry. He has a sleazy personality and is regarded with contempt by most people who meet him. Despite becoming a grandfather, he maintains his devil-may-care lifestyle, insisting that he is "a naughty boy, not a bastard". She believed her dead father, Detective Inspector Gordon Arthur Pullman, suffered a heart attack in 1975. My first goal for Spurs was a brave diving header against Royal Antwerp in a friendly at White Hart Lane. She is very close to her father, owing to her mother's absence, and often prompts him in the right direction towards solving a case. In the final episode of the ninth series, "Part of a Whole", it transpires that Strickland first knew Fisher at Sandhurst and was part of a covert 'black bag' operation (a robbery) that went awry. Gerry and Debby Armstrong. DCI John Caldwell: The New IRA threat after Omagh shooting, The Firm: Inside Lurgan and Portadowns cross-community crime gang. Of course, our baby was a girl and we called her after Deborahs mom, which was Marian. Not long after, I was working for the BBC and doing a show called Bits of Belfast. 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. She gave me the encouragement and the enthusiasm to want to be a father again. Why did you leave Spain and come back to live in Northern Ireland? I loved the competitive side of it and I was getting fitter. I got him as a guest speaker when I was a manager at Worthing and it was a great night, they still talk about it. Deborah swore, live on BBC TV, Oh sh*t! It was hilarious because her face was a picture. Relationship with Pauline Marsden. Armstrong, who supported English club Leeds United as a boy,[5] began his career in Northern Ireland with St Paul's Swifts. Gerry Armstrong, reflecting on his time playing for Real Mallorca after his performances in the 1982 World Cup. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. It just gave some people something to talk about. That was hard, and getting away from Northern Ireland was another opportunity to make a fresh start. To give Marianna more opportunities. We talked on the phone over the next couple of weeks, chatting every other day. This causes Gerry to initially believe that he has been planted by the Murder Squad for information. It took me five months to get to grips with the language. [6], Armstrong last played competitive football for Brighton-based non-league side Whitehawk in 199798, making a scoring debut on 9 December 1997 in 3-1 Sussex County League Cup defeat at Burgess Hill Town. Join Facebook to connect with Gerry Armstrong and others you may know. My mum had told me that his sister, Jane, was my great-great-grandmother. Gerry was raised and educated in Cameron and graduated from Warren High School in 1966. What was special about the 1982 Northern Ireland side that reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup? I knew I recognised it, but I couldnt remember what the link was so I was asking my mum about him. 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. And Deborah said, Well, William Harbison is our great-great-grandfather.. DCI John Caldwell: The New IRA threat after Omagh shooting, The Firm: Inside Lurgan and Portadowns cross-community crime gang. Fiona Kennedy (Tracy-Ann Oberman) (20142015): Fiona first arrived as a pathologist and love interest for Danny Griffin. Thu 12 Jun 2014 at 11:10. From the singing and acting point of view, Northern Ireland is a great place. Brian left the force under a cloud, having been held partly responsible for the death of Anthony Kaye, a prisoner in his custody at the height of his alcoholism. He was loved by the Mallorca fans for his no nonsense style and spent two successful years here. Marianna is exactly the same. It was a really bad day. I wasnt looking for a relationship. I am very settled in Majorca now and we have made it our home. She also becomes partner to Danny Griffin, whom she met while they were investigating the death of a personal trainer together. He is nicknamed "Last Man Standing", because of his refusal to take backhanders (bribes) when his squad were paid off by a gangster. The commentary is fun, I really enjoy it. New IRA powerbase just 20 miles away so why didnt intelligence flag possible attack? But my versatility was my problem as I could play in virtually any position, from defence to midfield and attack. Watch: Peter Crouch sings the Fields of Athenry with Liverpool fans in Dublin pub, We need government and we need it now Mary Lou McDonald. We were having a chat about the game and in comes a girl called Alison Campbell shes married to Darren Clarke now. A keen war-gamer, in one episode he digs out his old board and figurines and wins a tournament. Of Queensland formerly of Auckland and Coromandel. Gerard Joseph Armstrong (born 23 May 1954) is a former Northern Ireland international footballer who played for Tottenham Hotspur . They sometimes pose as husband and wife when undercover. I was suspended from gaelic for fighting. 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. We would like to show you a description here but the site won't allow us. She had her back turned to me and she was wearing a low cut dress, right down the back, and all I could see was this gorgeous girl sitting in front of me with her dark hair. At the same time, Sandra discovered that Tom was her half-brother, resulting from an affair between her father Gordon Pullman and a prostitute. While I was there, I caught up with Deborah and she told me that she had finished her relationship. That adventure included leaving England and heading back home. She is a jazz fanatic and a bright student studying law at university. ", Gerry Armstrong, from Fintona, Co Tyrone, is a former Northern Ireland international footballer who played for Tottenham Hotspur, He represented the Northern Ireland national football team and won acclaim at the 1982 FIFA World Cup, where he was the highest scoring player from the UK; this included a shock winner against hosts Spain. Shes now a good friend of ours and we had good craic. Shed just been doing a gig with the girls and she introduced me to them. Gerry Armstrong on Twitter: "Just heard the sad news that Billy Bingham, Northern Ireland's greatest manager has sadly passed away after suffering from dementia over 7 years.Heartfelt condolences to his only son David,family & ex-wife Rebecca Who can forget the wonderful memories that Billy has left us with https://t.co/bg8ULx98XZ" / Twitter It did because it was the main reason why I got the move to Mallorca. Alison was Miss NI in 1982 and I knew her from back in those days. When Hanson attempts to strangle Brian, Jack strikes him with an oxygen cylinder. He was past people before they saw him, and what a left foot he had. He is Sandra's mentor on numerous occasions, having been her boss on the murder squad. Norman went to the left, Billy to the right and I went right side of midfield. I organised a party in Belfast for Deborah's birthday, as I like to spoil her when I can. I would have liked the Northern Ireland job 20 years ago - not now! He first appears in "The Gentleman Vanishes", ostensibly as a supporter of UCOS advising Strickland to avoid a professional hitman. I only took it up when I was about 16 and three years later I signed for Spurs, which is crazy. In his final appearance, he tries to get Sandra Pullman hired by SO10 (covert operations), and suffers politically as a result. He also brought in John McClelland to use his pace and you have to give him credit for all those intelligent changes. However, she does become annoyed when Jack and Brian are temporarily placed under her command, and both choose not to follow modern procedures. What makes a serial killer and why are we fascinated by them? He spent the majority of his career in England, as well as having a spell in Spain. A. I had been at Bangor and was learning fast, including when I got sent off in my first appearance after coming on as a substitute for the reserves. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Robert Strickland[a] (Anthony Calf) (20052015): Deputy Assistant Commissioner Robert Strickland is the team's boss. As we were chatting I was trying to remember if Id seen him play. Everyone tried to help him but I didn't see him all the time. Gerry and I are currently living in Costa De La Calma in Majorca where we have been for the past two years. We have so many talented people here, despite having such a small population. But he was right - we had found something special and different. St Paul's Swifts was my first football team and I scored 35 goals in one season. Gail Bell 27 January, 2022 01:00. Take care everyone and enjoy your Weekend! He knows both Jack Halford and Gerry Standing personally, and strongly opposes Standing's inclusion in the team. It's not easy taking step children on board but she did that 16 years ago and blown everyone out of the water with what she's done. I was living in Beechmount and Belfast in 1975 wasn't a pleasant place. [19][20][21][22]. Life is busy, as I also help Deborah out with the restaurant when I can. He said he and Debbie went to a tasting and tasted 17 different whiskies. He is a reserved character who can nevertheless provide surprising insights. They settled on one that was close in taste to Jameson, Gerrys favourite Irish Whiskey. Bertie Neill and Billy Neill were the two coaches and they helped me to learn the rules and keep me on the right track. I went to trials with Johnny Jameson but heard nothing for weeks and Arsenal looked set to sign me. The title of his final episode, "Last Man Standing", refers to his surname, a nickname he was called in an earlier episode near the end of Series 4, and also that he is the last original member of the team from the first series. If you cant hear him on the radio then youll find him working at Pirates Adventure the islands number one night out and every now and again he may make an understudy appearance! I've worked at Pirates Adventure since 1994 and set up Radio One Mallorca in 2009. In more recent series, Strickland's political motives are outweighed by his desire to let UCOS do its work, and he uses his political savvy to navigate through the quagmire of potential landmines. Ted Case (Ex Detective Chief Inspector and Ex Head of Operation Trident Command Unit (Gun Crime)) (Larry Lamb) (2015): Ted Case first appears when Gerry Standing visits him to gain evidence of Ronald Sainsbury's corruption. A. 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Although he loved her deeply, Dan had long abandoned hope of ever being with her again, and is thus deeply conflicted when she finally begins to respond to new medicine. That summer we went out to Thailand. 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. He was with Viv Anderson for a charity golf event. Gerry owns a 1977 Triumph Stag sports tourer (1974 in the pilot episode),[4] and has a passion for cooking fine food for his extended family and colleagues. 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. Brian Lane (Ex-Detective Inspector) (Alun Armstrong) (20032013): Born in 1946, Brian 'Memory' Lane is an exceptional detective, possessing a keen attention to detail and a remarkable instant recall memory for obscure details regarding cases and officers who investigated them. Watford broke their transfer record and paid Spurs 250,000 to sign him in 1980. But I kept looking at Deborah. Gerry met his future wife in a bar in Liverpool in 1959. [6] He signed for Brighton & Hove Albion on a free transfer in August 1986. In August 1983, he moved to Spain with RCD Mallorca for 200,000. Broadcaster, TV, Radio and Facebook Live. That was our first real communication. Deborah and Ialso took on responsibility formy daughters Aishleen and Caitlan from my previous marriage. Emily Driscoll (Hannah Waterman) (20062010): Emily Driscoll is a trainee police officer who turns up at Gerry's house saying that she thinks he is her father. A while later Deborah and her sister Dawn and her children visited me at my flat in Brighton. 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. Ted is extremely superstitious and has many quirky tendencies. May we celebrate Gerry's life through the way we live ours! The girl on our table was Zoe Salmon, who went on to be on Blue Peteron the BBC. Jean had taken the boy to a church and abandoned him for adoption, so Sandra forced Jean to take her to the same church, where she later discovered the identity of her half-brother. You don't get that without a strong bond between the players. We decided it would be best not to get married in Northern Ireland and chose Thailand. Strickland even subtly gave Brian a chance to explain himself when he was forced to fire him, and it was only when Brian made it clear that he stood by his actions that Strickland finally told him to go. Right, theres two bottles of champagne in there for the birthday party and a pregnancy test with two units, I told her. He was introduced to photography at an early age by his father, and started doing amateur work using the darkroom in their house. Unbeknown to her, he performs a DNA test that proves he is not, though does not have the heart to tell her. Q. Jayne Standing (Natalie Forbes) (20032007): Jayne is Gerry Standing's ex-wife and his frequent on-off lover. Holly Griffin (Storme Toolis) (20132014): Dan Griffin's daughter. Steve is considered to be the polar opposite of Brian, as he prefers a more hands-on approach to work. There isn't anything about Deborah which winds me up. UCOS discover from Frank Patterson that Hanson's son, Luke, was in the car that ran down Mary. Your email address will not be published. What makes a serial killer and why are we fascinated by them? Northern Ireland even had Mal Donaghy sent off, but held on to win 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. I mentioned wed been at the city cemetery, where a lot of the Belfast power brokers were buried. Id told Deborah we could go on the pitch before the game as a treat for Jade, so she could tell her friends shed been on Windsor Park. In 1980, the Church assigned Armstrong, then a member of the Church's elite Sea Org, to organize some personal papers of L. Ron Hubbard that were to serve as the basis of a new biography of Hubbard. 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With 10 minutes to go it was job done, and I was never a big fan of Ronald, that was sour grapes - big time - for me. Their attempts to heal their rift throughout the series fail; when briefly living with Sandra, Grace reflects that instead of bringing them together, Gordon's death drove them further apart. I'm still analysing the game today. She had also worked for Air France and remembered flying me to Paris when I was working for Eurosport. He left the position in August 2006 to concentrate on other commitments, as it was revealed that he and his wife Debby were expecting a child. He works as a co-commentator for Sky Sports' coverage of La Liga and also works as an analyst for the Premier League coverage of ESPN Star Sports. 9. Throughout history, I'd go for Muhammad Ali - I loved him - and Nelson Mandela. I hit it first time and it nestled nicely into the net and the rest is history., That goal earned him a move to Real Mallorca, where his love for the island began. Emily ignores his phone calls when he tries to apologise, although she eventually allows Gerry to continue as a fatherly figure in her life. Joined February 2021 Tweets Tweets & replies Media Gerry Armstrong Retweeted AONISC @AoNISC_Travel Feb 9 "Let's Fill It Up With Green and White!" @ FreeLionesses Are you ready for a 'Windsor Welcome'?