Mons?

[CraftyToePoke]

Saddened to hear this, joined the same time as Newcastle West, lasted a touch longer though. Its those supporters I feel for today.

[Nailor]

Devastated for the fans, players and volunteers of Monaghan, I'd heard they were in trouble but didn't think it would have the plug pulled so soon without even a consultation with the PFAI, FAI or whoever.
The whole licensing system shown as a total farce yet again.
With Dundalk seemingly on their uppers and rumors flying about a couple of others, how long before a one division league? Limerick, Longford,Waterford, Bohs, Bray etc should rethink whatever they were going to do about strengthening in the window to become/stay as a Premier team for next year, because it looks increasingly likely it won't matter a flying f**k.

[Dodge]

We don't actually know who the club considered player reps, and whether it included the players PFAI rep(s) - could be any of the players, and wouldn't be the first time an employer has pulled such a trick. btw it's fairly obvious they aren't going to honour player contracts - if they were they might as well see out the season, but good work (for once) of the PFAI to highlight it in the press release.

Fair point on player reps. Could've been any two they chose

Just have a particular issue with PFAI moaning about player finding out from social media considering the tweets last August from PFAI's solicitor about Pats euro bonus ********

[dong]

The FAI would have granted the licence based on figures submitted.
Again, how is it their fault if Monaghan under or over estimated certain items which they then submitted.
Can't always be the FAI's fault this.

[dong]

And I have no love for the FAI for many reasons, but clubs need to start getting real.

[Magicme]

The players contacted were the team captain and the player who has been dealing with the PFAI.

The FAI were told of the seriousness of our situation at the meeting a few weeks back and knew this was coming if we didnt secure a sponsor.

So much I want to say here that would clarify things but I can't as I dont want people in my club getting in trouble for repeating some of the stuff that has happened in the last few weeks.

Am so angry. The last few weeks have been so hard. It has been like nursing a cancer patient, relief that it is now over but the gut wrenching pain of losing a loved one.

[Mario]

Too easy to blame the FAI on this one but I cant see how this is their fault.

Monaghan's budget would have "assumed" /"projected" gate receipts to go up as a result of playing in the Premier / more away fans etc.

Now unless those "projections" were ridiciously over estimated and the FAI then accepted such a set of ridiculous estimates, how is it the FAIs fault?

[Dave_SRFC]

And I have no love for the FAI for many reasons, but clubs need to start getting real.

Yours for a start.

[Sam_Heggy]

Devastated for the fans, players and volunteers of Monaghan, I'd heard they were in trouble but didn't think it would have the plug pulled so soon without even a consultation with the PFAI, FAI or whoever.
The whole licensing system shown as a total farce yet again.
With Dundalk seemingly on their uppers and rumors flying about a couple of others, how long before a one division league? Limerick, Longford,Waterford, Bohs, Bray etc should rethink whatever they were going to do about strengthening in the window to become/stay as a Premier team for next year, because it looks increasingly likely it won't matter a flying f**k.

Limerick and Longford Im sure will want to strengthen where possible. Why would they not want to win the league?
In the Prem, Im sure the top 3 or 4 clubs will have eyes on the title with a further few hoping to get into Europe.

I feel very sorry for the fans of Monaghan today, we almost went to the wall in the "off-season" and it was tough times so can only imagine what it's like now to all of a sudden not have a club.
I'd wager well over 50% of the clubs are struggling to make wage payments at the moment. Long way to go in the season yet.

[Dodge]

Now unless those "projections" were ridiciously over estimated and the FAI then accepted such a set of ridiculous estimates, how is it the FAIs fault?

Clearly thats in play here.

And I don't think anyone is suggesting Monaghan don't bare the majority of blame here. Of course they do, but everyone involved in licensing is culpable

[Battery Rover]

FAI Press Release

FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION OF IRELAND
Monday, June 18, 2012

FAI statement re Monaghan United FC


The Football Association of Ireland today (June 18) confirmed that Monaghan United has notified the League Department of its formal intention to withdraw from the Airtricity League of Ireland Premier Division. The club had met with the National League Director in the past month and no indication of this decision was flagged at that meeting.

Speaking today, Fran Gavin, Director of the Airtricity League said: "We met with the officials of Monaghan United less than a month ago to get an update on where they were with their budget for the season. At that time there was absolutely no question of withdrawing from the league. Today's announcement from Monaghan United is a surprise to us and is very disappointing.

"We have been assisting the club in recent weeks to try and help them source a main sponsor."

The FAI have called a Board Meeting this afternoon in Poland where the matter will be discussed. The Board members present in Poland are there at their own expense.

Chairman of the National League Eamon Naughton and Airtricity League Director Fran Gavin expressed their disappointment at Monaghan United’s decision after the growth that the club has seen since its entry to the League of Ireland in 1985.

Monaghan United has received significant support from the FAI and the National League including a facility development loan for €150,000 of which over €100,000 is still outstanding. The FAI also provided a €25,000 grant to the club in 2009 during its AGM in Monaghan, as well as providing assistance in securing Sports Capital Grants for the club.

A further statement will be issued later this evening once the FAI Board has had the opportunity to consider the matter fully and determine the next steps.


Stephen Finn
Communications Executive
Football Association of Ireland

[Real ale Madrid]

Speaking today, Fran Gavin, Director of the Airtricity League said: "We met with the officials of Monaghan United less than a month ago to get an update on where they were with their budget for the season. At that time there was absolutely no question of withdrawing from the league. Today's announcement from Monaghan United is a surprise to us and is very disappointing.

Surely this sums up the farce that is the FAI Licencing system and procedures....

[Dunny]

Will Delaney be able to pull himself away from his pint to attend this meeting..

[White Horse]

Monaghan United has received significant support from the FAI and the National League including a facility development loan for €150,000 of which over €100,000 is still outstanding.

Monaghan have committed to paying their creditors. I presume this loan is one of those.

[White Horse]

Will Delaney be able to pull himself away from his pint to attend this meeting..

It's the FAI. The meeting is at the bar and pints will be on expenses.

[PartySaint]

Loved going up to Monaghan. Great little ground, lovely bar, great food and really nice people. Such a shame.

[Charlie Darwin]

Terrible news. I feel for all of their fans. I feel nothing for all the Manchester United and Liverpool fans in Monaghan who won't be aware this has happened, if they're even aware they had a League of Ireland side to begin with.

[passinginterest]

The FAI were told of the seriousness of our situation at the meeting a few weeks back and knew this was coming if we didnt secure a sponsor.




FAI Press Release

FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION OF IRELAND
Monday, June 18, 2012

FAI statement re Monaghan United FC


The Football Association of Ireland today (June 18) confirmed that Monaghan United has notified the League Department of its formal intention to withdraw from the Airtricity League of Ireland Premier Division. The club had met with the National League Director in the past month and no indication of this decision was flagged at that meeting.

Speaking today, Fran Gavin, Director of the Airtricity League said: "We met with the officials of Monaghan United less than a month ago to get an update on where they were with their budget for the season. At that time there was absolutely no question of withdrawing from the league. Today's announcement from Monaghan United is a surprise to us and is very disappointing.

"We have been assisting the club in recent weeks to try and help them source a main sponsor."



Some very contradictory stuff there. Feel a lot of sympathy for you MM you've more or less embodied Monaghan Utd for posters here and I don't think anyone could help but be impressed by your dedication and enthusiasm. If it's any compensation I'm sure most on here would be more likely to believe your side of events.

[Magicme]

The FAI don't make mention of the thousands of € worth of "free time" they get on the Astro pitch as well as us making payments every month on their loan. The fact that we have provided a base for Cavan and Monaghan football development is soon forgotten by them.

Our budgets were very modest and were seemingly attainable but things got much worse than expected.

[bluewhitearmy]

The FAI would have granted the licence based on figures submitted.
Again, how is it their fault if Monaghan under or over estimated certain items which they then submitted.
Can't always be the FAI's fault this.


Whats the point in licencing at all if you can just go in and give figures that are so far wrong you fold mid season...

Surely has to be some sort of checks that the figures are reasonable.

[writerbk1969]

Sad that not one single main sponsor could be found in the town. I suppose if involved 15 men that kicks points it would be an altogether different scenario. Regards of finger-pointing its awful to see a club with a 33 year history (27 in the LOI) going to the wall. One of many. Kilkenny City went bust for a mere 50K a few years back , a manky 50k, now we have the Mons snuffed out.

[horton]

Whats the point in licencing at all if you can just go in and give figures that are so far wrong you fold mid season...

Surely has to be some sort of checks that the figures are reasonable.
To be fair, any budget forecast is just that, a made up plan. Considering Bohs had no main sponsor first game of the season, was their submitted budget based on no main sponsor being found? I don't know the full ins and out of this whole shambles but I'm sure there is plenty of clubs that would be in trouble if they got one or two unexpected bills or didn't get a few cheques they were expecting.

[Magicme]

And we did try to sort it out before it got this far.

[Acornvilla]

Don't want to steal Mons thunder here, but just wanted to ask does anyone know if all the craic with Mick Wallace is going to do damage to Wexford? With the SD Galway experiment failing badly, and after the death of Mons, combining both leagues is probably a necessity now.

RIP Mondogs

[nigel-harps1954]

GUST or Cobh to replace them next season so? All this talk of one division. I don't see it happening. One team will come back and replace them and it will be the same farce as this season.

A 20 team one division league would be excellent for the league. More interest, and on a broader scale, less derbies, more meaning to them when they do come around. But sadly I don't see it happening.

[Charlie Darwin]

GUST or Cobh to replace them next season so? All this talk of one division. I don't see it happening. One team will come back and replace them and it will be the same farce as this season.

A 20 team one division league would be excellent for the league. More interest, and on a broader scale, less derbies, more meaning to them when they do come around. But sadly I don't see it happening.
A 20 team league would be a disaster. Teams like Mons can't even survive when they have 10 guaranteed gates from the bigger sides in the league. They'd be in an even worse state if they had half as many games while facing stiffer competition for players.

[pauliek]

Really going to miss Monaghan, raging I was only in Gortakeegan twice

[Macy]

If Licencing are accepting budgets based on a sponsor being found, when none are in place, it is 100% a farce and the FAI's fault. Not meeting attendance expectations is one thing (if they are realistic based on previous seasons), having a big hole due to no headline sponsor is quite another, imo.

[Dodge]

A 20 team league would be a disaster. Teams like Mons can't even survive when they have 10 guaranteed gates from the bigger sides in the league. They'd be in an even worse state if they had half as many games while facing stiffer competition for players.

A 20 league team would lead to 15 teams with nothing to play for. Do people seriously think 12th v 16th is more likely to attract fans that a relegation or promotion battle?

Going by what we know about this league, 8 teams would see they've nothing to play for so cut costs and shed players in July too.

of course if only 16 teams want to be in the league, then there might be no option...

[Philly]

Really sad for the Monaghan fans. There were not alot of them but they stuck with that club through thick and thin. I'm glad they got to experience a promotion just before it all went bust anyway, that must have been a great experience. Unfortunately, like my old team in Kildare, the locals just didn't get behind them.

[El-Pietro]

A 20 league team would lead to 15 teams with nothing to play for. Do people seriously think 12th v 16th is more likely to attract fans that a relegation or promotion battle?

Going by what we know about this league, 8 teams would see they've nothing to play for so cut costs and shed players in July too.

of course if only 16 teams want to be in the league, then there might be no option...a 20 team league with no relegation mind. about 4 or 5 clubs would compete for the league and Europe and as the season goes by clubs would cut back and save for the following season

[Jofspring]

With the crowds currently in the first division could a nothing match between 6th and 16th be any worse than a first division game? Probably not.

From my experience this season purely just from how the grounds looked crowds wise:

Mervue vs limerick approx 150
SD vs limerick appox 80
Athlone vs limerick approx 350
Wexford vs limerick approx 350
Waterford vs limerick approx 600

We have only had a handful of games away from home with over 300 and I think Longford away was the only one with anywhere near 700. Our home games have had decent attendances considering, but could easily drop to the 350 mark.

[citybone]

To be fair, any budget forecast is just that, a made up plan. Considering Bohs had no main sponsor first game of the season, was their submitted budget based on no main sponsor being found? I don't know the full ins and out of this whole shambles but I'm sure there is plenty of clubs that would be in trouble if they got one or two unexpected bills or didn't get a few cheques they were expecting.

When Cork City won the league in 05 we broke even, In 2006 we made a €400 k loss due to NISSAN not honoring a oral agreement. It should have been a written agreement but it wasn't, one fella lost his job over it, but Brian Lennox covered it. We would have broke even again in 2006 if it wasn't for this to a small club with no backer it would be different but Cork City were lucky to have a owner who loved the club and wasn't doing it for the money which Arkada and Tom Caughlan were.

[sullanefc]

When Cork City won the league in 05 we broke even, In 2006 we made a €400 k loss due to NISSAN not honoring a oral agreement. It should have been a written agreement but it wasn't, one fella lost his job over it, but Brian Lennox covered it. We would have broke even again in 2006 if it wasn't for this to a small club with no backer it would be different but Cork City were lucky to have a owner who loved the club and wasn't doing it for the money which Arkada and Tom Caughlan were.

Even still, this was extremely amateur on our part, just as Monaghan have been very amateur in setting out a budget based on a figures that were probably based on a house of cards.

[gufc2000]

Feel sorry for Monaghan, a nice little club they had there. Their support may have been small, but incredibly loyal and proud. Thought they'd go from strength to strength following promotion.

Of the teams elected in 1985, only Derry and Bray remain. Disappointing to see clubs falling off the radar like this. Unless the FAI pull up their socks and start taking an active interest in this league, more and more clubs will fall by the wayside.

As a fan of a club who has gone to the wall, I can only empathise with the Mons fans.

Also, for all those who knocked GUFC last season, fair enough we were rubbish but we did see out the season. Dropping out mid-season really makes a mess of things

[Shannonsider]

Is this decision an absolute final resort or can Monaghan continue if the FAI can come up with some sort of solution?

[marinobohs]

Uh Oh, rumours of difficulties at Bray. Anyone know the story ?

[Sam_Heggy]

Of the teams elected in 1985, only Derry and Bray remain. Disappointing to see clubs falling off the radar like this. Unless the FAI pull up their socks and start taking an active interest in this league, more and more clubs will fall by the wayside.



Must........resist.........shows of bitterness

[White Horse]

Uh Oh, rumours of difficulties at Bray. Anyone know the story ?

I'd be surprised to hear that finances were fine at any club.

[Sean South]

http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg232/scaled.php?server=232&filename=imageoww.jpg&xsize=640&ysize=480

http://i48.tinypic.com/10pc8rn.jpg

[Longfordian]

Is this decision an absolute final resort or can Monaghan continue if the FAI can come up with some sort of solution?

I don't think the FAI are too enamoured with them right now judging by their statement. I doubt they'll be helping too much.

[nigel-harps1954]

20 team division may mean nothing for a lot of teams, but the attendances would rise for a lot of those clubs which could mean the difference between survival and folding. If the likes of Mervue and Salthill were able to get an extra 200 or 300 through the gate from away fans at Shamrock Rovers, Cork, etc. they would end up being a lot stronger financially don't you think?
It also makes a home derby game much more appealing. Playing your derby game 4 times in one season just takes away from the occasion.

[Lim till i die]

Uh Oh, rumours of difficulties at Bray. Anyone know the story ?

Would be handier if another club dropped out alright, uneven numbers are a balls in fairness.

[BonnieShels]

When I heard the news I liek I'm sure a few people plonked it up on the oul FB:


RIP Monaghan United. People, get out and support your local Irish clubs. They're dying. Really, what does Manchester United or City, Liverpool, Chelsea or Arsenal actually mean to you?

Got this response...

It means watching good entertaining football at the highest level. League of Ireland is just full of players who aren't good enough for the bigger leagues. Man Utd and Liverpool have a long and proud tradition of recruiting and getting the best out of Irish players. Who in turn bring this to the international squad which means we have a chance of making it to major finals. What does Monaghan mean to me?? Nothing.

I retorted...

Massive cop out Gobs**te mate. But Liverpool and United and Arsenal are no longer churning out any players for Ireland. If anything Derry City and Reading do more for the Irish team now! When Home Farm and Cherry Orchard were in their pomp they were supplying players left, right and centre. As regards good football and entertainment being the reason to support English teams; The Bundesliga is more entertaining and has a higher quotient of skillful football. Where's your Leverkusen shirt?

EDIT: He responded!!!


Whats next. Will you be campaigning for us all to go out and buy Celtic shirts. Home Farm and Cherry Orchards days of getting players good enough for the national squad are all but gone. How many of Jack Charltons team played in the League of Ireland during their great period? How much Bundesliga do you actually watch to say its better than the Premiership. English soccer has done more to get Irish players on the map and respected as top players than any Irish soccer, thats a fact.


What have Celtic, the team from Scotland got to do with anything? And you're bringing Jack Charlton into it?
How much English football do you actually watch that isn't top-4?
Every weekend during the European season ESPN show at least one live game from Germany and provided I am in I will watch it. Failing that, It will be recorded and perused over later on. I may also watch a game from Italy England and/or Spain. As well as that I could have attended a Shels match as well.
But levelling criticism at me for my love of LOI and criticism of the English obsession seems to miss my point entirely.
Your argument is flawed and confused Joe. You started off saying that you support English soccer on the basis that it is more entertaining than the LOI and that they develop more players for the national team. It's a circular argument and I feel that you may be stuck in a bit of a feedback loop with it.
It is the lack of support for Irish soccer that has caused this scenario to be so prevalent.
In the current Irish squad alone there are:
Keith Andrews, junior career with Stella Maris, moved to Wolves at 19, about to sign for Bolton Wanderers for 2012-2013. Our best player at the Euros by a mile.
Simon Cox, born in Reading and a youth player there, so not likely to be troubling the Irish junior club set up. Eligible for Ireland through his maternal granny.
David Forde, started his senior career with Galway United, moved to Wales with Barry Town and then onto West Ham. Didn't really work out for him there. Moved back to the LOI and Galway United. Prospered. Had a great few seasons then with Derry which reinvigorated his career and won an FAI Cup and 2 League Cups there. Cardiff City hunted him. Didn't work out and then wound up at Millwall in 2008. Played in every single league game (incl. play-off semis and finals) for 2 seasons. Currently and immovably their no 1.
Darron Gibson, his junior career began with the Derry and District before moving onto Institute where he was scouted by Manchester United. Stagnated at United and has since been reinvigorated by his recent move to Everton.
Keith Fahey, started his junior career at Cherry Orchard. Moved to Arsenal at 15. At 19 moved to Villa. got disillusioned with the game and moved home to Dublin. Played in the LSL with Bluebell United. Spent 5 years between St Pats and Drogheda United. A spectacular European run in which he ran the show against Hertha Berlin at the RDS earned him a move to Birmingham City.
Kevin Doyle, started his youth career with Wexford Youths before moving to St Pat's. After a season in Inchicore he moved to Cork City where he scored 25 goals in 76 games. At Cork he won the League in 2005 before being snapped up by Reading where he won the Championship in 2006 and scored 55 goals in 155 appearances. Became Wolves record signing in 2009 for £6.5m. Will earn his 50th cap tonight v Italy at Euro 2012.
Damien Duff, started his junior career at Leicester Celtic, Lourdes Celtic and St Kevin's Boys before being signed up by Blackburn Rovers at 17, winning a League Cup in 2002. Moved to Chelsea in 2004 and won to League titles and a League Cup. now at Fulham guided them to the final of the Europa League v Atletico in 2010. Tonight will captain Ireland win his 100th cap.
Shall I go on...?
Senior players don't suddenly become professional players and then move to England. In a real sensible world they wouldn't have to move to England until they are older (see Shane Long and Kevin Doyle) and will be grounded when they do and become better players for it.
As you can see form the small sample Irish players aren't the product of English youth systems alone. I haven't even mentioned the likes of James McClean, Shane Duffy, Enda Stevens...
Your idea of entertainment is subjective. Of course it will ever be thusly. In 4 years you have never taken me up on my offer of heading to Carlisle or Tolka or even Dalymount but feel free to call Irish soccer crap because they don't contribute to our national team.
--------------------------------------------------------

I'm disgusted that Mons have bitten the bullet.
If there was a prospect of this happening earlier in the season would the club not have considered it prudent to remain in the First Division?
That the club spent it's existence looking out for the long term interests of the club and the local regions interest in football why the sudden short-termism?
It indicates to me that the club weren't truly honest with the licensing committee. This does not absolve the mess that yet again they have caused.

[Dodge]

20 team division may mean nothing for a lot of teams, but the attendances would rise for a lot of those clubs which could mean the difference between survival and folding. If the likes of Mervue and Salthill were able to get an extra 200 or 300 through the gate from away fans at Shamrock Rovers, Cork, etc. they would end up being a lot stronger financially don't you think?

if clubs are relying on 200 Rovers fans (and we'll be generous and say Cork, Pats, Bohs, Sligo and Derry) once a season then they're ****ed anyway.

[nigel-harps1954]

if clubs are relying on 200 Rovers fans (and we'll be generous and say Cork, Pats, Bohs, Sligo and Derry) once a season then they're ****ed anyway.

You obviously don't pay much attention to the First Division.

[Dodge]

You obviously don't pay much attention to the First Division.

So what happens the clubs who now have less games against these 'big' teams. less revenue for them so they in trouble?

In absolutely no way should away fans be the deciding factor in any structure

[nigel-harps1954]

So what happens the clubs who now have less games against these 'big' teams. less revenue for them so they in trouble?

In absolutely no way should away fans be the deciding factor in any structure

I didn't say away fans should be a deciding factor, I'm simply saying it would help a lot. It would also boost home attendances. And I do believe attendances are a huge factor in every clubs survival, it's nonsense to think otherwise. If a club has 2 or 3 big attendances in one season (aka Harps v Derry or Limerick v Cork or even Wexford v Shamrock Rovers attracting upwards of 3,000) that could make or break a clubs season.

Most clubs are on their knees because of poor attendances. Just look at Monaghan now.

[The Lilywhites]

Uh Oh, rumours of difficulties at Bray. Anyone know the story ?

That's the meeting tomorrow.

[Shannonsider]

Meanwhile in Poland..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=affbvK4UZgc (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=affbvK4UZgc)