Airtricity League report

[KeepersBall]

SSE Airtricity League Consultation Process Report media briefing
At the start of the 2015 season, an SSE Airtricity League consultation process was commissioned by the FAI Board of Management and carried out by Conroy Consulting.

On Tuesday, September 29, at 11am, members of the media are invited to attend a briefing with author Declan Conroy on the report and its contents.

The report will be published in full on www.fai.ie (http://www.fai.ie/) andwww.sseairtricityleague.ie (http://www.sseairtricityleague.ie/) on the evening of Monday, September 28, following its presentation to the representatives of the SSE Airtiricty League clubs.

[SeanDMRooney]

What the **** is this like ?

[seand]

Interesting that they are going to publish it in full. I wonder what the scope was?

[disgruntled]

I can hardly wait :rolleyes:
The "Media" that's some joke.
The only reason for them to go is the free coffee & biscuits.

Reports we have plenty off.
What we need is some action on foot of some of these reports.

[Dodge]

Good man. Complain about the thing a week before its published. No harm in getting the moan in early

[WoodquayBoy]

Look at his forum name - says it all!

[nigel-harps1954]

I can hardly wait :rolleyes:
The "Media" that's some joke.
The only reason for them to go is the free coffee & biscuits.

Reports we have plenty off.
What we need is some action on foot of some of these reports.

We already get plenty of discussion on foot. Not sure how an online forum can take much action though.

[nr637]

I just hope that something positive comes out of it, especially in the League structure. The Premier format of 12 teams is working for the most part, as long as the number of Dublin clubs does'nt increase, It should be limited to a maximum of 4 in any season as a suggestion.

The First Division has to be regionalised like the U19's & U17's leagues, but could be increased with interested clubs from all the regional leagues and also existing league clubs having reserve or B teams. The option or invite to clubs winning promotion from Munster, Leinster, Connaught & Ulster Senior or Junior Leagues for the following year or so would add to this Division's format.

Anyone with similar ideas!

[nigel-harps1954]

That'd really make the First Division a more attractive prospect alright.

[disgruntled]

Good man. Complain about the thing a week before its published. No harm in getting the moan in early

I always say "Get your moan in early"
We all know what's going to happen once the clubs get a say in it.
Sweet f**K all.

[gufcfan]

I always say "Get your moan in early"
We all know what's going to happen once the clubs get a say in it.
Sweet f**K all.

Can I ask what gave you the impression that the clubs have any say in anything?

Look at what happened when they tried to work together to promote the league. Naughton broke it up as soon as he caught wind of it. It is the aim of league administrators that the status quo remain.

[colonelwest]

Thought it was out today, looking forward to reading all the radical ideas and having literally none of them implemented by the FAI.

[nigel-harps1954]

Thought it was out today, looking forward to reading all the radical ideas and having literally none of them implemented by the FAI.

Clubs meeting with FAI today to find out all the details first. Released to the public either late tonight or early tomorrow.

[disgruntled]

Can I ask what gave you the impression that the clubs have any say in anything?

Look at what happened when they tried to work together to promote the league. Naughton broke it up as soon as he caught wind of it. It is the aim of league administrators that the status quo remain.

Being perfectly honest with you I don't think the clubs could agree the time of day let alone anything else.
What has Naughton got to do with it ? He can't stop anyone from meeting if they want to.

If the clubs don't agree with each other then nothing will ever change. That's the reason football in this country is in such a state. Everyone pulling in different directions & all just looking out for their own little corner. Clubs have never understood that if the overall product gets stronger & better organized then it benefits them as well.
Its up to the clubs to get together & decide what they want to do going forward. Stop bickering & formulate a plan as to what direction they want to go. Do they want to do it themselves or are they always going to be waiting for someone else to do it for them ?

The FAI needs the League but its up to the clubs to decide what kind of League its going to be. Is it going to be as shambolic as it has always been or is it going to be forward thinking & well organized for the benefit of all ?

[colonelwest]

Clubs meeting with FAI today to find out all the details first. Released to the public either late tonight or early tomorrow.

Checked with one of the journos on twitter and he's saying around half 8 tonight.

[gufcfan]

What has Naughton got to do with it ?

http://www.the42.ie/john-o-sullivan-2091548-May2015/

[ger121]

Naughton! His name says it all in terms of what he actually does.

[White Horse]

I hearing that one of the proposals is to reduce the premier division by two teams.

Three clubs to be relegated next season, with one coming up?

[ForzaHoop]

RTE was saying one of the proposals was to abolish 1st Division and have one league, sell TV rights etc

[colonelwest]

I hearing that one of the proposals is to reduce the premier division by two teams.

Three clubs to be relegated next season, with one coming up?


Slightly hyperbolic but if we go to a ten team league or one division we may as well all just pack up and go home in my opinion.

[White Horse]

http://www.fai.ie/sites/default/files/atoms/files/SSE%20AL%20Consultation%20Process%20-%20FINAL%20REPORT%20-%2014%20Sep%202015%20%282%29_0.pdf

[White Horse]

- A 10 club, two division League
- Premier division split into top 6/bottom 4, after 3 series of games. Top six play 5 more games, bottom 4 play 3 more games.
- First division comprises 3 rounds of 9 games.
- Last Europa League place to be decided in playoff format in the final game of the season.

[White Horse]

Three clubs to be relegated in 2016. A bloodbath.

[colonelwest]

Because if there's one thing that will help the lower/ smaller clubs it's less games against the top teams and less games full stop to get gate money on!

[Nesta99]

There is one major fix - fair and reasonable prize money that isnt less than membership fees for clubs that are struggling most ie 1st Division. Make licencing work with getting rid of the ridiculous things like having planning applications as sufficient rather actual and feasible ground development - if the answer to this is no chance then have a process with the FAI on where things can be worked on. Oriel Park a prime example where the FAI could assist with the current issues - maybe they are or maybe its not wanted but at least they could be available. They could also quit sticking in to annual reports that attendances are up white washing the image problems of the domestic league - attendances will obviously increase in instances like when Cork City, Shamrock Rovers, as examples, were promoted.

TV rights and an offering of the league for a Sky like makeover, if it can be done for darts and lawn bowling it not a major stretch for football.

Why in gods earth would they reduce the premier division except as a quick fix for the 1st. If truely proposed it is worrying for the relegated threatened and as Dundalk fans know after twice being banjaxed by league restructuring never mind points deductions reinstated and accusations of unregistered player - it is messy and not nice at all nice. So a bit of common sense would go a long way there although there hasnt been a recent issue with points deductions. So get thing spot on under current regulations without any fudge (hasnt been a term used of recent either). A change in the voting systems where junior and intermediate club delegates can control things due to sheer numbers at the expense of senior voting blocks.

A FAI that could change attitude and at least pretend that there is an interest in the league rather than being a burden. So little enough initially imo that could be improve big recommendations or not!

*The proposals above are just that, what is the process of implementation? Clubs would be mad to go back to 10 team rubbish. FFS even in Scotland with a proper fan base dumped this idea. Splits in the league done before here and elsewhere and dropped. How about going to former league clubs that are still in existence like Monaghan to rejoin pushing a Wexford model (and dealing with subsequent fees).

I just dont get these big reports as of course the likes of Dundalk currently wouldnt want much change, this point of view could change to along the lines of current 1st division clubs if circumstances change ....balh blah . ah here I dunno!

[Calcio Jack]

http://www.fai.ie/sites/default/files/atoms/files/SSE%20AL%20Consultation%20Process%20-%20FINAL%20REPORT%20-%2014%20Sep%202015%20%282%29_0.pdf

Thanking for posting that: after a quick speed read

1. Reads like a Marketing students poor dissertation.
2. The FAI's contracts with main sponsors RTE etc. Have a confidentiality clause that means the FAI can't share terms with the clubs- how convenient !!
3. Under restructuring not even a mention of potential benefits of an AIL structure.
3. Nearly all clubs have crap admin structures with an over reliance on 'volunteers'. - no surprise.
4. Recommendation of a move back to 10 team Premier division.

So in summation clubs being run on a wing and a prayer by well meaning amateurs with no real business acumen- wonder how much did it cost to get confirmed what we all already know

[Titan]

I'm only at the point where he starts his "lay off the FAI lads, sure they're great" then couldn't read anymore. I'll try again later. But seriously it seems an amateurish w**kfest. 10 teams in the premier is only a quick fix for the first as someone else said. Plus 3 full rounds of games and some sort of long drawn out playoff thing? Drivel.

[Sam_Heggy]

So, we work for 7 years to get back up to the Prem after being relegated previously when 3 teams went down in 2008. We have a chance to possibly get promoted this season and, if successful, will face into a league where 3 get relegated after years of it being almost impossible to be relegated?

Feckin Dublin bias again, it's all a big conspiracy against Harps. The hurebags.

[colonelwest]

So, we work for 7 years to get back up to the Prem after being relegated previously when 3 teams went down in 2008. We have a chance to possibly get promoted this season and, if successful, will face into a league where 3 get relegated after years of it being almost impossible to be relegated?

Feckin Dublin bias again, it's all a big conspiracy against Harps. The hurebags.


If I was with Harps I'd be dusting off my copy of iMovie or Premiere pro and nipping into Harvey Normans for a pack of re-writeable blue ray discs!


Here's the highlights to save anyone having to read through 50 odd pages of look lads, the FAI are doing the best they can and I toooootally promise you that sure it costs more to run the league than we take in so we can't lower participation fees, give you tv money or even increase the prize money for a few years.

To be fair though in amongst that there's some decent suggestions and fair play for giving the print meeja lads a shout in 4.7, they do trojan work. Having said that, the 10 team league structure, promotion/ relegation system and the having the playoff for the last euro place after the cup final are absolutely ridiculous though.



http://i.imgur.com/5i1wH5N.png


http://i.imgur.com/yRdumpC.png


http://i.imgur.com/fmcoV99.png

[colonelwest]

last 3:

http://i.imgur.com/Bw2iTqy.png


http://i.imgur.com/hGOnKBJ.png


and finally, Hooperman!

http://i.imgur.com/b1FTkxR.png

[White Horse]

Very, very unimpressed by this report.

The panacea appears to be to create artificial hype by making teams enter into more playoffs for Europa League qualification and relegation.

The improvement of facilities is fudged by throwing it back to local authorities. Local authorities outside Dublin haven't a penny to their names.

The report acknowledges that clubs are completely dependent on volunteers yet goes on to recommend a massive increase in marketing and promotional activities they should pursue.

A joke of a report.

[Nesta99]

So, we work for 7 years to get back up to the Prem after being relegated previously when 3 teams went down in 2008. We have a chance to possibly get promoted this season and, if successful, will face into a league where 3 get relegated after years of it being almost impossible to be relegated?

Feckin Dublin bias again, it's all a big conspiracy against Harps (formally Dundalk). The hurebags.

Feel your (potential) pain from 2002 as the previous season at least we'd have had a play-off to stay up which we are decent enough at, must look back and see it it were against Waterford as it would have been a banker ;) The inevitable DVD comment - grab a copy of old Galway United's and stick a Harp sticker on the front and start changing genesis to conroy!

[Titan]

Hang on what???? A "marketing champion"? Isn't that what the national club promotions officer was? Did we not already try that? Definition of madness: repeating the same act and expecting a different result! Ah here!

[Titan]

And not even a mention of some sort of pyramid system? Ah make it stop! Make it stop! 😱😢

[Mr A]

There have been plenty of very successful business men that have run clubs into the ground. Some are still doing so.

More than half way through and not seeing much reason for optimism to be honest. The underlying message seems to be that the FAI are pretty great while the clubs need to sort themselves out.

[Sam_Heggy]

Ah screw it, I'm taking the easy option and supporting whichever team is top of the EPL.

[colonelwest]

Hang on what???? A "marketing champion"? Isn't that what the national club promotions officer was? Did we not already try that? Definition of madness: repeating the same act and expecting a different result! Ah here!


http://static.fjcdn.com/gifs/Vince+mcmahons+robot+walk+swag+_dc291c_5285332.gif http://static.fjcdn.com/gifs/Vince+mcmahons+robot+walk+swag+_dc291c_5285332.gif http://static.fjcdn.com/gifs/Vince+mcmahons+robot+walk+swag+_dc291c_5285332.gif

[Nesta99]

My own ramble free to all except the FAI, unlikely to be a humorous job as Titan might do.....

FAI to fund certain permanent positions at each club. not a Promotions Officer with no budget to promote. Nick a couple of hundred of thousand from JD if need be to fund an initiative. The position of a general manager to co-ordinate essential volunteerism. Proper volunteer training even if it is as basic as how to conduct a committee meeting. Maybe the FAI could even run the recruitment process - creating 20 jobs so some national kudos. A proper audit of clubs if not already done looking at current levels of attendance, sponsorship, facilities etc. Look at demographics and subsequent potential for improving support based on extensive existing research - consider recent league performances as this will impact the above and set some very basic targets, clubs than can carry the financial burden of this do so. Each club assessed and assisted with ground improvement projects, youth structures and so on like each club linking in to a schoolboys club as has happened a few times recently. Third level involvement and schools too. As far fetched as it may sound suss out the possibility of municipal assistance possibly directly with the Dept of Enviornment, Sport, Sports council. At least know at what level this may be a possibility. Membership fees reduced at least for 1st division. Prize money up and maybe a bonus for meeting improvements. Transparency with TV revenue - i dont see the reason for the big secret unless the sum is significant enough. Look at broadening the international audience especially with summer season. Make formal approach via north-south ministerial council for an AIL - at least start introducing the prospect with likely access to European money for such a project, a nice big carrot and subsidising IL travel expenses and Corks just for balance.... ok im bord now as im probably stating the obvious and suggesting the impossible. A play-off for the final Europa League place I dont see as too bad with a couple of extra potential decent gates. Not killing clubs at the bottom of a league by stopping them from playing title chasers and the possible support that goes with....

[gufc2000]

If the 10 team league was a good idea it would have lasted for a sustained period before this. Now they also throw in to a hideous split and the potential for some teams to play more games than others, thus leading to decreased revenue.

They plan to improve the First Division by forcing half the teams to play one game less at home than they already do? Stated that three rounds of games in the current Premier was unsuitable yet this report advocates it'll do in the First Division.

Take Wexford Youths as an example. They have worked hard to survive and build towards getting promotion from the First Division. Next season they would need to finish 8th to be absolutely sure of staying up? Farcical. How is any team supposed to consolidate in that scenario.

[NeverFeltBetter]

Is it just me, or is there nothing in there about getting new clubs into the league? Or is it just assumed that all of these changes will get more clubs in?

[Titan]

Jesus lads, I've been around this league a long time. I've been the annoying 6 year old on the terrace abusing the opposing goalkeeper. I've been the spotty 14 year old hassling the grounds man at Milltown to let me help him put the nets up (he did!) I've been the guy sitting in the stand on his own watching an end of season game with nothing to play for. I've been the guy who started a company to supply league of Ireland clubs with playing kit with ridiculously generous free kit allowances (sorry about the quality of service Dundalk, Waterford, Monaghan and Bohs to name a few) I've been the club promotions officer at UCD (yeah how'd that work out?) I was a Kitman at Longford, Kildare and Athlone. You could say I've been around. But in all my years I've never come across such a festering turd of document as this Conroy report. I need a stiff drink.

[osarusan]

- Premier division split into top 6/bottom 4, after 3 series of games.



Premier division split

https://bostonsbuck.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/man-cry.jpg

[Longfordian]

No mention of increasing prize money or decreasing affiliation fees I'm assuming? Or any suggestions that will cost the FAI any more money?

[kksaints]

No mention of increasing prize money or decreasing affiliation fees I'm assuming? Or any suggestions that will cost the FAI any more money?

I thought there was something about increased prize money anyway. Not sure about the affiliation fees.

[Mr A]

Declan Conroy will be on Soccer Republic. As will John O Sullivan.

[colonelwest]

Is it just me, or is there nothing in there about getting new clubs into the league? Or is it just assumed that all of these changes will get more clubs in?

Nope


No mention of increasing prize money or decreasing affiliation fees I'm assuming? Or any suggestions that will cost the FAI any more money?

and apart from some vagueness about possibly increasing prize money in the years leading to 2020.... Wait for it....






http://gifrific.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Louis-CK-Saying-Nope.gif http://i1148.photobucket.com/albums/o579/confelicity/Gifs/tumblr_inline_mk56p8Hf871rrf7g9_zps63af711f.gifhtt ps://willpowerthru.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/nope3.gif

[Mr A]

I wonder why prize money is listed for league cup and league but not FAI cup? Odd omission.

[Ezeikial]

The well known LoI aficionado , Eamon Dunphy, gets his oar in

http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/other-soccer/bullsh-and-spin-eamon-dunphy-fumes-at-imminent-fai-report-into-irish-football-31565931.html

[Nesta99]

Mick Wallace personal political broadcast!:disappointed:

[ped_ped]

Tuned in expecting to be annoyed by the content of the report. Now I'm just annoyed by the level of discussion. Anyone flipping through the channels and stumbling across this would struggle to identify it as a discussion of the future of a country's top domestic football league.