Shamrock Rovers ask RTÉ to stay away from Tallaght to boost crowds

[Mr A]

http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/league-of-ireland/shamrock-rovers-ask-rt-to-stay-away-from-tallaght-to-boost-crowds-31515540.html

This is a weird one because while I think moving kickoffs forward to 7.05 is a balls, otherwise I think Delaney and the FAI are right on this one.

[White Horse]

http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/league-of-ireland/shamrock-rovers-ask-rt-to-stay-away-from-tallaght-to-boost-crowds-31515540.html

This is a weird one because while I think moving kickoffs forward to 7.05 is a balls, otherwise I think Delaney and the FAI are right on this one.

Very short term thinking by Shamrock Rovers. Perhaps money is very tight at the moment?

[osarusan]

Any chance it is to highlight the lack of payment for matches?

Do RTE not pay anything to anybody, or is it that payment to the FAI never makes it to the clubs?

[PartySaint]

Perhaps money is very tight at the moment?

I did think that when I saw it first.

They are right though, it's ridiculous that clubs don't get paid for games that are on TV.

[Mr A]

There's no question they have a point- but saying you don't want to be on TV sends out a terrible message to sponsors. Perhaps this letter wasn't meant to go public- there was no mention on the Rovers site earlier today.

[nigel-harps1954]

Very silly statement from Rovers. While it's ridiculous that clubs don't receive any payment, for a club like Shamrock Rovers to appear live on TV around 6 or 7 times a year as well as the weekly highlights show, this is something to appeal greatly to sponsors. If they're not on live TV, missing out on huge exposure outside of those at the games, it's just not as attractive to a big name sponsor.

I know Harps changed the McGettigans sponsor logo on the blue jersey last season especially for the FAI Cup semi live on TV vs Pats and it proved a huge hit with the sponsors. Small things like that really help a clubs image with sponsors. Telling television companies to stay away does them no favours outside of possibly adding 200 people on the gates.

[Trainee]

Do RTE not pay anything to anybody, or is it that payment to the FAI never makes it to the clubs?

I remember FAI had to write off 5 million of TV deal will RTE for internationals, in return RTE had to show live games & MNS on at 7pm. Not sure what happens now as all international TV are centralised through UFEA

[Real ale Madrid]

Action like this shouldn't be done unilaterally - this is why the clubs need a body of their own to discuss issues that effect everyone.

[Dodge]

I remember FAI had to write off 5 million of TV deal will RTE for internationals, in return RTE had to show live games & MNS on at 7pm. Not sure what happens now as all international TV are centralised through UFEA

RTE have claimed otherwise, and the €5m was never accounted for in any books

The bottom line is clubs don't see a penny from having their games live on TV

RTE have shown 2 Rovers games this year.

[oriel]

Well the FAI may say a deal was done with RTE to incorporate retaining Soccer Rep and live games, but its quite correct that clubs do not get a cent and that's totally wrong. I would say a figure of €5k per match would be about right, maybe even build in a small payment to the away side, like 1k, but we know this will never happen.

Apart from exposure and for sponsors, there really is not that much in it for clubs to have games on live, most will see a reduced attendance with few exceptions.

The statement is strange though, a better route would be for all clubs to lobby the FAI for a change in dare I say 'fair play'

[Dodge]

Also, that deal with RTE and the FAI is finished for international games

The qualifiers for Euros and WC are centrally sold and Setanta show the friendlies

[Dalymountrower]

It's a pain in the ass losing money on the televised games but the sponsors love them, and greater exposure to the general public is probably good for the clubs.I am sure S DCC get a kick out of showcasing their stadium too
Surprising that Rovers went public on it.Delaney will have tthem back on message by this evening I'd say.

[vinnie]

I think the point most are missing is the 7:05 kick off's, these effect attendance more than anything else really, How in the name of god is your average supporter meant to get from say, Galway to Inchicore for a 7:05 KO without having to get time off work. I personally think they should have to stick to the Home Clubs standard KO times and have no say in changing them to suit the Late Late show.

[White Horse]

I think the point most are missing is the 7:05 kick off's, these effect attendance more than anything else really, How in the name of god is your average supporter meant to get from say, Galway to Inchicore for a 7:05 KO without having to get time off work. I personally think they should have to stick to the Home Clubs standard KO times and have no say in changing them to suit the Late Late show.

100%. Earlier kick offs are a nonsense.

[osarusan]

I would have thought that setting kick-off times to maximise attendance from home fans would be the best way, rather than worrying about whether the away fans can make it or not.

[Straightstory]

What's crazy is that the live league game is shown at the same time as a full league programme involving all the other teams. Can't imagine this happens anywhere else.

[Duffman]

Whatever about it being bad for Rovers the neutral or casual observer would love to be tuning in to the Tallaght visit of Dundalk next month. That reversed fixture was live last season

[Nesta99]

What's crazy is that the live league game is shown at the same time as a full league programme involving all the other teams. Can't imagine this happens anywhere else.

Well there is certainly a full programme of matches in England while maybe 3 back to back games are televised. I get where you are coming from though - when a game is televised the main audience are out watching their own team league wide and also including the fans of the 2 teams being televised. Ive done it myself where Ive watched some of a televised game in Oriel Park in the Lilywhite Lounge and there are some who dont leave the lounge at all to go out to the game. The recent Tuesday night game v Rovers was the ideal in being the only fixture that night and the gate seemed unaffected with nearly 4000 at the game. A prior Monday night game not televised v St Pats had 3800 at it. The viewing figures of tlevised games like these compared to a full fixture Friday would indicate a trend or not.

Its not obvious whether Rovers are fronting a public stand or whether such a letter wasnt for general consumption. If the game in Tallaght v Dundalk turns out to be the night to retain the league if results go a particular way it could impact attendance a bit I suppose, as some choose to stay in Dundalk and then welcome the team back to Oriel as opposed to being there to soak it up. If Rovers slip up again then attendances are bound to fall off anyhow. The Cork v Pats cup match was pretty stark in backing up Rover's current stance. Teams should certainly be paid something for their games to be televised. Selling rights abroad was a recent talking point, but in the end there is, or needs to be a confidence that the live match night experience is good enough to offset the casual fan who will take the easy and cheaper option. Weather is just as influential in knocking off a good few hundred of an attendance as live TV coverage - even at Tallaght, one of the best wind tunnels in the country depending.

[Charlie Darwin]

It is an odd one - broadcasting a game when a large chunk of the most likely audience are at other matches. RTE's history of changing games to/on days other than Friday are chequered too though. 3pm Saturday games in Sligo for example.

Far as the letter goes, I'd say it was someone in RTE or somebody who saw it in RTE who leaked it. Rovers probably come out of this looking worst, and the board aren't really into doing things in public, even though Fenlon is.

I'd say probably the only reason Rovers even sent the letter is they know RTE actually do want Rovers on TV so might try to compromise and keep kick-off times at 8 in future. I certainly don't think Rovers actually want none of the home games televised, they just want it on better terms. Dundalk are probably the only other team in the league who'd be able to utilise that sort of clout.

[Nesta99]

One significant change that would stop the we'll do what we want attitude would be rounding off the KO times. 7.05 PM leave it at 7pm and so on - I know they want their 2 to 3 minutes of intro but have have the KO on the quarter hours and the coverage start at 6.55pm etc. Its a small tweak I know and maybe daft but hey...

[Charlie Darwin]

One significant change that would stop the we'll do what we want attitude would be rounding off the KO times. 7.05 PM leave it at 7pm and so on - I know they want their 2 to 3 minutes of intro but have have the KO on the quarter hours and the coverage start at 6.55pm etc. Its a small tweak I know and maybe daft but hey...
If you think barstoolers are bad, you have no idea what it'll be like if you cut into Home and Away.

[Nesta99]

:bashed: Aye we will know that the league has made it when you hear the continuity announce saying 'No Fair City this Wednesday due to Dundalk's Champions League group match against Barcelona' and RTE are snowed under letters of complaint from the 35-55 demographic. Heard my Mother say one time along the lines of what right do they have to postpone x soap for a stupid football game etc rant etc. (I know CL league is with Sky now but still a pleasant thought!).

[GypsyBlackCat]

It seems like a double edge sword. Rovers might get an extra few in on the gate but will lose it on sponsorship. TV is a big deal and for local businesses live LoI games is a great chance to get your name out there. Anyway, RTE and the FAI should compensate clubs when they are on TV. They do this in England and Scotland when games are moved for TV. I still feel live games are just a token gesture from RTE to keep the FAI happy.

[wedwood]

The club are absolutely right. Putting matches to 7.00pm so they can be televised and finished by 9.00pm means attendances are drastically reduced. RTE get their prime time advertising revenue, the FAI get to say they're promoting the league, while the supporters struggle to get to the games, which costs the clubs revenue.

Its about time the clubs spoke up on this.

[Dunny]

Attendance in Oriel tonight was 1726.
Dundalk's chairman issued a statement agreeing with Rovers stance on the issue.
http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/league-of-ireland/dundalk-chairman-supports-shamrock-rovers-stance-and-calls-for-tv-compensation-from-fai-31520976.html

[Charlie Darwin]

Good, hopefully the two clubs being on the same page will encourage others to make the same point. More likely we'll just start to see games being moved to Wednesday mornings.

[nigel-harps1954]

603 at Wexford v UCD according to Forza Forth on Wexfords forum. Wonder what sort of Premier Division crowds they will attract once they inevitably get promoted?

Also, the need for ground upgrades for Premier Division may prove a problem for them.

[Acornvilla]

Mick Wallace knows a thing or two about planning applications, they'll be grand.

[gufcfan]

Mick Wallace knows a thing or two about planning applications, they'll be grand.

As we know from many past occurrences in the league, simply submitting a planning application for a stadium or improvements, you can neither afford nor plan to ever build, is enough to "satisfy" the licensing "requirements".

[outspoken]

I'd imagine a temp stand far side will be enough to keep everyone happy

[Sean South]

Changing kick off times for tv is ridiculous so fair play to Shams on this one.

[marinobohs]

The club are absolutely right. Putting matches to 7.00pm so they can be televised and finished by 9.00pm means attendances are drastically reduced. RTE get their prime time advertising revenue, the FAI get to say they're promoting the league, while the supporters struggle to get to the games, which costs the clubs revenue.

Its about time the clubs spoke up on this.

Pretty good summation, everyone is 'happy' except the people who actually support the game :rolleyes: bearing in mind they do not pay for the games requests by RTE to change KO time should be ignored. They can delay the news when it suits them so should be told where to go with 7 pm starts.


.......how the hell does an empty stadium (as crowds arrive 'late') supposedly 'promote' games ? RTE are getting t6he games free so clubs should prioritise paying customers.

[redobit]

Attendance in Oriel tonight was 1726.
Dundalk's chairman issued a statement agreeing with Rovers stance on the issue.
http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/league-of-ireland/dundalk-chairman-supports-shamrock-rovers-stance-and-calls-for-tv-compensation-from-fai-31520976.html

So am I right in sayin that makes 4 teams that have issued their concerns on TV game times.
Derry have asked FAI for money on it.
Sligo Rovers were annoyed when our game was moved to a lunchtime KO on a Saturday.
Shamrock have asked for no more home games.
Dundalk have agreed with the Shamrock stance.

A conjoined statement is what is needed before this will be taking seriously by the FAI.

[dundalkfc10]

So am I right in sayin that makes 4 teams that have issued their concerns on TV game times.
Derry have asked FAI for money on it.
Sligo Rovers were annoyed when our game was moved to a lunchtime KO on a Saturday.
Shamrock have asked for no more home games.
Dundalk have agreed with the Shamrock stance.

A conjoined statement is what is needed before this will be taking seriously by the FAI.

Was up in Oriel earlier, buying some stuff in the shop and bumped into Skinny Bond.

He said the Rovers game in 2 weeks in Tallaght is on RTE.

[outspoken]

A conjoined statement is what is needed before this will be taking seriously by the FAI.

And there in lies the problem. Clubs never work together on these issues and it's why the league will never go anywhere and will probably always be governed by those careless clowns in the FAI

[Dodge]

And there in lies the problem. Clubs never work together on these issues and it's why the league will never go anywhere and will probably always be governed by those careless clowns in the FAI

Except for when the clubs ran the league and it was in even worse shape.

[redobit]

That's no excuse for the FAI to have a free pass now.

[Calcio Jack]

Instead of whinging to RTE the Rovers board should sort out the manner in which they have managed the club over the last few years , whereby they've turned a €1.2 million cash reserve to dust , alienate a large proportion of the Members and reign over 4 seasons of underperformance because that's what effecting the crowd numbers over the course of the season and not RTE turning up on the odd occasion

[White Horse]

It's all making sense now. Fenlon is embarrassed by his side and doesn't want exposure on TV.

[Calcio Jack]

It's all making sense now. Fenlon is embarrassed by his side and doesn't want exposure on TV.

Nothing to do with Fenlon - simply an act of desperation by a dysfunctional board under whose stewardship the club is near to being broke

[Nesta99]

Nothing to do with Fenlon - simply an act of desperation by a dysfunctional board under whose stewardship the club is near to being broke

Going on previous experiences Fenlon's definitely the man you want in charge not to finish off the cash reserve and provide a brand of football that people want to come out and pay to watch, TV cameras or not! Is the board not selected by the members and if so a block of the alienated members could vote their nominee to the board?

[outspoken]

Awful game

[redarmyfaction]

Nothing to do with Fenlon - simply an act of desperation by a dysfunctional board under whose stewardship the club is near to being broke

Its been looking that way for a while, from this distance anyways.

[Charlie Darwin]

The club isn't near to being broke, jesus. I don't know where Rovers find these people.

[Dalymountrower]

The mismanagement of international manager of the year , MON, national manager of the year SK, and some bizarre decisions around spending it's Europe league profits, has pulled Rovers back into the funding levels of Cork, Sligo and now well behind Dundalk.Going nowhere with the squad they have but enough funding to challenge for 2nd/3rd most years
Fen lon would be mad not to take the under 20's offer from Celtic as they will turn on him soon enough

[White Horse]

The club isn't near to being broke, jesus. I don't know where Rovers find these people.

I believe you.

Any side with two Brennans is unlikely to be overspending. Yellow pack players.

[Calcio Jack]

The club isn't near to being broke, jesus. I don't know where Rovers find these people.



The mismanagement of international manager of the year , MON, national manager of the year SK, and some bizarre decisions around spending it's Europe league profits, has pulled Rovers back into the funding levels of Cork, Sligo and now well behind Dundalk.Going nowhere with the squad they have but enough funding to challenge for 2nd/3rd most years
Fen lon would be mad not to take the under 20's offer from Celtic as they will turn on him soon enough

Moving from cash reserves of over a million Euro at end of 2011 to a position of nil cash reserves and the playing budget greatly reduced may not mean we're broke but we're in a very precarious position in terms of cash flow- hence the pressure to qualify for Europa and the ultimate responsibility for that rests solely with the board- and Dalymountrower articulates the boards errors perfectly.

So not broke but above is how many of ' these people' feel.

[Nesta99]

hence the pressure to qualify for Europa.


Come on St Pats!

[Ezeikial]

Broke, near broke, squandering cash reserves? It's always great fun to watch the fur flying when the Hoops are in distress

[PartySaint]

Come on St Pats!

You'll need Dundalk to sacrifice the Cup win tho ;)