LOI In Europe 2020

[paul_oshea]

The thing is this team have been past it a while in European terms. Kennys last game was that larnaca away wasn't it? 4-0 and the defensive line hadn't changed massively since then bar getting Boyle back in. They shipped a couple of silly goals in that game too, same people making the same mistakes. Granted it was very hot and larnaca were a step above this team but they were also out of season.

Perth did have a couple of seasons to turn it around though sadly he brought in players in positions where they are already strong and gave strength in depth.

They'll do well to hold onto colovic too especially if the yanks decide they've had enough. Sacking Perth now though before their Europa League campaign ends doesn't make sense if he can keep them in the hunt for Europe at home

[D24Saint]

I reckon I'd probably have won the league last year if I'd inherited the team that Perth did. And I don't even play Football Manager.

Dont ! it’s hours of your life down the toilet, and that’s from experience. Read about the game , watch documentary’s , watch old games etc instead.

[sbgawa]

So if vinnie gets sacked in the morning is gill or Reynolds the answer? I don't see it and gill is just as culpable as vinnie anyway. If Reynolds is the answer then he has been hiding his tactical nous under a bush to this point

[CorribsideSteve]

Absolutely pathetic from Dundalk to be fair. Toothless. Amateur hour. Year after year, INDIVIDUAL comedy show, car crash in slow motion MISTAKES are one of the main reasons LOI clubs don't qualify for group stages in general. Absolutely embarrassing stuff. That kind of performance harkened back to the dark days of the 90's.

[EatYerGreens]

Poor performance and even worse result from Dundalk tonight. Ridiculous that they shipped 3 goals unanswered to that lot.

Dundalk dominated the game overall, and had large periods of passing control of the ball. But what was really telling was how few chances on goal that converted into. I don't know why they didn't try to test their keeper more from distance - especially as the clock ticked on, and trying to play through their defence wasn't yielding much in terms of genuine efforts.

No chance of Dundalk winning the league this year.

[sbgawa]

The biggest problem Dundalk face is not Vinny it is maths.
Last year they lost 2 million, unless they go on an unexpected run and make Europa group stages this year it is likely to be more given bigger squad and no gate receipts plus players paid 100% through pandemic.
If either Rovers or Bohs win the league i'm not ruling Dundalk out just painting a picture as last year they came back from Europe and won 10 or 12 in a row if I remember right but if they don't win the league then next years loss is more like 3 million plus (Europa money at least a million less than CL)
Will the Americans fund 3m next year in the hope that the following year IF they win the League and If they get group stages the following year (another 2m loss if they dont) then the 5 or 6 m from group stages will wipe out the previous two years losses...
If Peak 6 keep the show on the road at the end of the year if they don't win the league then nobody can question their commitment from then on.
But can you really spend 60k a week running a club in Ireland if you are only maybe going to win the league....the business model was dominate and win the league every year.
I suspect they will either double down and increase investment to try to guarantee success or let all the out of contract players leave and try to work off a lot lower budget.
Could go either way but in a global pandemic its hard to justify haing a crapshoot throw of the dice.....on the other hand maybe it is chump change to these guys that just looks like a lot of money to us here

anyhoo I still wouldn't sack Vinnie and the world will look very different if Rovers lose at home to bohs and away to Dundalk and Dundalk win their next 4.
Vinnie will be a genius and Dundalk will probably win the league from there.

[MKMK]

Time to start the rebuild. Need to get players that will strenghten the weak areas and look at how they play from midfield. Still in Europe, halfway through a shortened season, now is not the time to change the boss.

[placid casual]

It appears, from the outside, that the whole management structure on the sidelines is a bit of a €hitshow- how many chefs are in that kitchen!?
Added to that is a poor recruitment policy, and a reliance on old warhorse to get them through games. It has to be said, but there has been a certain arrogance on dundalk part that "this will be enough, this will do" - well that's blown up their face now, and if they're not careful they'll be down scrapping with sligo and cork next season.
perth is way out of his depth. A double act of Long and Croly would seem the next course of action, in my view.

[oriel]

Looking like the end of an era for Dundalk.I reckon will have to build again and wouldn’t be sure if Perth is their man. When you look at tonight’s performance against some of their European games under Kenny it was night & day.

Certainly compared to 2016, but that was a top class MF of O'Donnell, Finn, Horgan, Benson. Its been declining in europe now for a few years, including a Kenny managed 4-0 defeat to Larnaca in 2018.

No point controlling a game for long periods in each half, then poor finishing the other end, and pub league defending. They took their chances we didn't including Duffy, Hoban and possibly Gartland in first half, the first two went in, diff story, but no getting away from the overall outcome, 3-0 was a disaster.

[Kingswood Rover]

Really disappointing last night as a LOI fan always want our teams to win yes even that red and black lot. I hope the yanks keep backing the club we need as many strong clubs as possible.

[Scrufil]

Are we not being a bit harsh on Dundalk? They produced a good effort compared with their recent league outings. In these Covid-19 times things have changed and I feel it is harder to play well in empty stadia. Mistakes happen, and are part and parcel of the game, wait until Dundalk are out of Europe to judge them fully.

[total hoofball]

There are no excuses. We're spending over 60k a week running the club, paying out huge wages on this squad, for this rubbish in return.

Feckin hell. Guessing approx two-thirds of that is on the playing staff then that's average players wages of about €1600 per week for 52 weeks

[Mr A]

Is it me or is there an air of resignation to Perth here? https://twitter.com/DundalkFC/status/1296195306766372864

[Sonny]

Is it me or is there an air of resignation to Perth here? https://twitter.com/DundalkFC/status/1296195306766372864

That interview was bizarre even by Perth's standards. More than resignation even, it sounds like an interview someone would give if they had just been sacked.

[Park_Lane]

Is it me or is there an air of resignation to Perth here? https://twitter.com/DundalkFC/status/1296195306766372864

Absolute spoofer! He is far too fond of the sound of his own voice the last while.

[Nesta99]

Absolute spoofer! He is far too fond of the sound of his own voice the last while.

The last while? He's always been pretty outspoken! Liked or loathed and little in between.

[Lim till i die]

Is dundalks sub goalie any good?

Rogers shouldn't be near a team that wants to win things.

First goal should have never went in grand Brian Gartland fell over himself but the goalkeeping was awful.

Third goal is shocking. If I was a Dundalk fan I would have been ****in livid looking at it.

Like I get that the tie is over and you don't care. But you're paid a decent wodge you should probably still try.

[hoopy]

Sacked

[Fermoy Blue]

Well I hope that I don't fall in love with you.
'Cause falling in love just makes me blue....
Closing Time...Tom waits other yanks don’t...

[outspoken]

[QUOTE=Lim till i die;2044948]Is dundalks sub goalie any good?

/QUOTE]

No.

[pineapple stu]

Just saw the goals there yesterday evening.

Jaysus. Each and every one an utter howler.

[CorribsideSteve]

Just saw the goals there yesterday evening.

Jaysus. Each and every one an utter howler.

Unforgiveable Sunday League stuff, and that's been over the last half dozen matches in Europe at least.

[paul_oshea]

I've been watching the games since its been possible get a pub with a tv or a stream or something, so probably about 16 or 17 years, i couldnt count on hands and toes the amount. I can still remember bohs under fenlon conceding at home in the last few minutes in dailymount, after a very good performance, a silly goal and ruined it. That's 10 years ago at least now. And i'm sure if i put my mind to it i can remember back with Drogheda too, pats maybe 07/08, Cork. The list is endless.

But while the football has vastly improved*, the technical ability, the physical ability( which was one i never understood), the fitness and general all round passing and possession football, the silly mistakes of yonder are still inevitable.

Disagree with Kerrs comments, the co-effs might be worse the football and(general)performances are vastly superior to 10 years ago.

[Sonny]

I've been watching the games since its been possible get a pub with a tv or a stream or something, so probably about 16 or 17 years, i couldnt count on hands and toes the amount. I can still remember bohs under fenlon conceding at home in the last few minutes in dailymount, after a very good performance, a silly goal and ruined it. That's 10 years ago at least now. And i'm sure if i put my mind to it i can remember back with Drogheda too, pats maybe 07/08, Cork. The list is endless.

But while the football has vastly improved*, the technical ability, the physical ability( which was one i never understood), the fitness and general all round passing and possession football, the silly mistakes of yonder are still inevitable.

Disagree with Kerrs comments, the co-effs might be worse the football and(general)performances are vastly superior to 10 years ago.

The current Rovers side is considerably better than the one that made the group stages imo.

[paul_oshea]

Definitely, which kind of shows the job that O'Neill did.

[EatYerGreens]

I've been watching the games since its been possible get a pub with a tv or a stream or something, so probably about 16 or 17 years, i couldnt count on hands and toes the amount. I can still remember bohs under fenlon conceding at home in the last few minutes in dailymount, after a very good performance, a silly goal and ruined it. That's 10 years ago at least now. And i'm sure if i put my mind to it i can remember back with Drogheda too, pats maybe 07/08, Cork. The list is endless.

But while the football has vastly improved*, the technical ability, the physical ability( which was one i never understood), the fitness and general all round passing and possession football, the silly mistakes of yonder are still inevitable.

Disagree with Kerrs comments, the co-effs might be worse the football and(general)performances are vastly superior to 10 years ago.

This is the problem. The standard in the LOI has risen. But it has also risen in lots of other European countries too - and many at a faster rate. There used to be lost of countries in Europe where their teams were poor in Europe, but that pool has shrunk slowly over time. And very few ()if any?) leagues have gone the other way - e.g. been good but become crap over time.

So we're improving, but still not catching up with the pack.

[Mr A]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JHoY3iXH4YY
Posting this for the shout as the second goes in. I hadn't seen the first.. dear Jebus.

[passinginterest]

Jaysus, they don't get any better on another viewing. Rogers absolutely awful for the first and third. He was a weak link under Kenny in Europe too, due to his distribution and being so awkward with the ball at his feet, hard to understand how they haven't found an upgrade there. Then again similar could be said of Gartland, good player domestically but exposed in Europe and past his best now. Overall, one of the most stereotypical league of Ireland performances ever - miss good chances themselves and then give away absolute gifts at the other end. Very frustrating and no surprise Perth was pushed out the door.

Not sure they have the squad to make progress in the Europa either, they seem to have major weaknesses in the central defensive areas. Key players there either out of form or in a major decline (Gartland, Shields, Boyle). Hopefully for they can find some form and restore some pride in Europe and even domestically to keep the league interesting (nightmare Rovers scenario, they finally finish ahead of Dundalk and get pipped by Bohs :eek: )

[MKMK]

Good teams normally win games or push farther ahead in the last 20 mins. The opposition are worn down trying to keep up with them thats why a lot of teams make mistakes nad lose games in last 20 mins. That was not the case with Dundalk and if this is the beginning of the end of that team we should all be greatful for the entertainment thay have given us along the way. Am not a Dundalk supporter but went to tye Aviva for one of their games. Wonderful team that had many more good days than bad ones.

[total hoofball]

The standard in the LOI has risen.
I completely disagree with that, standard has dropped especially over the past 2 years based on what I have seen watching so many games at both PD and FD level over the past 15 years. I'm seeing fitter footballers with declining technical and creative abilities that's the reason why we are falling behind in Europe

[Fermoy Blue]

The current Rovers side is considerably better than the one that made the group stages imo.

IMO you’re having a laugh......

[Nesta99]

IMO you’re having a laugh......

I would agree! If rovers had been playing Wednesday night they would have slaugtered the Sloveniens. I think they are a far more capable side now than their group stage side. The league has pushed on on some of the basics for start!

[CorribsideSteve]

Are we not being a bit harsh on Dundalk? They produced a good effort compared with their recent league outings. In these Covid-19 times things have changed and I feel it is harder to play well in empty stadia. Mistakes happen, and are part and parcel of the game, wait until Dundalk are out of Europe to judge them fully.

Not harsh enough. The team they lost to won their first league in a Century, and it was their first attempt at CL qualification. I imagine they are, even this morning, still pinching themselves, barely able to believe how easy it was for them to win 3-0. And to add insult to injury, all I lkept reading on social media was "but Dundalk battered them!" Half chances, tame crosses, dreadful passing, a center forward slower than an oil tanker, and a comically bad central defender and goalie combo, but yeah, Dundalk were miles better for some people. If Dundalk continue to play like that, a team from Wales or the Faroes could easily beat them. Can't see them magically raising their efforts for the Europa game, unfortunately. The mental strength a team needs at this level isn't anywhere to be seen, and the technical side of their play is sorely lacking. I've been watching LOI in Europe since 1998, and that's in the top 10 for most embarrasing, comically bad team performaces and results. Mistakes are one thing, but when the player's brains leave their body and float off into the air like a loose balloon, that's another entirely.

[geysir]

On culpability for the first goal it was Gartland who was 99% responsible, his atrocious level of awareness and defending set up the goal. There was never enough on the ball to reach Rogers without a pass back, any goalkeeper had to expect Gartland to stand strong, reach the ball and hoof it, instead he was easily swatted aside. if the goal was not scored there was case for a penalty. And even if Rodgers had got a decent block on the ball with his foot, there were two Celje players who had raced into the box ahead of the sleepy defenders ready to pounce on a loose ball.

Considering how poor Dundalk have been this season and with an inferior team to previous, I thought they did well for a good part of the game,, though Celje passed the ball much better than them
Celje are no mugs and as Slovenian champions ahead of group stage regulars Maribor, it was a very bad draw for a seeded Dundalk.

[Nesta99]

On culpability for the first goal it was Gartland who was 99% responsible, his atrocious level of awareness and defending set up the goal. There was never enough on the ball to reach Rogers without a pass back, any goalkeeper had to expect Gartland to stand strong, reach the ball and hoof it, instead he was easily swatted aside. if the goal was not scored there was case for a penalty. And even if Rodgers had got a decent block on the ball with his foot, there were two Celje players who had raced into the box ahead of the sleepy defenders ready to pounce on a loose ball.

Considering how poor Dundalk have been this season and with an inferior team to previous, I thought they did well for a good part of the game,, though Celje passed the ball much better than them
Celje are no mugs and as Slovenian champions ahead of group stage regulars Maribor, it was a very bad draw for a seeded Dundalk.

In fairness, current form we'd be strugging against a San Marino u16 side! There has been much to any lift in the player at Sligo since VP left.

[brendy_éire]

https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2020/0823/1160785-derry-granted-permission-to-play-in-lithuania/

So our game is going ahead, unfortunately. Would have been handy to get the bye and save the travelling, but you'd still be expecting the win out there.

[thebronze14]

https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2020/0823/1160785-derry-granted-permission-to-play-in-lithuania/

So our game is going ahead, unfortunately. Would have been handy to get the bye and save the travelling, but you'd still be expecting the win out there.

I don't think I ever expect an Irish team to win in Europe sadly!! It's more hope!

[sbgawa]

I would agree! If rovers had been playing Wednesday night they would have slaugtered the Sloveniens. I think they are a far more capable side now than their group stage side. The league has pushed on on some of the basics for start!
100%.
Only Finn, Stevens, twigg and maybe Rice from the group stage team would come close to a place in this year's team. (Finn obviously :) )

[Asterix]

Stream for Rovers game available for €10. It will be free for Rovers Members/season ticket holders and kids in the youth teams which is great to see.

https://shamrockrovers.ie/livestream/ (https://shamrockrovers.ie/livestream/)

[Nesta99]

100%.
Only Finn, Stevens, twigg and maybe Rice from the group stage team would come close to a place in this year's team. (Finn obviously :) )

No O'Donnell, Even just for that peno? :p

[sbgawa]

No O'Donnell, Even just for that peno? :p

He was actually my next choice but just missed out, dan murray was close as well but Pico and Grace edge him on pure football ability.
I;ve been watching Rovers since the 80's and this is the best tean since then.
I dont think they are playing as well as towards the end of last season though.

Its hard to compare teams accross time though, leaving Dan out cos he wasnt a football playing centrehalf is harsh because Michael o Neill didnt want the team playing elaborately out from the back

[Nesta99]

The great football debate - how teams of different generations compare. Even in 10 or so years, fitness and strength has improved in LoI. There are so many players that ye'd love to have seen training and playing at todays levels. The Rovers group stage team imo was not spectacular, what was was O'Neills managment of what he had. Similar to SK but he had better resources too. I still feel lke I need a shower after jumping up when SRFC went through to EL groups!! My excuse is that Dundalk werent so good then so would have taken anything. Little did we know what would transpire ourselves!

[Charlie Darwin]

I've been watching the games since its been possible get a pub with a tv or a stream or something, so probably about 16 or 17 years, i couldnt count on hands and toes the amount. I can still remember bohs under fenlon conceding at home in the last few minutes in dailymount, after a very good performance, a silly goal and ruined it. That's 10 years ago at least now. And i'm sure if i put my mind to it i can remember back with Drogheda too, pats maybe 07/08, Cork. The list is endless.

But while the football has vastly improved*, the technical ability, the physical ability( which was one i never understood), the fitness and general all round passing and possession football, the silly mistakes of yonder are still inevitable.

Disagree with Kerrs comments, the co-effs might be worse the football and(general)performances are vastly superior to 10 years ago.
The football is miles ahead but we're still trying to get back to the level of professionalism and job security of 15-20 years ago. And the rest of Europe has improved vastly since too. We still need to progress here to compete and it takes money.

[Charlie Darwin]

The great football debate - how teams of different generations compare. Even in 10 or so years, fitness and strength has improved in LoI. There are so many players that ye'd love to have seen training and playing at todays levels. The Rovers group stage team imo was not spectacular, what was was O'Neills managment of what he had. Similar to SK but he had better resources too. I still feel lke I need a shower after jumping up when SRFC went through to EL groups!! My excuse is that Dundalk werent so good then so would have taken anything. Little did we know what would transpire ourselves!
Weird thing about that Rovers team is that Finn and O'Donnell went on to be worldbeaters but neither of them was guaranteed a place with MON. But I've no doubt the whole experience brought them onto another level.

[brendy_éire]

Riteriai match is being streamed by the club here.

No freebies for ST holders, but it's only a fiver, which is a bargain really.

https://www.derrycityfc.net/2020/08/europa-league-preview-fk-riteriai-vs-derry-city/

[geysir]

Ki the Faroe champions are through to the CL 2nd round, awarded the much feted 3 nil win by UEFA after their opponents Slovan Bratislava went through a comedy of errors on their trip to the archipelago.
Before their departure from Slovakia a SB player was tested positive, Vladimar Weiss, once of Rangers,
On arrival in the Faroes the whole entourage were tested and were "ordered" to enter strict quarantine as per UEFA rules, at least until the test results were revealed. Allegedly (rumours - social media strength) some players were spotted strolling around the town and were cautioned by police to return to the hotel.
The test results revealed one positive for the SB physio. Under current Faroe rules the whole entourage either had to leave the country or stay in quarantine for 14 days.
Uefa allowed SB to fly out their reserve team and fullfill the fixture. Faroes nerves not fully rested yet and remained in a dangling position. The reserve team duly arrived the next day (wednesday?) by charter flight and were all tested on arrival. One of the players tested positive and the whole reserve team were sent into quarantine.
You couldn't make it up.
The Slovaks cried conspiracy but the UEFA covid rules are clear, in the event of a team testing positive, local covid rules prevail and if the game cannot be rescheduled, the team that tested positive must forfeit.

Nevertheless, that does not lessen the value of this historic victory for the plucky Faroese, possibly the biggest to affect the nation since they beat and cruelly humbled Austria in their first international competitive game in 1990.

[D24Saint]

Ki the Faroe champions are through to the CL 2nd round, awarded the much feted 3 nil win by UEFA after their opponents Slovan Bratislava went through a comedy of errors on their trip to the archipelago.
Before their departure from Slovakia a SB player was tested positive, Vladimar Weiss, once of Rangers,
On arrival in the Faroes the whole entourage were tested and were "ordered" to enter strict quarantine as per UEFA rules, at least until the test results were revealed. Allegedly (rumours - social media strength) some players were spotted strolling around the town and were cautioned by police to return to the hotel.
The test results revealed one positive for the SB physio. Under current Faroe rules the whole entourage either had to leave the country or stay in quarantine for 14 days.
Uefa allowed SB to fly out their reserve team and fullfill the fixture. Faroes nerves not fully rested yet and remained in a dangling position. The reserve team duly arrived the next day (wednesday?) by charter flight and were all tested on arrival. One of the players tested positive and the whole reserve team were sent into quarantine.
You couldn't make it up.
The Slovaks cried conspiracy but the UEFA covid rules are clear, in the event of a team testing positive, local covid rules prevail and if the game cannot be rescheduled, the team that tested positive must forfeit.

Nevertheless, that does not lessen the value of this historic victory for the plucky Faroese, possibly the biggest to affect the nation since they beat and cruelly humbled Austria in their first international competitive game in 1990.

Some farce.

[pineapple stu]

It's only Slovan of course. Things'll get interesting when it impacts, say, the CL group stages. And you'd have to imagine there's every chance it will.

[pineapple stu]

you'd still be expecting the win out there.
Worth noting Derry's opponents have never lost a home European game in 10 matches.

They've beaten Swedish and Scottish opposition, and drawn with Cypriot, Serbian and Kazakh teams, among others.

That's all in the past six years too - so I don't think there's any reason to be expecting a win this evening tbh.

[2 Year Contract]

Worth noting Derry's opponents have never lost a home European game in 10 matches.

They've beaten Swedish and Scottish opposition, and drawn with Cypriot, Serbian and Kazakh teams, among others.

That's all in the past six years too - so I don't think there's any reason to be expecting a win this evening tbh.

I'd normally agree but once in a blue moon LOI sides do get a handy draw that they should be expected to win like when Derry played Aberystwyth in 2014 and beat them 9-0 on agg.

If Riteriai sitting bottom of the Lithuanian league with 1 win in 16 games were to knock Derry out it would be a horrendous result