View Full Version : A 7-team league First Division Next Year
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pineapple stu
08/01/2014, 10:09 AM
There's only one club has had two teams in the FAI Cup in the same year.
Just saying.
Home Farm did previously also- and they actually met if I recall correctly.
pineapple stu
08/01/2014, 11:45 AM
Home Farm v Home Farm Everton?
Bah. A split, not a B side. Don't try and knock this - it may be the one thing we have going for us all season!
(Well, that and Bray having no players)
Dodge
08/01/2014, 12:25 PM
Who would have been the third team?
No idea. I can see Buckley's point that the league didn't even bother to check if any other clubs were interested
I've no problem personally (as a fan) that rovers were hand picked but I can see how clubs are ****ed they weren't given the same opportunity
bluemovie
08/01/2014, 3:22 PM
Who would have been the third team?
Shamrock Rovers C, of course!
legendz
08/01/2014, 8:31 PM
If clubs are so eager all of a sudden to field reserve teams, the A Championship should return with it's north and south leagues. Invite a few junior/intermediate teams, only a €5k registration fee as before, a small bit of criteria with a sprinkling of some fudge and there it is! ;)
Jofspring
09/01/2014, 12:24 AM
I always thought (form the outside looking in) that the A league was fantastic for us. It gave players a chance to develop at a level between senior and underage (19's) and it gave lads coming back from injury some game time.
legendz
09/01/2014, 7:31 AM
I always thought (form the outside looking in) thao2t the A league was fantastic for us. It gave players a chance to develop at a level between senior and underage (19's) and it gave lads coming back from injury some game time.
Limerick, Shels and Harps fielded a second team when it was optional at the time. If some premier teams did not want a reserve team, the only change should have been removing making it compulsory for premier clubs.
There's only one club has had two teams in the FAI Cup in the same year.
Just saying.
Not happening this year by the look of things: http://www.donegaldemocrat.ie/sport/soccer/swilly-get-fai-cup-reprieve-1-5802503
pineapple stu
12/01/2014, 12:55 AM
Yeah, the LSL team got banned by the FAI after qualifying the last time. Seems quite pointless tbh.
Though our LSL team played Arklow when they were in the Cup, and the winners went on to play the LoI team. So we were quite close to UCD v UCD in the Cup. Bumper crowd for that one!
WoodquayBoy
13/01/2014, 11:24 AM
First Division fixtures out tomorrow:
http://www.airtricityleague.ie/news
News Centre
First Division fixtures out tomorrow
Created on Monday, 13 January 2014 10:58
The 2014 Airtricity League First Division fixture list will be released tomorrow at 12noon and will be available on the Airtricity League website,www.airtricityleague.ie (http://www.airtricityleague.ie/)
The Premier Division fixtures were released on December 20.
disgruntled
14/01/2014, 10:29 AM
First Division fixtures out tomorrow:
http://www.airtricityleague.ie/news
News Centre
First Division fixtures out tomorrow
Created on Monday, 13 January 2014 10:58
The 2014 Airtricity League First Division fixture list will be released tomorrow at 12noon and will be available on the Airtricity League website,www.airtricityleague.ie (http://www.airtricityleague.ie/)
The Premier Division fixtures were released on December 20.
Can we have an extra helping of fudge with that please :p
Cuyahoga
14/01/2014, 11:21 AM
Fixtures are out now . http://www.airtricityleague.ie/images/2014-Season-Airtricity-League-First-Division-Fixture-List.pdf
The opening weekend’s First Division fixtures are:
Friday, March 7
Galway FC v Longford Town, Eamonn Deacy Park, 7.45 pm
Finn Harps v Waterford United, Finn Park, 8pm
Shelbourne v Wexford Youths, Tolka Park, 8pm
Saturday, March 8
Cobh Ramblers v Shamrock Rovers, St. Colman’s Park, 7.45pm
Charlie Darwin
14/01/2014, 11:28 AM
You'd think they'd try to set up a few derby-ish fixtures for the first week. Shels-Rovers B, Galway-Longford, Waterford-Wexford.
And the greatest derby of them all.. Cobh v Harps.
But yeah, ideally they would make anyone travel too far the first day. But that Galway Longford game looks a belter- the two favourites going head to head on the first day.
nigel-harps1954
14/01/2014, 12:10 PM
The friendliest first series of games I can remember for Harps in a long, long time. 3 home games out of the first 4. Only one Friday away game in the First series to Shelbourne, one Sunday away to Shamrock Rovers and one Saturday away to Longford, meaning the furthest we have to travel is Dublin for the first 7 weeks.
I know many Dublin clubs complain about travelling the whole way up to Derry/Harps/Sligo, but it's an absolute breath of fresh air to us not to have to worry about trips to Waterford/Cobh/Wexford until the second round of games. By then, hopefully the club will have saved enough money to pay for those three trips in the second round comfortably.
Delighted to be honest with the way it's playing out.
Jofspring
14/01/2014, 4:54 PM
Any update on Cobhs situation? They don't seem to have signed anyone yet?
Audacity
14/01/2014, 5:43 PM
I heard Cobh are back training next Saturday so I expect players will sign then...
nigel-harps1954
14/01/2014, 10:43 PM
Cobh announcement due on Friday as far as I'm aware.
Ah, the League of Ireland. One team promoted from D1 last season. But three new teams to play this season.
legendz
15/01/2014, 8:44 PM
Ah, the League of Ireland. One team promoted from D1 last season. But three new teams to play this season.
It's positive the premier should go ahead as planned. Natural the top league will take the limelight. There's always likely to be change in the lowest league, without affecting the league's integrity as would happen in the higher profile division. I haven't heard D1 is limited to 8 teams. I hope that has the door open shall any other clubs apply to join in the next few years.
bluemovie
16/01/2014, 9:56 AM
Ah, the League of Ireland. One team promoted from D1 last season. But three new teams to play this season.
At least one of them (Shels) is the first team to drop down from the Premier Division based on their final points tally since yourselves in 2009. Five years without a team properly relegated says a lot about a league's integrity.
nigel-harps1954
16/01/2014, 10:14 AM
At least one of them (Shels) is the first team to drop down from the Premier Division based on their final points tally since yourselves in 2009. Five years without a team properly relegated says a lot about a league's integrity.
2008.
Jofspring
16/01/2014, 10:30 AM
Says a lot about the clubs integrity too and how they are run.
Dodge
16/01/2014, 10:54 AM
Says a lot about the clubs integrity too and how they are run.
That's the key. If anything it helps the league's integrity as it shows that if you look after paying your debts, there's a fair chance you'll be OK
legendz
16/01/2014, 11:36 AM
That's the key. If anything it helps the league's integrity as it shows that if you look after paying your debts, there's a fair chance you'll be OK
Now and again maybe but year after year it hasn't reflected well on the league.
Long-term the league's integrity should be fine. It's positive the premier should be going ahead as planned with the relegated team in D1. Hopefully a corner has been turned.
That's the key. If anything it helps the league's integrity as it shows that if you look after paying your debts, there's a fair chance you'll be OK
Doesn't say much about the licensing system used by the league that clubs keep getting in enough trouble to be relegated/ go wallop whilst holding a premier licence though.
bluemovie
17/01/2014, 1:48 PM
2008.
I was being particular about that. Harps were relegated in November 2008, but joined the First Division in March 2009. Other teams have been relegated in the meantime, but haven't reappeared in the lower division the following year.
Yeah I agree that it's better that cheating clubs are demoted/booted and clubs deserve to be rewarded for being run properly, but most of the non-relegations have been due to ignominious financial collapses which reflect badly on the league. I suppose it's more the reputation of the league than the integrity of its rules enforcement that is damaged. Since the last proper relegation, Cork, Derry, Fingal, Galway, Monaghan all 'happened'. The lack of relegation definitely shows the league up as a mess especially to outsiders, potential sponsors, etc. The Premier Division has been relatively protected from damage since the numbers stayed constant, but each ****-up meant the First Division became weaker and less attractive. It's not so much a neatly-maintained graveyard anymore as it is a festering roadside burial pit!
nigel-harps1954
17/01/2014, 2:06 PM
Funny, it's worth pointing out, with the first proper relegation since then, the First Division this season has the makings of being the strongest and most competitive division we've seen in four or 5 years now.
BonnieShels
17/01/2014, 2:25 PM
Funny, it's worth pointing out, with the first proper relegation since then, the First Division this season has the makings of being the strongest and most competitive division we've seen in four or 5 years now.
What about 2009, 2010 and 2011? Fantastically competitive.
Actually scrap that. 2009 was a pile of shoite.
Jofspring
17/01/2014, 3:24 PM
2010 was a strong league teams wise when you consider Cork, Limerick, Derry, Waterford, Shels, Longford, Harps and Monaghan were all there.
nigel-harps1954
17/01/2014, 3:36 PM
There was some very strong teams in the past few years, but I have a feeling that this year could be the most competitive seen in a long time. Aside from Longford, there's currently not very much between all the rest of the teams. Most of the teams could realistically win the league this year, maybe barring Cobh.
marinobohs
20/01/2014, 3:48 PM
Doesn't say much about the licensing system used by the league that clubs keep getting in enough trouble to be relegated/ go wallop whilst holding a premier licence though.
but it says a hell of a lot about the effort the clubs are/were making to dodge the licensing regulations. If clubs put half that effort into running themselves properly ( sticking to the criteria ) instead of everyone blaming the FAI ( I know its easy).
its a bit like blaming the Gardai because more people are committing crimes
gufcfan
21/01/2014, 7:18 PM
its a bit like blaming the Gardai because more people are committing crimes
Apples and oranges. From what I understand about what happened at Galway United, the FAI actively ignored huge red flags and did practically nothing to enforce the rules.
If you are using the the guards as an analogy, I would put it closer to the guards sitting in the barracks playing minesweeper because the laws are there already and surely people won't break them.
legendz
23/01/2014, 2:24 PM
Funny, it's worth pointing out, with the first proper relegation since then, the First Division this season has the makings of being the strongest and most competitive division we've seen in four or 5 years now.
Others have pointed out recent good seasons. It's shaping up to be the strongest since the premier expanded back to 12 teams.
but it says a hell of a lot about the effort the clubs are/were making to dodge the licensing regulations. If clubs put half that effort into running themselves properly ( sticking to the criteria ) instead of everyone blaming the FAI ( I know its easy).
I don't believe that's true in all cases in recent years. And if licencing isn't robust enough, then its up to the association to strengthen it and its powers.
D24Saint
28/01/2014, 11:16 AM
Bucko apparently investigating the possibility of us entering a B side in 2015.
Jofspring
28/01/2014, 11:32 AM
I know Limerick wanted a reserve side last year but I don't think a B team in the first division would ever be feasible for us.
legendz
28/01/2014, 11:46 AM
Bucko apparently investigating the possibility of us entering a B side in 2015.Some change of emphasis from Pat's! One of the leading clubs that sought the scrapping of the A championship.
Some change of emphasis from Pat's! One of the leading clubs that sought the scrapping of the A championship.
Fair to say Pete Mahon and Liam Buckley are polar opposites on a number of issues (and that Buckley has more say behind the scenes too)
Charlie Darwin
28/01/2014, 1:15 PM
Goes to show why clubs need a strategic vision that accounts for the turnover of managers. It shouldn't be Buckley's or Mahon's decision whether they have a reserve team, and if Buckley has managed to convince the board of its merits then that should continue even if he moves on in the future and somebody with contrasting ideas comes back in.
legendz
28/01/2014, 1:34 PM
If more B teams join, the A Championship should return or the Premier expand to 16 with a north and south league below with B teams and all other aspiring clubs.
Goes to show why clubs need a strategic vision that accounts for the turnover of managers. It shouldn't be Buckley's or Mahon's decision whether they have a reserve team, and if Buckley has managed to convince the board of its merits then that should continue even if he moves on in the future and somebody with contrasting ideas comes back in.
When Pats went from the Sadlier/big money era (ended 2008) throught the mess that was Kenna (09) to Mahon re-establshing the club (on a much smaller budget) in 2010 and 2011, the behind the scenes cut backs were even worse.
To Buckley's credit, he's managed to bring a more 'wholistic' (for want of a less wanky word) approach and he's involved with the under 19s to a degree and sees the footballing side as one club, not just one team.
In fairness to Mahon he didn't have that much power within the club and he certainly had to live short term
gufcfan
28/01/2014, 3:51 PM
One of the leading clubs that sought the scrapping of the A championship.
A 'B' team in the FD is not the same as having one in the A Championship. Very different standard. Yes players got game time, but the standard was bad even compared to the FD. Don't know how I'd feel about a few more B teams entering the FD but it would be far better for players development than an A Champ.
sadloserkid
29/01/2014, 11:28 AM
A 'B' team in the FD is not the same as having one in the A Championship. Very different standard. Yes players got game time, but the standard was bad even compared to the FD. Don't know how I'd feel about a few more B teams entering the FD but it would be far better for players development than an A Champ.
Agreed. The first teams in the A Championship tended to be pretty crap. Even the ones that came up (Salthill & Mervue) looked well off the pace in the First Division proper at times (all of the time in Salthill's case).
Longfordian
29/01/2014, 11:52 AM
Shels and Wexford are quietly putting together decent enough squads. Waterford and Wexford seem to have a player exchange scheme on the go. This division is going to be very competitive.
TommyT
01/02/2014, 12:34 PM
Just ploughing through this now.
Interesting to note that even most of the more sensible, non-Rovers contributions seem to have an issue with the fact that players can move between the two teams. I wonder how much of that is down to the publicity around the Spansh 'B' teams in recent years? There are plenty of other examples, particularly in small countries where players move up and down....
Also Garry Doyle's articles give us an insight into how jounos think. They all seem obsessed with the potentially headline grabbing prospect of say a player sitting on the bench in Turner's Cross one night and scoring in Finn Park the next...
bluewhitearmy
01/02/2014, 12:41 PM
Just ploughing through this now.
Interesting to note that even most of the more sensible, non-Rovers contributions seem to have an issue with the fact that players can move between the two teams. I wonder how much of that is down to the publicity around the Spansh 'B' teams in recent years? There are plenty of other examples, particularly in small countries where players move up and down....
Also Garry Doyle's articles give us an insight into how jounos think. They all seem obsessed with the potentially headline grabbing prospect of say a player sitting on the bench in Turner's Cross one night and scoring in Finn Park the next...
Any other league where it happens there is a limit though after they have played a certain amount of games for the first team they cant drop down anymore.
TommyT
02/02/2014, 5:38 PM
Any other league where it happens there is a limit though after they have played a certain amount of games for the first team they cant drop down anymore.
Not going to get into a long pedantic argument with you, but we're talking about many, many different countries. Ranging in size from the Faroes to Germany. There's no way you or I have the details of every system at our fingertips....
Personally I think the old Norweigan system was a good one, bar the need for a one division gap.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reserve_teams_in_Norwegian_football
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