TV issue an excuse for League of Ireland to have a real chat

**nigel-harps1954** · 15/12/2014, 3:14 PM

http://www.independent.ie/sport/socc...-30835557.html

Enjoyed this read by Daniel McDonnell in the Indo.

In particular, this point, while not surprising, really shows just how the leading officials in the FAI view the League:

Delegates found it disrespectful that a leading FAI official spent a portion of this rare gathering seemingly dealing with important business on his mobile phone.

**Mr A** · 15/12/2014, 3:20 PM

Took place about a month ago according to this. http://www.independent.ie/sport/socc...-30835557.html

Some pretty depressing reading in there.

Overall, the club reps were left with the impression that the FAI believe they should be grateful for the assistance they receive from Abbotstown.

Hmm.. clearly the clubs need to work together to improve this situation.

But:

Earlier this year, however, Premier Division clubs decided to start meeting independently to discuss matters of mutual concern. The PCA (Premier Clubs Alliance) recently wrote to the FAI to request details on the terms of sponsorship agreements pertaining to the league which have not been disclosed due to 'commercial sensitivity.'

Anyone know more about this? What's the advantage of having a representative body that doesn't include all clubs? Are the division one clubs really seen as that toxic? Are all the premier clubs a part of this?

Meanwhile the premier league is planning to have Friday night games.

**Dodge** · 15/12/2014, 3:39 PM

Originally Posted by Mr A

Took place about a month ago according to this. http://www.independent.ie/sport/socc...-30835557.html

Some pretty depressing reading in there.

Hmm.. clearly the clubs need to work together to improve this situation.

But:

Anyone know more about this? What's the advantage of having a representative body that doesn't include all clubs? Are the division one clubs really seen as that toxic? Are all the premier clubs a part of this?

I heard it's every club in the LOI bar Harps. They asked everyone who plays in the Premier, or is likely to play in the Premier in the next 5 years or so. Cobh and Wexford head some of the sub-committees

**bennocelt** · 15/12/2014, 6:22 PM

Wonder what club delegate though JD was worth more than he is currently on, wow!

**nigel-harps1954** · 15/12/2014, 6:27 PM

Originally Posted by bennocelt

Wonder what club delegate though JD was worth more than he is currently on, wow!

Someone looking for money from the FAI.

**Longfordian** · 15/12/2014, 7:11 PM

Did the Galway delegate role go to a Salthill or Mervue official by any chance?

**gufcfan** · 15/12/2014, 9:22 PM

Originally Posted by Longfordian

Did the Galway delegate role go to a Salthill or Mervue official by any chance?

Why on earth would you suspect such a thing...

**Lim till i die** · 15/12/2014, 9:29 PM

Has anyone ever heard of a club delegate ever questioning anything at a delegates meeting ever?

Some of the goings on are as laughable as they are predictable.

Its very easy to buy the loyalty of paupers.

This tv thing will be great anyway, we'll all get new floodlights out of it and the league will flourish.

**Longfordian** · 16/12/2014, 6:36 AM

I have, but they usually get replaced pretty quickly afterwards funnily enough.

**disgruntled** · 17/12/2014, 10:30 AM

Will the peasants revolt I wonder or will a few crumbs from Delaneys table be sufficient to satisfy the clubs anger

I won't be holding my breath.

**Mr A** · 17/12/2014, 1:56 PM

Do you mean the premier peasants or the peasant peasants?

**disgruntled** · 17/12/2014, 2:31 PM

I suppose it depends on your definition of a peasent ?

**TonyD** · 17/12/2014, 9:01 PM

Originally Posted by nigel-harps1954

Someone looking for money from the FAI.

I'm sure Delaney bought him a pint though, so it's all cool. That lad would probably feel well at home in North Korea.

**DannyInvincible** · 17/12/2014, 10:02 PM

Originally Posted by bennocelt

Wonder what club delegate though JD was worth more than he is currently on, wow!

Would it be appropriate to speculate? Name and shame, I say!

**A N Mouse** · 18/12/2014, 12:07 PM

Would the fai not be entitled to enforce a blackout on Friday nights?

Even if it meant being unable to broadcast our own league games at those times, it could be used as leverage in any agreement.

A tenfold increase in prize money would be chicken feed to the epl rights packages.

**ger121** · 18/12/2014, 1:08 PM

Originally Posted by A N Mouse

Would the fai not be entitled to enforce a blackout on Friday nights?

Even if it meant being unable to broadcast our own league games at those times, it could be used as leverage in any agreement.

A tenfold increase in prize money would be chicken feed to the epl rights packages.

Jesus, the LOI is unpopular enough already. Could you imagine the outcry if we were to deny the Barstooling fraternity their Friday night Football.

**nigel-harps1954** · 18/12/2014, 3:07 PM

http://extratime.ie/newsdesk/article...ture---part-2/

Can't remember where Pat O'Sullivan stuff was posted before. But he made another very interesting point and potential structure change suggestion in this article.

Basically, the idea of bringing in a 16 team single division with A Championship under it. Keeps the idea of relegation in tact and solves the problem of having a First Division too small for the clubs. He admits to his idea having flaws but it does seem a fairly smart idea.

**wonder88** · 18/12/2014, 8:52 PM

My view would be that a one division league is the most suitable structure for the LoI, with 18 teams. It will likely come about anyway. Ideally there would be relegation of one team each season with promotion available also. Pat Devlin and Mick Wallace are two who support this, people with good understanding of the league of Ireland. I would like to hear the opinions of those who support the current structure on the fact that 10 weeks away from the start of the season it is not know how many teams will be in 1st division.

**jinxy lilywhite** · 18/12/2014, 10:00 PM

Originally Posted by wonder88

My view would be that a one division league is the most suitable structure for the LoI, with 18 teams. It will likely come about anyway. Ideally there would be relegation of one team each season with promotion available also. Pat Devlin and Mick Wallace are two who support this, people with good understanding of the league of Ireland. I would like to hear the opinions of those who support the current structure on the fact that 10 weeks away from the start of the season it is not know how many teams will be in 1st division.

an 18 team one division league is a ridiculous ides. the gap between top and bottom is too big & also there would be a lot of meaningless games come the end of the season with too many teams with little to fight for.
Pat Devlin & Mick Wallace want this because their clubs are in the lower tier this season. if they were in the premier they would be keeping their mouths shut.

The current structure is not ideal, I would prefer 10 in the premier and the remaining in the first. My main qualm about the 12 team premier is that I don't believe playing teams 3 times a season acts as a benefit. I think 2 away and 1 at home vice versa is giving some sides a favourable advantage.

the main ails of the league is not just the number of clubs. there are a number of other issues. that before the league gets any semblance of respectability from non loi fans and general public that need to be addressed. take your pick.
Facilities
length of league
amounts of games in short space of time
bad publicity- clubs folding, on the verge of folding, players wages owed.
lack of interest from controlling body
running of clubs in general
lack of emphasis in clubs on youth development.
short term thinking.

**luiz** · 18/12/2014, 10:58 PM

I know I wrote that post about 10 times, but nowadays is already an issue that teams like Limerick and Bohs have nothing to play weeks before the end of the championship and attendances fall dramatically. Imagine in a 18 team league without relegation.

I second the post above me, a 10 team league with 36 games, everyone playing each other twice would be the best way to go. Plus would make the First Division more interesting. But most of supporters I talk with complain a lot about playing too many times against the same opposition. For me this is not an issue but for most people looks like it is.