Éanna
24/02/2005, 10:59 PM
Donegal democrat (http://www.donegaldemocrat.com/story/4796) Football - Dolan Slams Fixture Schedules Ahead Of Finn Park Visit
By Alan Foley
Thursday 24th February 2005
Pat Dolan has criticised the Eircom League and labelled Finn Harps director Derek Wilkinson "politically connected," after learning the scheduling of fixtures for the forthcoming season.
The Cork City manager is unimpressed by last Saturday's announcement from the league's AGM, where his side must travel to Finn Park for the first game of the new campaign.
"It's about respect," commences the former St. Patrick's Athletic boss. "These fixtures are not done by computer, they are done by an individual, Michael Hayes, so he feels its the best thing."
The Leesiders club have been in this situation before and awkward agendas, they feel, are continually bestowed upon them. The television analyst continues: "You can't change it. It seems a strange one to have to travel the length and breadth of the country on the first weekend. Finn Harps had Derek Wilkinson there (at the AGM) and politically, he's very well connected. I'm sure they'll get a bumper gate for themselves up there. Finn Harps have done their job properly."
Dolan continued his barrage after being informed his side must play two away fixtures as opposed to one home game against champions Shelbourne. Last year the sides shared four encounters due to the fact there were four series of games, as opposed to the three this time out.
Concluding, the interview on Red FM, the Turner's Cross chief muttered: "You can get very angry on these things. Last year we got a bum deal from the fixtures and nobody gave two hoots. Its pretty predictable and that's a fact."
By Alan Foley
Thursday 24th February 2005
Pat Dolan has criticised the Eircom League and labelled Finn Harps director Derek Wilkinson "politically connected," after learning the scheduling of fixtures for the forthcoming season.
The Cork City manager is unimpressed by last Saturday's announcement from the league's AGM, where his side must travel to Finn Park for the first game of the new campaign.
"It's about respect," commences the former St. Patrick's Athletic boss. "These fixtures are not done by computer, they are done by an individual, Michael Hayes, so he feels its the best thing."
The Leesiders club have been in this situation before and awkward agendas, they feel, are continually bestowed upon them. The television analyst continues: "You can't change it. It seems a strange one to have to travel the length and breadth of the country on the first weekend. Finn Harps had Derek Wilkinson there (at the AGM) and politically, he's very well connected. I'm sure they'll get a bumper gate for themselves up there. Finn Harps have done their job properly."
Dolan continued his barrage after being informed his side must play two away fixtures as opposed to one home game against champions Shelbourne. Last year the sides shared four encounters due to the fact there were four series of games, as opposed to the three this time out.
Concluding, the interview on Red FM, the Turner's Cross chief muttered: "You can get very angry on these things. Last year we got a bum deal from the fixtures and nobody gave two hoots. Its pretty predictable and that's a fact."