St. Pats players all amateurs?

[robertob]

I've read yesterday in a german newspaper to the UEFA Cup match against Hertha BSC, that the Pats squad is not full professional or consists just of amateurs. I'm surprised because I think St. Patrick's Athletic is a professional football club. The same newspaper wrote also that the coach John McDonnell is beside his manager job for Saints a taxi driver. Anyone can explain me what is true?

[Sheridan]

All St. Pat's senior players are (by Irish standards, highly-paid) full-time professionals. John McDonnell has been known to drive a taxi to supplement his income but I don't think he does it anymore, certainly not that frequently. There are several managers in the league who do this.

[robertob]

Thank you.

As I read the german artice I said "no that's not true. Saints are full-time professional". Good to get from you now the affirmation.

One other question: Wich LOI clubs are full-time professional?

[Sheridan]

I think I'm right in saying that at the start of this current season Bohemians, Cork City, Derry City, Drogheda United, Galway United, Sligo Rovers and St. Patrick's Athletic were full-time clubs, and Finn Harps mostly full-time. By next season, all except Bohs and Pat's (possibly Drogheda if things work out better than they look like doing) will probably revert to a mixture of full-time and part-time players or part-time only.

[Dodge]

BTW robert, let the Berlin team ad management think we're amateurs

[charliesboots]

Some of our players are risking losing their jobs for time off for the UEFA games. Players are even staying in a hostel there, Johnny is getting a german taxi driver mate to do a few runs from the airport. Lucky he has a seven seater.

Keep the myth alive Robert ;)

[saintmaniac]

Some of our players are risking losing their jobs for time off for the UEFA games. Players are even staying in a hostel there, Johnny is getting a german taxi driver mate to do a few runs from the airport. Lucky he has a seven seater.

Brilliant charlies... more of that!

I seem to recall Dolan speaking to the Scottish media before the Celtic game, saying that the team had to train in the dark... can we throw that one in too? :D

[BohDiddley]

Just give them the result v Sporting Franchise.

[A face]

Just give them the result v Sporting Franchise.

hee hee :p

[Billy-Green]

I By next season, all except Bohs and Pat's (possibly Drogheda if things work out better than they look like doing) will probably revert to a mixture of full-time and part-time players or part-time only.
I herd that were goin full time in january/feb, not defo tho. Its somrthing to do with the stadium, rovers dont have to pay for anything but get all the income from it.

[amjl]

I herd that were goin full time in january/feb, not defo tho. Its somrthing to do with the stadium, rovers dont have to pay for anything but get all the income from it.

That seems really fair.....