Glasgow Celtic won the HKFC IP Global International Soccer Sevens for the first time on Sunday (31 May) with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over arch rivals Rangers.

A second-half strike from Paul McGowan was enough to secure the trophy in front of a near-capacity crowd at Hong Kong Football Club.

“It was a fantastic spectacle and both teams played the game to win,” said Celtic manager Willie McStay. “There were plenty of incidents and both teams had their chances, so it was a great game for the fans.

“It’s my third year here – we lost in the semi-finals two years ago, lost in the final last year and now we’ve won it, so I’m absolutely delighted.

“We have a great record against Rangers at youth and reserve level and it’s always sweet to beat them.”

McGowan struck shortly after half-time following brilliant approach work from flying winger Niall McGinn.

Rangers – missing captain Andrew Shinnie through suspension after he picked up two yellow cards earlier in the day – fought back but Archie Campbell missed a simple chance to equalise in the final minute after a goalmouth scramble.

McStay was full of praise for the Soccer Sevens as a development tool for young players.

“Players have to think, keep the ball, show good movement and be patient. It’s a lot of the same things they have to do in 11-a-side but here there’s no room for error.

“I think it’s a fantastic format and a great experience for these young players. Some of them have never been outside Britain, never mind Europe.”

Celtic’s road to the final began with a 3-1 quarter-final victory over Hong Kong side Citizen, with captain Ryan Conroy and Mark Millar (2) on target. Then a Conroy penalty secured a 1-0 win over the Australian U18s national team in a hard-fought semi-final.

Rangers beat West Ham United 2-1 in a thrilling quarter-final that was settled by Steven Lennon’s golden goal winner in extra time.

They then knocked out holders Aston Villa with an outstanding 3-1 semi-final victory. Goals from Shinnie, Rory Loy and Lennon put Rangers in command before Villa’s Marc Albrighton replied, but the holders were unable to mount a comeback.

In the Masters competition, Golden Rainbow, a team comprising former Hong Kong league professionals, won the Cup with a 2-1 victory over charity side Football For Life.

Lee Fuk Wing put Golden Rainbow ahead in the first half but former France international Didier Six scored a late equaliser with a diving header.

That sent the game into four-a-side sudden-death extra time and Yeung Kin Keung’s spectacular volley won it for Golden Rainbow with just seconds remaining.

Golden Rainbow had earlier beaten the IP Global All Stars 1-0 with an extra time golden goal from Lau Chi Yuen.

The Cup success delighted Golden Rainbow coach Simon Wong. “It’s great to see this team of local players and friends enjoying the tournament and playing in such a great atmosphere,” he said.

“We’ve played in this tournament for many years and we know that when it comes to four against four, you have to use your goalkeeper as an outfield player so you can keep possession.”

Defeat in the semi-final came as a shock to the IP Global All Stars – who included former England internationals Des Walker, Rob Lee and Chris Powell and ex-Scotland striker Gordon Durie in their line-up – as they had not conceded a goal in the tournament until that point.

“We probably did enough to win the game, so we’re disappointed,” said captain Walker. “We’re all ex-professionals and we came here to win.

“But it’s a fantastic tournament, it’s really well organised and they look after the players. We’ve thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and Hong Kong is a great city.”

Since it was first held in 1999, the tournament – sanctioned by the Hong Kong Football Association – has developed into the world’s premier seven-a-side soccer event.

The Main competition has become famous for unearthing the “stars of tomorrow” while the Masters section features former elite players from Europe’s top leagues.

The Soccer Sevens was title sponsored for the first time this year by Hong Kong-based international property company IP Global.

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Released on behalf of the HKFC IP Global International Soccer Sevens by Two Up Front - Asia’s sports PR specialists.

Holders Aston Villa cruised into the Cup quarter-finals at the HKFC IP Global International Soccer Sevens on Saturday – knocking out arch rivals Birmingham City in the process.

Villa – going for their third title in a row and fifth overall at the popular Hong Kong Football Club tournament – beat the Blues 1-0 in their final Pool C encounter.

Midfielder Barry Bannan, last year’s Player of the Tournament, curled in the winner in the final minute, leaving Villa top of the pool with maximum points and relegating Birmingham to the secondary Plate competition.

“A draw would have been sufficient because we’d already won the group but it’s always good to beat our local rivals,” said Villa youth academy director Bryan Jones.

“It was a tremendous finish from Barry. As soon as he turned on the edge of the box I knew exactly where the ball was going. He’s an unbelievable talent.”

Jones’ team opened their title defence with a 2-0 win over Hong Kong side Citizen thanks to strikes from Ciaran Clark and Dominik Hofbauer.

They then came from behind to beat Singapore Cricket Club 3-1 with an equaliser from Andreas Weimann and a Bannan brace.

“We started slowly and weren’t quite happy with the first two performances but we kept the ball better in the third game and deserved the victory,” said Jones.

Villa face a Cup quarter-final on Sunday against English non-league side Eastleigh FC, who lost 1-0 to Glasgow Celtic on their way to second spot in Pool D.

“It will be difficult,” predicted Jones. “Eastleigh played very well against Celtic, so we can’t be complacent. It will be a tough game.”

Celtic cruised into the Cup quarter-finals, winning their three games without conceding a goal.

An impressive Glasgow Rangers side topped Pool A with three wins over Tuen Mun Progoal (2-0), Hong Kong Football Club (3-0) and Chengdu Blades  1-0).

The Australian U18s national team beat West Ham United 1-0 to win Pool B. That left West Ham to go through in second place, meaning they face a tough Cup quarter-final against Rangers.

In the Masters competition, the IP Global All Stars cruised into the Cup quarter-finals by topping Pool A. After Friday night’s opening 1-0 victory over Kowloon Cricket Club, ex-Scotland striker Gordon Durie set them on their way to a 3-0 victory over HKFC Veterans.

Former West Ham and Ipswich star Stuart Slater then scored with the last kick of the game to give the All Stars a 1-0 victory over Football For Life.

The All Stars – who also have former England internationals Des Walker, Rob Lee and Chris Powell in their line-up – will face GAC Blades, comprising ex-Sheffield United players, in the Cup quarter-finals.

Since it was first held in 1999, the tournament – sanctioned by the Hong Kong Football Association – has developed into the world’s premier seven-a-side soccer event.

The Main competition has become famous for unearthing the “stars of tomorrow” while the Masters section features former elite players from Europe’s top leagues.

The tournament concludes on Sunday with the knockout stages. All children under the age of 16 are allowed in free while admission for adults is HK$120 (pay at the gate).

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Released on behalf of the HKFC IP Global International Soccer Sevens by Two Up Front - Asia’s sports PR specialists.

Former Glasgow Rangers midfielder Alex Rae made an immediate impact on the first day of the HKFC IP Global International Soccer Sevens on Friday.

Rae was on target just before half-time to give his team, the IP Global All Stars, a 1-0 victory over Kowloon Cricket Club.

It was the perfect start for the All Stars, who are favourites to win the Masters competition at the popular sevens tournament at Hong Kong Football Club.

“The goal came at just the right time and we controlled the match from then on,” said Rae.

“We were pretty comfortable, I don’t think our goalkeeper had a shot to save. It’s a good beginning for us and we’ll look forward to tomorrow.”

Rae won the Masters tournament last year with Glasgow Rangers Legends and was delighted to get on the scoresheet.

“I felt I didn’t get enough goals last year, so I’ll be trying to get a couple more this time around,” he promised.

The All Stars line-up includes former England internationals Des Walker, Rob Lee and Chris Powell, ex-Scotland striker Gordon Durie and former Northern Ireland midfielder Steve Lomas.

They dominated the Pool A clash against KCC, hitting the woodwork twice and going close on several other occasions, but Rae’s smartly taken goal proved enough.

Also in Pool A, former France international Didier Six scored a late winner for Football For Life as they beat HKFC Veterans 2-1.

Since it was first held in 1999, the tournament – sanctioned by the Hong Kong Football Association – has developed into the world’s premier seven-a-side soccer event.

The Main competition has become famous for unearthing the “stars of tomorrow” while the Masters section features former elite players from Europe’s top leagues.

Pool play continues on Saturday when the Main competition will start. The knockout stages will be played on Sunday.

All children under the age of 16 are allowed in free throughout the tournament. Adult tickets cost HK$200 for two days (Saturday and Sunday sold together) or HK$120 for one day.

Tickets can be bought via www.hksoccersevens.com or through Laxton Marketing Consultants (Tel: 2866 3110), or they can be purchased at the public entrance during the tournament.

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Released on behalf of the HKFC IP Global International Soccer Sevens by Two Up Front - Asia’s sports PR specialists.

Celtic legend Danny McGrain is hoping his team can go one better than last year’s runners-up spot when they compete in this weekend’s HKFC IP Global International Soccer Sevens.

The Scottish giants lost 2-0 to English rivals Aston Villa in the 2008 final of the popular Hong Kong tournament.

They will be aiming to improve on that when the 2009 edition is staged at Hong Kong Football Club from Friday to Sunday.

“Villa had that little bit extra last year and the better team won,” admitted McGrain, assistant to Celtic squad manager Willie McStay.

“We’re in a tough group this year so our priority is to make sure we qualify for the Cup on Sunday and then we’ll take it from there.”

Celtic have unearthed plenty of stars in the years they have been competing in the Soccer Sevens, including current first team captain Steve McManus, John Kennedy, Shaun Maloney and Liam Miller.

This year they have high hopes for flying winger Niall McGinn. The 21-year-old, already a Northern Ireland international, was signed from Derry City last December.

“He’s got pace to burn and can play on the right or left,” said McGrain, one of the all-time great fullbacks who played 663 games for Celtic and earned 62 Scotland caps.

“In the past we’ve brought quite a few young players over here who have progressed to the first team. This is our seventh year of competing here and it’s always been enjoyable. Everyone back home speaks very highly of the tournament.”

Arch rivals Rangers are also competing in the 32-team Soccer Sevens while other leading contenders include Villa, West Ham United and Birmingham City.

Villa, who will be going for their third Cup victory in a row and fifth overall, have included two key members of last year’s winning team, Player of the Tournament Barry Bannan and Marc Albrighton, who scored against Celtic in the final.

Since it was first held in 1999, the tournament – sanctioned by the Hong Kong Football Association – has developed into the world’s premier seven-a-side soccer event.

The Main competition has become famous for unearthing the “stars of tomorrow” while the Masters section features former elite players from Europe’s top leagues.

All eyes in this year’s Masters competition will be on the IP Global All Stars, who will feature former England internationals Des Walker, Rob Lee and Chris Powell, ex-Scotland striker Gordon Durie and former Northern Ireland midfielder Steve Lomas.

Further star appeal comes in the shape of current Premier League referee Mike Riley, who is officiating at the tournament.

Riley will take charge of four matches in the first two days – Football For Life v HKFC Veterans on Friday (7:48pm kickoff), followed by West Ham v Australian U18s (2:18pm), Eastleigh FC v Yau Yee League Select (5:18pm) and Villa v Birmingham (7:42pm), all on Saturday. He will also referee matches on Sunday.

Entry on Friday is free for all spectators, while all children under the age of 16 are allowed in free throughout the tournament. Adult tickets cost HK$200 for two days (Saturday and Sunday sold together) or HK$120 for one day.

Tickets can be bought via www.hksoccersevens.com or through Laxton Marketing Consultants (Tel: 2866 3110), or they can be purchased at the public entrance during the tournament.

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Released on behalf of the HKFC IP Global International Soccer Sevens by Two Up Front - Asia’s sports PR specialists.

There is no substitute for experience when it comes to managing a big football club, according to Lawrie McMenemy.

The former Southampton boss watched two teams from his native Northeast of England fall out of the Premier League last weekend – and both had young managers at the helm.

Alan Shearer won just one of his eight games in charge for Newcastle as they were relegated while Gareth Southgate’s third season as Middlesbrough manager also ended in the drop.

McMenemy – currently visiting Hong Kong for the HKFC IP Global International Soccer Sevens – said letting former players go straight into management at a top-flight club was fraught with difficulties.

“Young managers should really cut their teeth in the lower divisions, but these days they want big names at Premier League clubs,” he said.

“Alan’s only been in charge of Newcastle for a few weeks and if he stays to try and get them out of the Championship [the division below the Premier League] he’s going to find out just how hard management is.

“Gareth Southgate was another who went straight into management from playing and it’s a difficult thing to do.

“But Middlesbrough have got probably the best chairman in England in Steve Gibson – he’s stuck by Gareth and will continue to do so.

“Even so, they are the least well supported of the three Northeast clubs – they are behind Newcastle and Sunderland in that respect – and I think they may continue to struggle.

“I managed in all four divisions in England in my career and I can tell you the Championship is the most difficult to get out of.”

McMenemy, though, was quick to point out that Shearer could hardly be blamed for Newcastle’s demise.

“As Alan himself said, it’s mainly down to mismanagement on and off the field going back several years. Their massive support has kept them going in the past couple of seasons but all their problems have finally caught up with them.”

McMenemy managed Doncaster Rovers and Grimsby Town in the lower divisions before making his name at Southampton, where he was in charge from 1973-85.

He guided them to a shock FA Cup final victory over Manchester United in 1976 and in 1984 led the club to their best-ever finish in the top flight, runners-up to champions Liverpool. He later had a spell in charge of Sunderland and was an assistant to England manager Graham Taylor.

McMenemy, accompanied by his wife Anne, is making his first visit to Hong Kong. He is the guest speaker at the Soccer Sevens Sportsman’s Dinner being held on Thursday (May 28) at the Hong Kong Football Club in Happy Valley.

More than 600 guests will attend the dinner, which will also include a question and answer session with current Premier League referee Mike Riley.

The Soccer Sevens will be held at HKFC from Friday to Sunday (May 29 to 31) with 32 teams taking part – 16 in the Main competition and 16 in the Masters.

Play takes place from 6:00pm to 8:30pm on Friday, from 8:00am to 8:00pm on Saturday and from 8:00am to 7:00pm on Sunday.

Entry on Friday is free for all spectators, while all children under the age of 16 are allowed in free throughout the tournament. Adult tickets cost HK$200 for two days (Saturday and Sunday sold together) or HK$120 for one day.

Tickets can be bought via www.hksoccersevens.com or through Laxton Marketing Consultants (Tel: 2866 3110), or they can be purchased at the public entrance during the tournament.

-- ENDS --

Released on behalf of the HKFC IP Global International Soccer Sevens by Two Up Front - Asia’s sports PR specialists.

Former Newcastle United favourite John Beresford will arrive in Hong Kong this week with a spring in his step as he looks forward to the HKFC IP Global International Soccer Sevens. He admits he will probably depart with a limp and a few aches and pains.

“The last time Rob Lee [his ex-Magpies teammate] and I played in the Sevens we went home and needed several weeks to recover because we put so much into it!” he laughs. “The trouble is, we love to play but the body doesn’t always agree. We can’t do what we used to do, we know that, but it’s about going out and enjoying yourself and having some fun.”

Beresford and Lee – both key members of the swashbuckling Newcastle team that nearly won the Premier League under Kevin Keegan in 1996 – will be turning out for the IP Global All Stars in the Soccer Sevens, to be staged at Hong Kong Football Club from Friday to Sunday (May 29-31). Their teammates will include former England internationals Des Walker, Dave Beasant, Chris Powell and Mark Walters, ex-Scotland striker Gordon Durie and former Northern Ireland midfielder Steve Lomas.

But anyone thinking these not-so-old pros are simply turning up for a couple of friendly games and to reminisce about the past should heed Beresford’s warning. “Always, the aim is to win. Don’t get me wrong, we’ll play with a smile on our face and go out and socialise, but we’re not coming halfway around the world simply to have a kickabout and get beaten. Your pride is still there and you want to do well.”

The IP Global All Stars will be the top attraction in the Masters competition while leading youth teams, including holders Aston Villa, West Ham, Celtic and Rangers, will contest the Main competition. Beresford, who has played in the tournament three times before, is looking forward to it.

“The ex-pros turn into kids again when they get to the Soccer Sevens. Even though I’m 42, I’m starting to get excited. I’ve been talking to Rob Lee and Des Walker and we’re all saying we can’t wait to play. It gives you that buzz again.”

Before coming to Hong Kong, Beresford will be keeping a close eye on today’s final round of Premier League fixtures as Newcastle attempt to avoid relegation. He attends all the Magpies’ home matches in his role as a TV analyst and has watched their season unravel with disbelief.

“From Kevin Keegan being manager at the start of the season to Alan Shearer trying to save them at the finish, you couldn’t have scripted what’s happened,” he says. “Everything that could go wrong has gone wrong and now Shearer is trying to pick up the pieces. But while acknowledging all that has happened, you have to say the players have simply not performed.”

Newcastle’s season has resembled a TV soap opera. They began with Keegan back for his second spell as manager, but he quit after club owner Mike Ashley brought in Dennis Wise as director of football and Tony Jimenez as vice-president of player recruitment. Veteran manager Joe Kinnear came in and made some initial progress – in a period that saw Wise and Jimenez leave the club – before a major health scare forced him to step down, leaving coach Chris Hughton in charge. With the Magpies plummeting, club record goalscorer and Geordie icon Shearer has taken charge for the run-in.

Beresford believes Ashley must carry a large share of the blame. “His decision to bring in Wise and Jimenez and to give them so much influence was the major reason why Keegan walked out and that is why they’re in the position they’re in now.”

Mired in the bottom three, the Magpies play their final game away to Aston Villa today hoping that either of the two teams above them, Hull (at home to champions Manchester United) or Sunderland (at home to Chelsea), will stumble. Beresford is not optimistic. “The odds are stacked against them, not because I think Hull and Sunderland will both get results, but because Newcastle have to get something at Villa and Martin O’Neill has a team to cause them problems. It’s not looking good.”

Newcastle’s predicament is a far cry from Keegan’s glorious first spell in charge in the 1990s when their attacking football enthralled fans and took them agonisingly close to the 1996 Premiership title, only to be pipped by Manchester United. Beresford was a buccaneering left-back in that team, enjoying six successful years at St James’s Park and winning two England B caps.

“I’ve fantastic memories of that time,” he reflects. “I couldn’t wait for training and I couldn’t wait for matches. My teammates were guys like Peter Beardsley, Les Ferdinand, Philippe Albert, Tino Asprilla, Rob Lee … it was just an absolute pleasure to play alongside them.”

And David Ginola? The maverick Frenchman, playing in front of Beresford on the left wing, polarised opinion with his dazzling skill and low work rate, but Beresford won’t hear a bad word about him. “Some days he was that good, I was just applauding. He was an unbelievable talent and a great guy, too. He was also a lazy so-and-so sometimes, but that was what made him! I loved playing with David Ginola.”

After the Villa-Newcastle showdown, Sheffield-born Beresford will have one more important date before heading to Hong Kong – he will be at Wembley on Monday to watch Sheffield United, his boyhood team, take on Burnley in the Championship playoff final, the prize being promotion to the Premier League. “It’s a weird scenario,” he says. “All season I’ve been hoping my team get promoted so I could watch them play Newcastle in the Premier League next season. Now they could be replacing them.”

Beresford always enjoys his trips to the Soccer Sevens and this one will be even sweeter if results go his way this weekend. He confirms: “If Newcastle stay up and Sheffield United win, I’ll be arriving in Hong Kong with the biggest smile in the world.”

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Released on behalf of the HKFC IP Global International Soccer Sevens by Two Up Front - Asia’s sports PR specialists.

Aston Villa will face a new challenge to their supremacy at the 2009 HKFC IP Global International Soccer Sevens – from fierce local rivals Birmingham City.

Villa will be going for their third Cup victory in a row – and fifth overall – when the tournament is held at Hong Kong Football Club from May 29-31.

But they will face stiff opposition from city rivals Birmingham, newly promoted to the English Premier League and now making their debut in the Soccer Sevens.

The arch-rivals were paired together in Pool C when the tournament draw was held at Hong Kong Football Club today (May 12).

It sets the scene for a mouth-watering showdown between Villa and Birmingham on the second day of the tournament.

Hong Kong side Citizens and Singapore Cricket Club are the other two teams in Pool C.

Villa youth academy director Bryan Jones says his team are looking forward to the tournament.

“Aston Villa are delighted to be taking part in the Soccer Sevens competition again this year,” he said.

“It will be a good opportunity for our young players to gain some valuable experience and I know one or two of last year’s squad are keen to try and retain the trophy this time around.”

West Ham United have also been confirmed for the showpiece together with Scottish giants Celtic and Rangers.

West Ham will be favourites to top Pool B at the expense of the Australian U18s national team, Sheffield FC and the Hong Kong Football Club Captain’s Select. Rangers, meanwhile, will need to overcome one of China’s top teams, Chengdu Blades, in Pool A.

Since it was first held in 1999, the tournament – sanctioned by the Hong Kong Football Association – has developed into the world’s premier seven-a-side soccer event.

The Main competition has become famous for unearthing the “stars of tomorrow” while the Masters section features former elite players from Europe’s top leagues.

All eyes in this year’s Masters competition will be on the IP Global All Stars, who will feature Nottingham Forest and England great Des Walker.

Walker was one of the finest defenders of his era and won 59 caps in a distinguished career.

He will be joined by former England internationals Rob Lee, Mark Walters, Chris Powell and goalkeeper Dave Beasant.

Former Rangers and Scotland striker Gordon Durie will also be in the squad together with ex-West Ham and Northern Ireland midfielder Steve Lomas.

The GAC Blades will feature former Sheffield United favourites, including the club’s famed strike pairing of Brian Deane – another England international – and Tony Agana.

Making a guest appearance for the Blades will be one of China’s greatest players, Ma Mingyu, who earned 73 caps and played club football for Perugia in Italy.

In addition, the Hood All Stars and Southampton Veterans will also have former Premier League players.

“The Soccer Sevens gives football fans the best of both worlds – the stars of tomorrow in the Main competition and some of the greats of yesteryear in the Masters,” said organising committee chairman Tony Bratsanos.

“Both competitions deliver top class entertainment and we’re looking forward to what promises to be three days of fantastic football.”

The Soccer Sevens has been given added spice with the unveiling of a new trophy donated by the title sponsors, Hong Kong-based international property company IP Global.

Another innovation this year will see a new tournament mascot – a cuddly dragon – keeping fans entertained throughout the weekend.

A competition to name the mascot has been launched and details can be found at the official website, www.hksoccersevens.com.

A total of 32 teams will take part in the Soccer Sevens, 16 in the Main competition and 16 in the Masters. Each competition will feature a pool round followed by knockout games for the Cup, Shield and Plate (in the Main) and Cup and Plate (in the Masters).

Play will take place from 6:00pm to 8:30pm on Friday, May 29; from 8:00am to 8:00pm on Saturday, May 30; and from 8:00am to 7:00pm on Sunday, May 31.

Entry on May 29 is free for all spectators, while all children under the age of 16 are allowed in free throughout the tournament. Adult tickets will cost HK$200 for two days (May 30 and May 31 sold together) or HK$120 for one day.

Tickets can be bought via www.hksoccersevens.com or through Laxton Marketing Consultants (Tel: 2866 3110), or they can be purchased at the public entrance during the tournament.

Before the tournament kicks off, two more big names will be appearing at the eve-of-event Sportsman’s Dinner at Hong Kong Football Club at 7pm on Thursday, May 28.

Former top-flight manager Lawrie McMenemy, who famously guided Southampton to FA Cup glory in 1976, will be the guest speaker while current Premier League referee Mike Riley will also be giving his views on the game.

Tickets are $700 per person or $7,000 for a table of 12. Bookings can be made through Laxton Marketing Consultants (Tel: 2866 3110) or by emailing amy@laxtonmarketing.com.

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Released on behalf of the HKFC IP Global International Soccer Sevens by Two Up Front - Asia’s sports PR specialists.