Stephen Uprichard’s career built on people over points but plenty of pride in Dollingstown’s Intermediate Cup win

In a world forever changed by the coronavirus pandemic - and with it the enforced adjustment to the sporting landscape - the realisation of journey over destination is a common view shared in a post-lockdown state.

However, for Uprichard it has been a long-held belief and a driving force behind a successful managerial career in which helping the Dollybirds win the 127-year-old Intermediate Cup stands as a major highlight.

It is thanks to that approach to the beautiful game that Uprichard still struggles with the ugly side; to the point he often finds it difficult to sleep when tasked with dropping players and admits the build-up to the recent Intermediate Cup final against Newington was especially difficult.

Ultimately, the 16-man group handed the responsibility of creating club history proved a winning combination on the night as goals by Gary Liggett and Johnny Kernaghan secured the 2-0 silverware success at Annagh United’s Tandragee Road on an occasion left undiminished by the behind-closed-doors restrictions.

“It’s hard to put into words how proud I am, not for my own achievement but to be able to help bring this trophy to Dollingstown and to see what it means to everyone,” said Uprichard. “The foundations put in place by previous managers and players helped the club get to his point too and for a wee village club in the country like Dollingstown to achieve that is wonderful and so special.

“Of course it’s always nice to win a trophy as a manger but I found it really hard leading up to the game knowing I would be disappointing some players, people who have given so much to the club.

“Any praise must go to the players, every player at the club as everyone has a part in any success we can achieve.

“The same is for the people behind the scenes, I’ve a brilliant coaching team around me and we were able as a group to do our homework on St James’ Swifts for the semi-finals and then Newington despite the unusual circumstances and quick turnaround.

“Then you look at Hubert Watson and the others on the committee, putting so much time and effort in to keeping a club going and trying to move forward.

“I’ve been very, very lucky in my career to work at some wonderful clubs and with some amazing people and, certainly, I’m loving my time at Dollingstown.”

Within the multitude of messages offering congratulations to Uprichard was one from Northern Ireland international Stuart Dallas, fresh from helping Leeds United secure a return to the Premier League.

“I worked with Stuart when he was coming up at Coagh United and it’s been brilliant to see his career progress and a testament to his desire and ability, plus his family support,” said Uprichard. “To get a message from Stuart at a time when so much is going on with Leeds meant a lot and so many people got in touch, some I know dating back 20 years or more.

“But that’s what I love about working in football here in Northern Ireland, it’s a relatively small world and you can build lasting friendships that go far beyond just results.

“I think back to players and clubmen at my most successful periods with Armagh City or Coagh and the memories are about achieving something together and sharing in the ups and downs with so many wonderful and dedicated people.

“Aaron Moffett, our captain at Dollingstown, has now lifted 16 trophies with the club but remains as hungry and committed as ever.

“He sets the standard on and off the pitch, is so professional in his approach to everything and can inspire others by his dedication.

“He is the epitome of everything I want in a captain, someone who leads by example.

“We have a great group here and it’s about getting players with ability of course but also the right character.

“I put man-management above everything else and you need players willing to buy into what the group is trying to do.

“Thankfully, we have a squad of players all pulling in the same direction and now determined to push on.”

Dollingstown’s rise across the past two decades into a Mid-Ulster force and subsequent push towards becoming established in the Irish League has club chairman Watson as the heartbeat.

The significant financial investment is only one part of the story.

“To see the smile on Hubert’s face after we won the Intermediate Cup was wonderful given everything he puts into Dollingstown,” said Uprichard. “Across my career I’ve been at and seen clubs who count so much on the work of a few loyal people and moments like that final win mean so much.

“It is rare, however, to see the respect and appreciation the players have towards Hubert as it’s not always the case that such commitment gets noticed.

“Hubert is as driven as ever, he could be on the phone to me 20 times a week or more, he’s out cutting the grass or helping clean up around the ground, not to mention washing the kits.

“We cannot compete with the other big clubs around us and have a small fanbase but players who come here see the amazing facilities and great people and really feel a part of it all.”

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