FAI Invites First Division Expressions of Interest

[sadloserkid]

only to be promoted eventually by a goal scored by Limerick...

What a goal it was though. :)

[Dermotron]

For those wondering about Kilkenny City reforming, it's unlikely. Posted here (http://foot.ie/threads/170730-Clubs-divided-over-future-LOI-format?p=1645629&viewfull=1#post1645629) prior to the new season when everyone was curious as to who was going to enter / could enter the league.


Without a North/South or East/West split an expanded 1st Division is unrealistic from the point of view of newly formed clubs entering the league. Rivalries would form easier thus meaning better attendances and more sustainable clubs. Like a potential 8 team First Division South could be - Waterford, Wexford, Cobh plus Carlow, Tralee, Kilkenny, perhaps team from Tipperary. It may be against what I mentioned in the post I linked but it would certainly be more appealing to think that there would be 6 south east derby games per season straight away.

The majority of nations with something similar already have a 3rd tier (which is normally where the splits are) which are made up of teams we would regard as Senior or Intermediate teams here. But here in lies the problem with expanding or creating a bigger league, the league itself is not connected to what should be it's feeder leagues i.e. Leinster/Munster/Ulster and Connaught Senior leagues. Even the nations with similar populations have a structure in place where every team that plays is part of the same pyramid, from Pro down to Junior. With exception of the FAI Cup, there is no connection to those leagues. I guess the other issue is that if ever a move was made to connect the leagues to each other, there would be general uproar from the Senior clubs who are quiet happy with their current set-up and league systems. What's acceptable in terms of the First Division licencing would also need to change of course.

[nigel-harps1954]

I guess the other issue is that if ever a move was made to connect the leagues to each other, there would be general uproar from the Senior clubs who are quiet happy with their current set-up and league systems. What's acceptable in terms of the First Division licencing would also need to change of course.

I'd imagine there'd be more uproar amongst junior clubs.

[oriel]

Newry Town (City now) looked into joining the LOI when they were forced out of the Irish Lge PD 2 years ago. I dont think they took it any further as the IFA were having just about enough of the players thing, and cut them a deal to join up in some regional league.

But they definitely looked into a FD application.

[Nesta99]

What a goal it was though. :)
Oh I agree totally - dramatic stuff it was!! Took everyone by surprise especially the Kildare stewards who thought that the fans running on to celebrate were running at John Gill rather than to him - they were hastily carrying him away as he was trying to confirm what what had happened and they were hanging on to him for dear life, quite funny and priceless memories.

[culloty82]

Today's Indo reporting that the plan for a single Galway club is on the brink of collapse - GUST requested that the name "Galway United" be used and the merged entity be run as a co-operative, and are considering pulling out, as neither demand proved acceptable to Mervue and Salthill.

[bluewhitearmy]

Today's Indo reporting that the plan for a single Galway club is on the brink of collapse - GUST requested that the name "Galway United" be used and the merged entity be run as a co-operative, and are considering pulling out, as neither demand proved acceptable to Mervue and Salthill.


So all the talk about wanting whats best for football in Galway from GUST but if its not on their terms then they pull out.

[nigel-harps1954]

So all the talk about wanting whats best for football in Galway from GUST but if its not on their terms then they pull out.

In fairness now, if it's just another show run by Naughton and his cronies then I don't blame them in the slightest.

This is meant to be a club run by Galway football in the best interests of football in the region. If the people in the region don't get a say in things then whats the point in the first place?

[Eminence Grise]

I like Mervue Salthill Galway as a name. Wouldn't MSG would be a great additive to the league?

[Longfordian]

What have they been discussing up to now if they haven't any agreement on the basic running of the club and what it may be called?

[Guitd]

What have they been discussing up to now if they haven't any agreement on the basic running of the club and what it may be called?

AHHH things like >>>who will be representing them on the fai council.......what deal can salthill get from the FAI.......what deal can Mervue get from the fai....who be CEO and it will take a few week to PICK a F"""""ing name for christ sake

[NeverFeltBetter]

We've had the discussion over the name at some point in the past and I remember this: http://foot.ie/threads/172511-Report-on-the-future-of-Galway-football?p=1632454&viewfull=1#post1632454

And I knew right then and there that the name it was going to be a sticking point at one stage. Not surprised to see SD and Mervue balking at what no longer looks like a true merger of equals, just Galway United absorbing the other two and carrying on.

[Dodge]

Here's my post from a year ago. I think it still applies to the naming issue

http://foot.ie/threads/172511-Report-on-the-future-of-Galway-football?p=1632537&viewfull=1#post1632537

[Eminence Grise]

I think you're right. New club, new name. Otherwise it's just a takeover, not a merger. Pity the rugger boys have Galwegians sewn up.

[NeverFeltBetter]

I seriously can't see any reasonable objection to something like "Galway City FC". Or just "Galway FC".

[Eminence Grise]

Ditto. Or County. Insisting on 'United' seems like a deliberate attempt to put a stumbling block in place.

[Patrick Dunne]

SD Galway Bay Waves

[Strongbow10]

So all the talk about wanting whats best for football in Galway from GUST but if its not on their terms then they pull out.

In a fully functioning Irish football system, Mervue and Salthill would be thriving clubs in their own right at underage and junior level, with the Ultimate aim of providing a competitive Galway United with players.

The fact that all 3 are squabbling is really sad to see.

[NeverFeltBetter]

I wager the more successful run that Mervue have put together this year has got them wondering whether a merger is still in their best interest.

[BoyInGreen]

I agree that Galway County sounds like a good name for the new club, as it may attract support from outside the city.

[Kiki Balboa]

Can Mervue survive if GUST enter the first division ? It could just be a straight swap with Salthill and Galway United.

Two ways to make the first division viable, let teams make the move up from Junior/Intermediate to the First Division (which would be a miracle for a team to want to do it, and a miracle for it to last more than two seasons) and to add 'B' teams from already established teams which is also miles away.

[Sam_Heggy]

So how is Supermac's FC's chances looking for the upcoming season??

[Trainee]

Can Mervue survive if GUST enter the first division ? It could just be a straight swap with Salthill and Galway United.


We will never know as FAI wont give GUST an U19 licence and are not allowed to apply for a first division licence. Talks in Galway seem to have staled so GUST have called a meeting for next Monday so we should no more then

http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/galway-plans-for-single-club-at-risk-over-fan-concerns-29511889.html

[adamd164]

http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/hopes-dim-of-united-galway-team-in-airtricity-league-240452.html


Hopes dim of ‘united’ Galway team in Airtricity League

...

Both Mervue United and Salthill Devon have competed in the First Division since Galway United left the league in 2011, but with Mervue still battling for promotion to the Premier Division, it seems unlikely that an agreement will be reached in the short term.

It is believed that, to date no team structures have been put in place, that no legal entity has been formalised and that no team name has been agreed upon.

Yes Mr. Delaney, everything's on track, everything's on track...:rolleyes:

[wonder88]

not looking great for the trust supporters in Galway. Anyone who was at the Mervue/Athlone game last friday can see that Mervue are unable to attract a decent level of fans. For me it looks like "the one team in Galway" idea is not going to happen; looks good on paper but those outside Galway soccer do not understand that it was always unlikely to work. My own suggestion for what it is worth, is rather than reduce the number of teams in Galway is to increase them to 3 (if Salthill still want to stay in LoI). This means increasing the first divison to 10 teams by getting another team from munster in, eg Tralee. Also make it a condition that the team that finishes last must re-apply for membership the following season and also that they must increase their playing budget by a certain figure 15-20k for example so that they show a commitment to improve. Then maybe a trust backed team with a supporter base of around 500 could field a team that would be able to secure promotion.
It is not a lack of local players that is the problem in Galway but a team that those who are interested in LoI in the city and county feel they can support. There was a Galway lad playing for Athlone the other night.

[Charlie Darwin]

Galway Union

[Terry]

It doesn't matter what the club is called as even with the u19 team from last season it was the FAI that made them call the team that, as there was a different name on the team from the outset. I would agree that it is now looking unlikely that GUST will ever be allowed near any league under the FAI grasp,as there is constant road blocks being put up rather than taken down. Any new club that does emerge next season out of Galway will be 100% run by the chairman of the league of Ireland.

Come on United (Manchester that is!).

[citybone]

Sack John Delaney!

[bluewhitearmy]

In fairness now, if it's just another show run by Naughton and his cronies then I don't blame them in the slightest.

This is meant to be a club run by Galway football in the best interests of football in the region. If the people in the region don't get a say in things then whats the point in the first place?


How is the name having to be "Galway United" going to make any difference on whther or not its run in the best interests of football in the region? And who are GUST to say that it has to be a co-op surely all parties should agree on or compromise on the structure not just a matter of it being GUST way or no way at all.

[TommyT]

I wouldnt imagine Bohs will go through any greater challenge than any other side who spent time in the FD if they went down. I understand the Zurich position, but crowds might actually pick up if they are leading the FD (if they did get relegated)


That doesn't really apply to Dublin clubs because of the derbies

[nigel-harps1954]

How is the name having to be "Galway United" going to make any difference on whther or not its run in the best interests of football in the region? And who are GUST to say that it has to be a co-op surely all parties should agree on or compromise on the structure not just a matter of it being GUST way or no way at all.

My post was nothing to do with the name of the club. They can call themselves The Old Age Pensioner Prostitution Agency FC for all I care.

The idea of a club not actually run by the people involved in the wider circles Galway football is what would infuriate me.

[Terry]

My post was nothing to do with the name of the club. They can call themselves The Old Age Pensioner Prostitution Agency FC for all I care.

The idea of a club not actually run by the people involved in the wider circles Galway football is what would infuriate me.

the club being formed is turning out to have nothing to do with football, but personal finance and political gain by half of the people involved, and until these people are removed or exposed football is dead in Galway.

[NeverFeltBetter]

Have Mervue's crowds increased at all this year, given their run of decent form? Is there any potential there for building a club with even a 400-500 average?

Edit: According to attendance thread, their average number has actually gone down on previous years. You can't win.

[Terry]

Mervue, like Salthill are local estate football clubs. There is almost no estate in Galway city or town/village in Galway County that doesn't have a local football club. Mervue and salthill are their league opponents every Sunday morning at a junior level so why should they support them at a senior level?

The support for senior football from my point of view is gone. The support of senior team sports have moved on to the emergence of Connacht rugby and the GAA. For these supporters to come back it is going to take a very long time, with an open honest board who are dedicated to running a football club not a political party.

[Trainee]

The problem is a lot of Galway utd fans got annoyed when Our former CEO decided that it was a good idea to charge €25 into Terryland for a LOI game, GUST put up a fight but the board ignored the protest, these fans will refuse to support a club if run by a board and supports have no say in the important issues such as prices etc.

Funny is FAI fully backed Cork when they set a supporter run club as said it the future for LOI, in Galway FAI want a limited company of 3 or 4 people picked by FAI to run club, I can see an other SD Galway where GUST will be offered an opportunity to set up an supporters club with no say in the running of the club.

[Sean South]

Maybe the FAI are wary of the GUST running a LOI club as they weren't exactly professional in the final year before Galway United died. Then the whole walking away and letting GUFC die, when their club needed them most. But instead they thought they could set up a new club debt free but it backfired. The u19s set up was a bit of a joke too, more about massaging egos then anything else. So your guess is as good as mine why the FAI don't want GUST running a club on their own.

[Charlie Darwin]

Maybe the FAI are wary of the GUST running a LOI club as they weren't exactly professional in the final year before Galway United died. Then the whole walking away and letting GUFC die, when their club needed them most. But instead they thought they could set up a new club debt free but it backfired. The u19s set up was a bit of a joke too, more about massaging egos then anything else. So your guess is as good as mine why the FAI don't want GUST running a club on their own.
This is a bit disingenuous. GUST were never in control of Galway United - they were just paying tens of thousands of supporter-raised money to bail out the board of a private company that was no longer a going concern. It would take a remarkably cynical person to use this as a stick to beat GUST with, although I guess both the FAI and Sean South have plenty of form in this regard. Leave this one to the adults, Sean.

[wonder88]

Are Mervue much involved in this new proposed club ?

[Trainee]

Maybe the FAI are wary of the GUST running a LOI club as they weren't exactly professional in the final year before Galway United died. Then the whole walking away and letting GUFC die, when their club needed them most. But instead they thought they could set up a new club debt free but it backfired. The u19s set up was a bit of a joke too, more about massaging egos then anything else. So your guess is as good as mine why the FAI don't want GUST running a club on their own.

GUST when running Galway Utd had the toughest year ever anyone running a football club could ever have, everyday new debts arose, we had a manger who refused to train the players (and we coud'nt sack for a long as his contract was gufc), we lost 26 games in a row yet we managed to keep the club alive till end of season. GUST would be still running GUFC today only for a person on the board of GUFC put in a claim again our licence and wanted GUST to pay him crazy money, so GUST meet with Supporters Direct (they helped Cork City FORAS) and we took the risk to go it alone & GUFC withdrew from the league.

[NeverFeltBetter]

Sean South is a total WUM, don't feed the troll.

[Charlie Darwin]

Sean South is a total WUM, don't feed the troll.
Ah, give him a break. Sure all they're doing is trying to do is make a difference in their community and resurrect the real and sustained interest in football in Galway city. It's not as if they're they're doing something really vital and effective like making snide comments on the internet.

[bluewhitearmy]

Ah, give him a break. Sure all they're doing is trying to do is make a difference in their community and resurrect the real and sustained interest in football in Galway city. It's not as if they're they're doing something really vital and effective like making snide comments on the internet.


They have done and in other places about the FAI and now they are surprised the FAI wont let em have their way. I said it last year the way some from GUST were talking about the FAI and Big John would not go un-noticed.

[Charlie Darwin]

If the FAI have been reading foot.ie they really haven't shown any evidence of it.

[Spudulika]

They pick and choose CD, good ideas = baaad, snide comments = let's hold it against the posters.

We should all pick badges of clubs we don't like, pretend to support them and slag the living daylights out of the FAI and see what happens. Just a thought.

[redron]

We should all pick badges of clubs we don't like, pretend to support them and slag the living daylights out of the FAI and see what happens. Just a thought.

a la Sean South...

[sadloserkid]

a la Sean South...

To be fair he was picking a badge that the GUST hate rather than the one he loathes himself. :)

[JC_GUFC]

Just in relation to the issue of the name.

The proposed club is NOT a merger of SD, Mervue and GUST. It is supposed to be a new entity representing Galway in the League of Ireland. The most obvious name to call this new entity is Galway United but apparently this isn't acceptable to some of those involved in negotiations.

Personally I wouldn't have an issue supporting a team called Galway Rovers, Galway Harps, Galway Ramblers or Grasshopper Galway and I doubt too many others would either but the structure of the club has to be one where there is transparency and the supporters have a say in what happens, though not necessarily a casting vote.

The current potential structure seems doomed to failure. There is self-interest in everything proposed whereas GUST just want a proper senior football team to support and for that team to be representative of and inclusive of al strands of Galway football.

Thankfully it seems more and more posters on here are becoming aware of the situation.

[Terry]

To be fair he was picking a badge that the GUST hate rather than the one he loathes himself. :)

If he was talking about me, then he would be wrong. I'm a season ticket holder for both Mervue and Salthill. I have played in the past for Salthill. I am NOT a member of GUST but I am a Galway United fan and I would believe that what GUST want is the correct decision for future Galway football player in general.

[Nah Nah Nah Nah]

Just in relation to the issue of the name.

The proposed club is NOT a merger of SD, Mervue and GUST. It is supposed to be a new entity representing Galway in the League of Ireland. The most obvious name to call this new entity is Galway United but apparently this isn't acceptable to some of those involved in negotiations.

Personally I wouldn't have an issue supporting a team called Galway Rovers, Galway Harps, Galway Ramblers or Grasshopper Galway and I doubt too many others would either but the structure of the club has to be one where there is transparency and the supporters have a say in what happens, though not necessarily a casting vote.

The current potential structure seems doomed to failure. There is self-interest in everything proposed whereas GUST just want a proper senior football team to support and for that team to be representative of and inclusive of al strands of Galway football.

Thankfully it seems more and more posters on here are becoming aware of the situation.

How would you feel if they decide the name of the team was to be Mervue Devon though? (This is the FAI we're talking about)

[Terry]

Its not the mervue and salthill football clubs that are involved in this amalgamation, but the chairmen of those clubs. Once the new club is up and running, they will be stepping down from their current posts and taking up there positions as the new clubs directors.