View Full Version : What happens if Mervue win the first division?
adamd164
24/03/2013, 11:19 AM
So, eh, I know it's only 3 games in, but Mervue are sitting pretty on top of the table. If they somehow manage to go on and win the first division, they'll surely not be happy to give up their place and would most likely look to play home games at Terryland.
Would this not throw a spanner in the works for the FAI's master plan (which seems to be 1 team in Galway) and the return of GUFC/GUST?
Sean South
24/03/2013, 11:31 AM
The same if any club wins the first division. If they win it they'll be promoted, then the following year they'd probably be relegated again. GUFC is dead and GUST is only a pipe dream going no where so it makes no difference.
gormacha
24/03/2013, 11:35 AM
Whilst Waterford United were abysmal last night, credit where credit is due - Mervue played really well: neat passing, fast on the break, and in Conor Gleeson look to have a genuine talent between the sticks.
The standard of the division is woeful, and on last night's evidence, Mervue are as good as anyone.
adamd164
24/03/2013, 11:38 AM
GUFC is dead and GUST is only a pipe dream going no where so it makes no difference.
It's clear the FAI have shafted GUST to some extent and fobbed them off about licensing etc. But I still thought that even the FAI ultimately wanted to have a 'Galway United' of some form or another playing in Terryland. It's the only way LOI football would be viable in the county.
White Horse
24/03/2013, 11:39 AM
Just because a team wins promotion, it doesn't mean they get to play in the premier division.
Particularly, when Galway United are involved.
Fivesilver
24/03/2013, 11:55 AM
"What happens if Mervue win the first division?"
The Gusties' heads explode and Michael D declares martial law.
outspoken
24/03/2013, 11:59 AM
We were actually talking about this one the way home last night realistically only 3 clubs in the FD could go up at this moment in time Town, Waterford and Athlone as they are the only grounds up to standard, surely Harps wouldnt be allowed up with a ground like that? I know they are building a new stadium but that wont be ready by next season should they go up.
adamd164
24/03/2013, 12:00 PM
We were actually talking about this one the way home last night realistically only 3 clubs in the FD could go up at this moment in time Town, Waterford and Athlone as they are the only grounds up to standard, surely Harps wouldnt be allowed up with a ground like that? I know they are building a new stadium but that wont be ready by next season should they go up.
Cobh could in theory with Coleman's Park, they've used it in the Premier Division only a few years back.
Longfordian
24/03/2013, 1:16 PM
Plans for a new ground are all that's required judging by previous licence awards. There's not a chance of any club being kept down because of their ground.
NeverFeltBetter
24/03/2013, 1:27 PM
If Mervue win the First Division, they should get to play in the Premier, as long as the correct licensing requirements are fulfilled. They earned it if they win it.
That would provide a headache though, because three Galway clubs is still unsustainable and GUST will, presumably, be trying to get back in in some form next year. But if I was placing them in an order of consideration/merit, FD champions would be at the top.
I really doubt it will be an issue though. A good start for Mervue, but lets see if they have the legs.
nigel-harps1954
24/03/2013, 2:03 PM
The same if any club wins the first division. If they win it they'll be promoted, then the following year they'd probably be relegated again. GUFC is dead and GUST is only a pipe dream going no where so it makes no difference.
Been told recently that you're being nothing but a spam merchant on here.
We were actually talking about this one the way home last night realistically only 3 clubs in the FD could go up at this moment in time Town, Waterford and Athlone as they are the only grounds up to standard, surely Harps wouldnt be allowed up with a ground like that? I know they are building a new stadium but that wont be ready by next season should they go up.
Plans are in place for this sort of situation. Partly because of this:
Plans for a new ground are all that's required judging by previous licence awards. There's not a chance of any club being kept down because of their ground.
Harps played 2005 and 2008 in the Premier Division in Finn Park. No reason why we wouldn't be allowed again when plans are in place for 2015.
wonder88
24/03/2013, 6:11 PM
This crossed my mind as well. I have seen 3 of the first divison teams play so far this year and I must say the standard of soccer played is really bad. With the players they have I would expect Mervue to be near the top of the table by the end of the season, they underachieved big time last year. If they manage to get promotion we will have an indication of their ability to attract people to go and watch them play and if UCD manage to stay up it will be interesting how the other clubs in the premier divison view them.
My own opinion is that GUST (or any other club) should be allowed to join the league if they are able to raise the finance that meets all the liciencing criteria.
Martinho II
24/03/2013, 6:41 PM
I think the difference this yr with Mervue is that they got Gary Curran in from Ballinamallard. He played with Tom King in 09 with us and spent a few seasons with Finn Harps and SLigo Rovers. He is a class player and was one of our better players in the Alan Gough/Gareth Cronin era. Is Alan Murphy still playin with them?
Dodge
24/03/2013, 11:01 PM
It really all depends on whether Bray need to sneak back into the Premier or not. If they need it, they'll replace Mervue devon United
Charlie Darwin
24/03/2013, 11:17 PM
Is it not Mervue Devon Supporters' Trust now?
gufcfan
25/03/2013, 7:12 AM
http://i.imgur.com/yoGMW3l.gif
I think the difference this yr with Mervue is that they got Gary Curran in from Ballinamallard. He played with Tom King in 09 with us and spent a few seasons with Finn Harps and SLigo Rovers. He is a class player and was one of our better players in the Alan Gough/Gareth Cronin era. Is Alan Murphy still playin with them?
Gary also played with Galway United in their last year in existance.
Alan has got sick of the political joke that is Galway soccer and is playing gealic football now.
If mervue go up they deserve a crack at the premier league and best wishes to them. In saying that, GUST will still be applying for a first division licence for the 2014 season as their support within the city and county grows impressively larger and larger. Cannot see salthill devon last beyond this season, but their financial backers will also surely be looking for a licence next season.
The FAI from what I have seen/heard have zero interest in the final outcome in this mess.
adamd164
26/03/2013, 10:31 AM
If mervue go up they deserve a crack at the premier league and best wishes to them. In saying that, GUST will still be applying for a first division licence for the 2014 season as their support within the city and county grows impressively larger and larger. Cannot see salthill devon last beyond this season, but their financial backers will also surely be looking for a licence next season.
The FAI from what I have seen/heard have zero interest in the final outcome in this mess.
Question - have there been, or are there going to be, meetings between the FAI and the "stakeholders" in Galway football in preparation for next year? Or will it just be a case of GUST lodging an application again come the end of this season?
From my recollection there has only been one meeting between all parties since the FAi told GUST that their application was not going to be considered.
There is no need for either Salthill or mervue to do anything as they have nothing to gain from what would possibly emerge from the meetings.
The only people dependant on the meetings are the GUST.
gufcfan
26/03/2013, 5:49 PM
The only people dependant on the meetings are the GUST.
I don't know would I even say that. I thought the talks were just a sham to kick the can down the road.
Mervue and Salthill have got what they probably wanted out of it the deal and Naughton got his re-election.
From my point of view, Mervue and Salthill would never merge with each other or GUST. Any team representing the region would have to have a name that reflected that.
Neither Salthill nor Mervue would would sacrifice their name and identity for that and rightly so. I thought that the original merger attempt was little more than attempt to absorb the GUST fund-raising machine and volunteers, in Salthill Devon, among other things.
From what I could see, GUST were trying to be part of the solution, helping to see a team inclusive of all of Galway football in the LOI. Any sort of merger with any specific club would alienate the rest of the football community in Galway. 95% of people involved in Galway football are not affiliated with Salthill or Mervue and but are involved with clubs that compete against them at every single level from Junior Premier down to the youngest age-group.
Not that certain people in the FAI gave a damn about the situation in Galway, they have even less interest now that positions have been won and their supporters have been rewarded for their "services to the game".
gormacha
26/03/2013, 10:46 PM
Neither Salthill nor Mervue would would sacrifice their name and identity for that and rightly so.
I don't pretend to understand the intricacies of the Galway situation, but didn't Salthill 'sacrifice their name and identity' last year?
citybone
26/03/2013, 11:03 PM
Fahy's field is not good enough for the Premier division. If they can use Terryland fine but i don't think they will finish top
gufcfan
26/03/2013, 11:11 PM
I don't pretend to understand the intricacies of the Galway situation, but didn't Salthill 'sacrifice their name and identity' last year?
They did, but they still held onto the Salthill Devon, even if it was abbreviated. It was only the LOI team that was renamed. Having said that, I think the name and venue change was already done and dusted before the members were told, if I remember correctly.
People think we have some deep rooted hatred toward them and often it might be hard to argue otherwise, but nearly every single person in that club are good football people, the sort of people we hope we are too. It's the small group of people, not just in SDFC, but within the FAI with interests other than the well-being of their club or Galway football at heart.
Fahy's field is not good enough for the Premier division. If they can use Terryland fine but i don't think they will finish top
Fahy's Field and Drom don't satisfy First Division requirements, never mind the Premier.
Sam_Heggy
27/03/2013, 9:51 AM
Bring back Kilkenny City..
bullit
29/03/2013, 7:25 PM
Welcome Mervue :D 2 up atm to harps
adamd164
30/03/2013, 10:20 AM
2-2 in the end, still a good result for them. Mervue still top.
adamd164
04/04/2013, 8:39 PM
http://sphotos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/534874_10151536829782074_654894661_n.jpg
Charlie Darwin
04/04/2013, 8:58 PM
I didn't realise the club went out of existence directly following Winn's goal kick. Perhaps he should have let somebody else take it.
legendz
04/04/2013, 9:52 PM
The FAI appeared to show an eagerness to keep senior football in Limerick years ago and then Cork and Derry after certain issues meant they were dropped into the first division. I think the league needs Galway United and I hope to see them back in the league next season, regardless as to whether the other two clubs are there or not. I don't think SD or Mervue are taking much support. If they can get by as they are in the league, leave them get on with it.
gufcfan
05/04/2013, 1:40 AM
Big cash boost to help Galway Utd rise from ashes.
Businessmen to row in behind relaunch of club in League of Ireland in lucrative three year deal
__________________________________________________ ___________________________
Galway United is set to rise from the ashes and return to the League of Ireland next year after it emerged this week that a major financial boost - worth in the region of €100,000 a year for three years - is close to being delivered for soccer in Galway. While in the FAI has denied that any deal has been struck, a spokesperson admitted that discussions in relation to a three-year cash injection for a single Galway side were at "an advanced stage" and it was hopeful that everything would be in place for a unified team in the 2014 League of Ireland season.
"It is very positive, but there is still a lot of work to be done. It is not true to say that anything has been agreed, there is a lot of devil in the detail yet, and it is disappointing that this has been reported before a deal was finalised, but we are very happy with how matters are progressing," the spokesperson said.
It is believed the deal is being brokered with the Comer brothers, who are originally from Glenamaddy and were approached by the CEO of the FAI, John Delaney, about backing a single Galway team to compete in the League of Ireland. Discussion have been ongoing for a number of months, and it is believed some of the intricacies deal were hammered out at a meeting of Delaney and the Comers at last month's Cheltenham Racing Festival.
While there has been senior soccer in the city in the past two seasons with Mervue United and Salthill Devon playing in the First Division, the failure to have a side representative of the whole Galway has resulted in small attendances because of the 'parochial' nature of the clubs. The prompted the FAI to order a a review of the soccer situation in Galway last year, which culminated in the publication of the O'Connor Report last October.
The report was written after discussion with the main stakeholders in the game in Galway, the Galway FA, the Galway United Supporters' Trust (GUST), Mervue United and Salthill Devon - and recommended that a single team should represent Galway City and County in the League of Ireland.
"The report notes the long term systematic weakness of having more than one senior club in a city of Galway's size on both sporting and commercial grounds and recommends a phased approach towards the resolution of this matter," the FAI said at the time.
"This includes the eventual setting up of a Connacht Senior League, and a Board for the single Galway club composed of a broad spectrum of football and business interests in the Galway area."
That resulted in the FAI facilitating a series of meetings with the four main stakeholders in Galway, and a meeting held in the city last night was to hear the details of the proposed backing from the Comer brothers.
"If the reports are true, then there is something there for everyone to work with, and it is up to those who are involved to become involved in the new team," said Joe Keating, Chairman of the Galway FA on Wednesday.`
"From a Galway FA point of view, we feel we have a wonderful facility in Eamonn Deacy Park, and would be anxious to have a Galway team playing there next season. There is nothing in writing yet, and until there is, we don't want to comment much further. Any decisions we make have to have the backing of our 47 member clubs, but this is good news for a Galway team going forward," he said.
A spokesperson for Salthill Devon said that, while they had heard some details of the reported deal, nothing was confirmed as of yet, and until it was, there was very little that could be said on the matter.
"There has been a lot of public discussions since the publication of the report, but if I'm honest, they have been discussions about discussions more anything concrete. If a concrete proposal comes before a meeting, then that is something we can look at," a spokesperson for Salthill Devon said on Wednesday.
"No one wants to commit to something that has a lot of question marks attached to it We are still fully committed to the talks, we have acted in good faith and we will continue and will continue to do so, and we are looking forward to seeing what concrete proposals can be put on the table," the spokesperson said.
The GUST have also welcomed the news of potential financial backing, but stressed that nothing had been signed off on yet.
"There were five options contained in the O'Connor report, and the one recommended was a single Galway side made up of the main stakeholders in Galway. We ratified that finding and have been working towards that, and if the reported deal - and the figures are involved - are correct, it would be a brilliant foundation for a single Galway side for next season.
"Obviously, we are committed to that goal of a single Galway club, and we'd love if Salthill Devon and Mervue United were fully involved as well - they have in-depth experience of running very successful clubs for a number of years, and their involvement would be a huge benefit," the spokesperson said.
The O'Connor Report also suggested that, for a single Galway team to come into existence, the re-establishment of the Connacht Senior League was essential in providing both Devon and Mervue with an outlet for their senior sides.
While all focus has been on the domestic league side, the first steps towards a unified team was actually putting the structures in place for the Connacht Senior League, and that is now set to go ahead in October. Letters were sent to clubs in all four leagues in the jurisdiction of the Connacht FA - Galway, Mayo, Roscommon and Sligo/Leitrim - and Art Friel of the Connacht FA has confirmed to Tribune Sport that seven clubs have at least eight teams involved, and as of now it looks like we already have seven. I am still waiting to hear from a number of clubs, and if we can go up to 10 teams being involved, that would be great," said Friel.
John Delaney has previously confirmed that a sponsorship deal has been struck for the CSL on an initial three-year deal, which would give the new league plenty of time to become established. The Connacht FA didn't want to be drawn on the names of the seven clubs that have confirmed and interest, but Devon and Mervue are almost certainly two of those, while it is also likely that both NUI Galway and GMIT would look carefully at the proposal.
A fifth Galway club is also likely, but it may not be a reserve side from the new unified Galway club, which would be left to focus on putting it's foundations in place. Instead, Ballinasloe Town are strong contenders for involvement in the CSL - the east Galway club players in the Roscommon District League, and it needs just one point from its remaining four games to clinch the Premier Division title for a second successive season.
Mayo clubs such as Castlebar Celtic, Ballina Town and Westport United would also be likely contenders for the new league, as would the other League of Ireland clubs in the western area - Sligo Rovers, Longford Town and Athlone Town.
Sligo Rovers recently rejected an invitation to joins the Ulster Senior League, but when contacted about the CSL proposal this week, a spokesperson said the club had no comment to make on the matter.
The one sticking point in all of this is what happens if either Salthill Devon or Mervue United win promotion from the First Division this season. The new season is only four games old, but Mervue United look like challenging for honours as they are unbeaten and lie in second place, one point behind leaders Longford Town, who they meeting in Longford this Saturday. It involves a lot of hypothetical thing, but if they win promotion to the Premier Division, it will be impossible to see them voluntarily bowing out of the League of Ireland.
"They have made a great start to the season, but there is plenty of football left to play. Our main concern is the future of football in Galway, and we will deal with any eventualities if and when they arise," the FAI spokesperson said.
The spokesperson would also not be drawn on what a unified Galway team would mean for the make-up of the League. If the project goes ahead, then Devon and Mervue would have to drop out - or be forced out - and the new Galway team admitted, which would leave 19 teams across the two divisions.
The league did operate on 19 teams, when Monaghan United dropped out last season, but that is a far from desirable situation. There have been suggestions that the League will change to a single 16-team division for 2014, but there is thought to be strong opposition amongst the existing League of Ireland clubs.
badker
05/04/2013, 4:14 AM
where did this article come from GUFCfan? anylink
gufcfan
05/04/2013, 5:24 AM
where did this article come from GUFCfan? anylink
There was no link at time of posting.
Part of the article (http://www.galwaynews.ie/30960-big-cash-boost-help-galway-utd-rise-ashes) is now available.
The post above contains the full article.
legendz
05/04/2013, 3:49 PM
I hope the plans fall into place and we wee Galway United back in the League of Ireland. I'd like to see the MSL have input similar input from the FAI to make it more provincial than Cork centric.
gufcfan
05/04/2013, 4:17 PM
I hope the plans fall into place and we wee Galway United back in the League of Ireland. I'd like to see the MSL have input similar input from the FAI to make it more provincial than Cork centric.
If you willingly invite the FAI to meddle in your affairs, you deserve what you get!
The Article is from the Connacht/City Tribune you cant read it all online unless you subscribe.
Redzer
05/04/2013, 6:00 PM
Big cash boost to help Galway Utd rise from ashes.
Businessmen to row in behind relaunch of club in League of Ireland in lucrative three year deal.
Fair play to Nick Leeson and the FAI for getting this sponsorship
Wouldn't have expected anything less.
pineapple stu
06/04/2013, 1:07 PM
I hope the plans fall into place and we wee Galway United back in the League of Ireland.
How the hell is this supposed to work?!
adamd164
06/04/2013, 1:30 PM
Big cash boost to help Galway Utd rise from ashes.
Businessmen to row in behind relaunch of club in League of Ireland in lucrative three year deal
__________________________________________________ ___________________________
...
The one sticking point in all of this is what happens if either Salthill Devon or Mervue United win promotion from the First Division this season. The new season is only four games old, but Mervue United look like challenging for honours as they are unbeaten and lie in second place, one point behind leaders Longford Town, who they meeting in Longford this Saturday. It involves a lot of hypothetical thing, but if they win promotion to the Premier Division, it will be impossible to see them voluntarily bowing out of the League of Ireland.
"They have made a great start to the season, but there is plenty of football left to play. Our main concern is the future of football in Galway, and we will deal with any eventualities if and when they arise," the FAI spokesperson said.
The spokesperson would also not be drawn on what a unified Galway team would mean for the make-up of the League. If the project goes ahead, then Devon and Mervue would have to drop out - or be forced out - and the new Galway team admitted, which would leave 19 teams across the two divisions.
...
Someone's been reading this thread. :cool:
I love the FAI comment - plenty of football left to play, let's just hope to god they don't win it. Hahaha.
legendz
06/04/2013, 5:44 PM
Whilst Waterford United were abysmal last night, credit where credit is due - Mervue played really well: neat passing, fast on the break, and in Conor Gleeson look to have a genuine talent between the sticks.
The standard of the division is woeful, and on last night's evidence, Mervue are as good as anyone.
It's not much of a surprise after recent seasons. It was very competitive the year Cork and Shels were promoted. When was the last season a team was relegated from the Premier without being demoted for off field reasons? Again last season you had the best team Limerick promoted but no team down due to the Monaghan situation.
It's not much of a surprise after recent seasons. It was very competitive the year Cork and Shels were promoted. When was the last season a team was relegated from the Premier without being demoted for off field reasons? Again last season you had the best team Limerick promoted but no team down due to the Monaghan situation.
Err I think you'll find Dundalk beat Waterford in a play-off....
If we'd have lost we'd have gone down.
legendz
06/04/2013, 5:56 PM
Err I think you'll find Dundalk beat Waterford in a play-off....
If we'd have lost we'd have gone down.
I'm aware of that. There was no team automatically relegated to replace the team automatically promoted. That's what I'm referring to. Who was the last club automatically relegated without off field reasons being the reason for demotion?
nigel-harps1954
06/04/2013, 6:14 PM
In fairness, it's pretty poor alright. But it's not any worse than other seasons.
All the teams seem to be relatively even this season. There's not a whole lot between them all. On current showings, I'd fancy a few First Division teams to be giving Shels and Bohs and the like a run for their money.
Charlie Darwin
06/04/2013, 7:36 PM
In fairness, it's pretty poor alright. But it's not any worse than other seasons.
All the teams seem to be relatively even this season. There's not a whole lot between them all. On current showings, I'd fancy a few First Division teams to be giving Shels and Bohs and the like a run for their money.
Don't forget Shamrock Rovers.
adamd164
06/04/2013, 8:32 PM
FT Longford 1-1 Mervue. Still up there.
Don't forget Shamrock Rovers.
I think they come under "and the like"...
nigel-harps1954
06/04/2013, 10:45 PM
Don't forget Shamrock Rovers.
I'd take a draw against them to be honest. ;)
Good result for Mervue tonight and could easily have been better I believe. Best of luck to them hope they keep it going. If they get promoted to the Premier Division I'll be delighted for them.
bluewhitearmy
07/04/2013, 1:20 AM
Best of luck to them hope they keep it going. If they get promoted to the Premier Division I'll be delighted for them.
Said no Galway fan ever.
Olander
07/04/2013, 1:30 AM
Said no Galway fan ever.
After reading some of his cringe-inducing ramblings on our fans forum, I'm pretty sure he's not one.
Na bac leis.
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