Covid 19 - LOI Ramifications

[ArFella]

If the season has to be shortened, it should be done by removing games yet to be played, rather than games already played.

So if it is to be just two rounds, continue the current round and play one more.

I don't see any argument for expunging existing results.

Yeah, have to agree with this, if there is any more football to be played this year it has to be continued from where we left off, if we're still not playing by August/September then you look at cancelling the season and the 2021 LoI would have to begin fresh but it makes no sense to talk about playing the 2020 season but scrapping fixtures already completed.

[redobit]

I know you're not saying that it would be fairest but I just can't possibly see what people would think would be unfair about counting the games already played? It's not as if some clubs have a longer break than others, it's the same across the board, there's nothing unfair about it.

I don't think you can count the 5 games and have a 2.5 rounds season, teams would argue that they had a tougher first 5 games than others. Corks fixtures vs Finn Harps fixtures springs to mind.

So you know its the fairest. Fair enough. The reason people would think the season should start again because it is by all intents and purposes a new season. If it goes to a point where you are playing 2 rounds of games then that will be at least September. Contracts could have well been modified, players will be free to move around, close season of 6 or 7 months, a new pre season. And as you rightly pointed out teams could argue thay they have had it tougher than others with first 5 fixtures. A clean slate is the fairest way for a new 2 series round of games.

[RathfarnhamHoop]

So you know its the fairest. Fair enough. The reason people would think the season should start again because it is by all intents and purposes a new season. If it goes to a point where you are playing 2 rounds of games then that will be at least September. Contracts could have well been modified, players will be free to move around, close season of 6 or 7 months, a new pre season. And as you rightly pointed out teams could argue thay they have had it tougher than others with first 5 fixtures. A clean slate is the fairest way for a new 2 series round of games.

You've misread/misunderstood what I said there please try again.
I never said I know it's the fairest, I acknowledged that the person I was replying to wasn't saying that it was either.

But it's not a new season it's just one season with a big break in it which is unusual but not a reason to rip it up and start again.

People in this case is you, just you, look at the other replies.

Mate think all this has affected your head a bit you're not making any sense. Contracts can be modified at any point in the season anyway, players are free to move mid season anyway (not that it's gonna happen anyway with all clubs struggling to survive as is and it would be pretty easy for the FAI to prevent it if clubs did look to abuse the situation), teams can't argue that they've had a tougher first 5 games if they play full rounds, that only comes into it if you play half rounds.

Except a clean slate is objectively unfair because you're punishing teams that have started well just because, well for absolutely no reason whatsoever, apart from helping Sligo try avoid relegation.

[redobit]

Imo if it goes to a certain stage then it is a new season, is that too hard for you to get. Just cause you say Im wrong dosent make you right.

I actually wouldnt have much of a problem continuing with the season if it is the full season. We have been missing 7 first team players for start of the season (mostly defenders) plus we just signed a striker. I think we'd be ok to get away from relegation if it was a full season. Other teams could easily argue that we have got an unfair advantage in that case! Playaing again in 6/ 7 months is a fresh start and has to be a new season imo.

[Nesta99]

In 'midseason' could the league format really be changed? eg kicking off again in September, play 1.5 rounds with played games standing and aiming to finish as scheduled in November. Wouldnt it leave open the risk of legal issues with clubs that did not win the league, qualify for Europe, are relegated or not promoted on the basis that lost rounds may have saved a season. If time allows play out the full season or extend the season for as long as needed. If things dont return in time for that and the season is likely to be shortened, starting from scratch could have the least potential for complications. Whichever route is taken it would have to be agreed by all clubs to accept final standings. Of course conversely in a change to the season's format (where clubs havent all signed up to a binding agreement on what comples the season) if Rover were to miss out on the title by 3 points or less and the first 5 games were scrapped couldnt they then consider a legal challange to a final table also?!

There are a lot of permutations and whole load of prep work needed to keep things as smooth running as possible in the event of a format change - this is LoI after all!

[oriel]

As a Dundalk fan, even though we'd still be 3 points behind if first 5 games stood in any re-start, that's just the way it goes, we lost one game = zero points for that match.

I think first 5 should stick for all clubs, then try and get as many games in as possible, its not out of the question to get two full rounds in before end of the 2020, which would of course be a shortended season, maybe if it re-starts mid june (can't see it) we might get more games played with the following options.

If it re-starts Mid June

1/ Try and get to 3 rounds completed, so all teams re-start on matchday 6, and end up playing 3 full rounds of 9 = 27 games (5 already played in S1, 4 to go, and 2 x 9 = 27).

If things only improve by End of the Summer

2/ Try and get to 2 rounds completed, so all teams re-start on matchday 6, and end up playing 2 full rounds of 9 = 18 games (5 already played in S1, 4 to go, and 1 x 9 = 18). Not sure this would work, would mean only 13 more games to go.

If things don't improve by end of summer

3/ Is there any option at this stage but to cancel it have all results null and void and start fresh in 2021?

[RathfarnhamHoop]

Imo if it goes to a certain stage then it is a new season, is that too hard for you to get. Just cause you say Im wrong dosent make you right.

I actually wouldnt have much of a problem continuing with the season if it is the full season. We have been missing 7 first team players for start of the season (mostly defenders) plus we just signed a striker. I think we'd be ok to get away from relegation if it was a full season. Other teams could easily argue that we have got an unfair advantage in that case! Playaing again in 6/ 7 months is a fresh start and has to be a new season imo.

But its only a new season in the scenario you're creating, is that too hard for you to get? You can't set an arbitrary date on making it a new season just because... You still haven't put forward a single argument as to why it would be unfair to count games already played, "it just would" isn't one.

Especially when the new season starts before the original one would have ended. If Rovers are playing a game on October 23rd be that Shels or someone else why should it be a new season when it's the exact same thing that would have happened in the season as is?


In 'midseason' could the league format really be changed? eg kicking off again in September, play 1.5 rounds with played games standing and aiming to finish as scheduled in November. Wouldnt it leave open the risk of legal issues with clubs that did not win the league, qualify for Europe, are relegated or not promoted on the basis that lost rounds may have saved a season. If time allows play out the full season or extend the season for as long as needed. If things dont return in time for that and the season is likely to be shortened, starting from scratch could have the least potential for complications. Whichever route is taken it would have to be agreed by all clubs to accept final standings. Of course conversely in a change to the season's format (where clubs havent all signed up to a binding agreement on what comples the season) if Rover were to miss out on the title by 3 points or less and the first 5 games were scrapped couldnt they then consider a legal challange to a final table also?!

There are a lot of permutations and whole load of prep work needed to keep things as smooth running as possible in the event of a format change - this is LoI after all!

With the huge caveat of this being the FAI these things tend to have an "in exceptional circumstances....within reason...with agreement of x/y parties" clause (this would also cover events like teams going bust mid season) and judging by the fact they've already come to the agreement to cut out a round already and keep existing fixtures you'd imagine the next step being losing another round but then again you never know.

[RathfarnhamHoop]

As a Dundalk fan, even though we'd still be 3 points behind if first 5 games stood in any re-start, that's just the way it goes, we lost one game = zero points for that match.

I think first 5 should stick for all clubs, then try and get as many games in as possible, its not out of the question to get two full rounds in before end of the 2020, which would of course be a shortended season, maybe if it re-starts mid june (can't see it) we might get more games played with the following options.

If it re-starts Mid June

1/ Try and get to 3 rounds completed, so all teams re-start on matchday 6, and end up playing 3 full rounds of 9 = 27 games (5 already played in S1, 4 to go, and 2 x 9 = 27).

If things only improve by End of the Summer

2/ Try and get to 2 rounds completed, so all teams re-start on matchday 6, and end up playing 2 full rounds of 9 = 18 games (5 already played in S1, 4 to go, and 1 x 9 = 18). Not sure this would work, would mean only 13 more games to go.

If things don't improve by end of summer

3/ Is there any option at this stage but to cancel it have all results null and void and start fresh in 2021?

There's 16 Fridays between September 1st to Christmas Day so that would be enough for 1.5 rounds, standalone FAI Cup semi weekend, midweek Cup games and Stephens day Cup final.

So I'd agree a cut off of if things go past August scrapping it probably makes sense but you never know because if it's not much longer after that would clubs want to finish the round just to get some money in, maybe just have a cup, or if it goes on much longer do you look at combining the seasons incase of a delayed start in 2021?

[redobit]

But its only a new season in the scenario you're creating, is that too hard for you to get? You can't set an arbitrary date on making it a new season just because... You still haven't put forward a single argument as to why it would be unfair to count games already played, "it just would" isn't one.

Especially when the new season starts before the original one would have ended. If Rovers are playing a game on October 23rd be that Shels or someone else why should it be a new season when it's the exact same thing that would have happened in the season as is?

.

Its a fairly straightforward approach ... at the start of a season all clubs plan for a full series of games, not half a series of games. That's a fact, there is no disputing that. If you are going to the extreme of dismantling a season by shortening it in half or whatever then you are moving completely away from the what clubs have planned for. Clubs are entitled to and should be given the chance to find their best position based on the number of games they were told would happen at the beginning of the season. By taking away a couple of series of games that plan is gone and you have moved the goal posts too far and need to start again, that's all I'm saying. You may not like it cause it dose not suit you but there is validating too it.

[RathfarnhamHoop]

Its a fairly straightforward approach ... at the start of a season all clubs plan for a full series of games, not half a series of games. That's a fact, there is no disputing that. If you are going to the extreme of dismantling a season by shortening it in half or whatever then you are moving completely away from the what clubs have planned for. Clubs are entitled to and should be given the chance to find their best position based on the number of games they were told would happen at the beginning of the season. By taking away a couple of series of games that plan is gone and you have moved the goal posts too far and need to start again, that's all I'm saying. You may not like it cause it dose not suit you but there is validating too it.

You're just going in circles here trying to find a way to justify the best scenario for Sligo so I'm gonna just leave you to it.

[redobit]

More like you just realized I have a point.

[Martinho II]

I do think it is worth exploring having a 2020/2021 combined season and have a few transfer windows in between. Think thats the only way around it if its not resolved by the summer time.

[redobit]

Say a match is postponed after 15 minutes of play for something completely unexpected and bizarre. When you play the match again ... do you (a) start the game from the 15th minute or (b) start the game over?

[oriel]

There's 16 Fridays between September 1st to Christmas Day so that would be enough for 1.5 rounds, standalone FAI Cup semi weekend, midweek Cup games and Stephens day Cup final.

So I'd agree a cut off of if things go past August scrapping it probably makes sense but you never know because if it's not much longer after that would clubs want to finish the round just to get some money in, maybe just have a cup, or if it goes on much longer do you look at combining the seasons incase of a delayed start in 2021?

Worth noting that in Aug 2002, the last winter season kicked off, which was only two rounds I think, that ran to end Jan of memory, then new summer season started in March, so it can be done.

However the obvious big difference is, clubs had income and games for 4 months previous up to April in 2002, and were guaranteed of things re-starting in August 2002.

Actually thats a good quiz question, who were the shortest ever FAI Cup holders, A = Dundalk from April 2002 to Oct 2002, the year of two diff cup finals, think Derry beat Rovers, and to think both were played in Tolka !

[RathfarnhamHoop]

More like you just realized I have a point.
First we're not American, it's realised.

Your point is that clubs have planned for a 4 series league as opposed to 3 or 2 as if clubs are throwing the first series because they know they can make it up later. That's just now how it happens.


Say a match is postponed after 15 minutes of play for something completely unexpected and bizarre. When you play the match again ... do you (a) start the game from the 15th minute or (b) start the game over?

The answer according to the rules for FIFA World Cup qualifiers is actually (a)

7.
Further to the above provision, in the case of a match being abandoned as a
result of force majeure after it has already kicked off, the following principles
will apply:
a) the match shall recommence at the minute at which play was interrupted,
and with the same scoreline

[Nesta99]

But its only a new season in the scenario you're creating, is that too hard for you to get? You can't set an arbitrary date on making it a new season just because... You still haven't put forward a single argument as to why it would be unfair to count games already played, "it just would" isn't one.

Especially when the new season starts before the original one would have ended. If Rovers are playing a game on October 23rd be that Shels or someone else why should it be a new season when it's the exact same thing that would have happened in the season as is?



With the huge caveat of this being the FAI these things tend to have an "in exceptional circumstances....within reason...with agreement of x/y parties" clause (this would also cover events like teams going bust mid season) and judging by the fact they've already come to the agreement to cut out a round already and keep existing fixtures you'd imagine the next step being losing another round but then again you never know.

Exactly and why things will need to be watertight regardless of what pans out. Ye'd like to think that the FAI are showing some common sense and decisiveness of recent days but not so long ago were not taking the general consensus of clubs on board either. I wasnt aware that agreement has already happened on the shortened season tbh, but there is always the fear of some fly in the ointment, maybe a club breaking rank and rejecting the shortened season after its done. It would be poor form for a club to head in that direction but in a make or break situation they could take their chances. It is the LoI fear of the worst engrained in maybe but it all needs to be handled carefully.

[redobit]

First we're not American, it's realised.

[QUOTE]

How do you know I'm not American!

Your point is that clubs have planned for a 4 series league as opposed to 3 or 2 as if clubs are throwing the first series because they know they can make it up later. That's just now how it happens.




For the umpteen time, in my opinion, if the league is cut to a couple of series then it is fairer to start again, thats my point.


The answer according to the rules for FIFA World Cup qualifiers is actually (a)

7.
Further to the above provision, in the case of a match being abandoned as a
result of force majeure after it has already kicked off, the following principles
will apply:
a) the match shall recommence at the minute at which play was interrupted,
and with the same scoreline


We are not playing FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Our game was called off before and you have to play 60 minutes for a result to stand if I remember right.



Luckily none of us make the decision but whatever is decided, I assume there will be a vote to decide it??

[RathfarnhamHoop]

Not gonna bother trying reply to that mess. Learn how to quote.

It's your opinion and that's fine but your opinion is based solely on your club bias that's all

[osarusan]

Clubs are entitled to and should be given the chance to find their best position based on the number of games they were told would happen at the beginning of the season. By taking away a couple of series of games that plan is gone and you have moved the goal posts too far and need to start again, that's all I'm saying.

What does that even mean though. Did Sligo take things easy at the start because they thought they had 30 games left to sort themselves out? Would things have been different if they'd known it was only 2 series of games?

Tbh I don't see any rationale for scrapping existing results.

Either you continue where you left off and shorten the season by scrapping a series of matches, or the whole season just gets scrapped when it becomes clear that there won't be enough time for a meaningful season.

[osarusan]

A different question might be just how many games need to be played for it to be a 'proper' season, and when would the cutoff point be for that.

It needs 2 full series of games, I'd say. Stopping mid-series just seems wrong.

[redobit]

What does that even mean though. Did Sligo take things easy at the start because they thought they had 30 games left to sort themselves out? Would things have been different if they'd known it was only 2 series of games?



Not at all, we were terrible but with 7 players to come in and a new striker we were very optimistic about the rest of the season ... a full season, not half a season. I want to be judged on a season, not part of a season and as Ive said would have no problem running the season out including the first 4 or 5 games if all or the majority of games can be played. If you go 7 odd months without a game then restarting is hardly that crazy a way to go.

[redobit]

A different question might be just how many games need to be played for it to be a 'proper' season, and when would the cutoff point be for that.

It needs 2 full series of games, I'd say. Stopping mid-series just seems wrong.

Very true. This could decide it.

[redobit]

Not gonna bother trying reply to that mess. Learn how to quote.

It's your opinion and that's fine but your opinion is based solely on your club bias that's all

Would it be fair if they decided to play only the rest of the games in the first series, then drop the last three series of matches and call the season over then?No it wouldn't is the answer, and you know that. It is the same principal for me if they only play 2 series of games.

[RathfarnhamHoop]

Would it be fair if they decided to play only the rest of the games in the first series, then drop the last three series of matches and call the season over then?No it wouldn't is the answer, and you know that. It is the same principal for me if they only play 2 series of games.

Yeah that would be fair, not ideal but it would be fair, because it's the same rules for all the teams that's what fair is, it's not giving any team an advantage because at the end of the day winning the first game of the league is as valuable as winning the 5th or the last, that's how a league works.

They've all already agreed to drop a round so the clubs have already nailed their colours to the mast that dropping rounds to be played is on the table, and dropping games already played isn't.

[RathfarnhamHoop]

Not at all, we were terrible but with 7 players to come in and a new striker we were very optimistic about the rest of the season ... a full season, not half a season. I want to be judged on a season, not part of a season and as Ive said would have no problem running the season out including the first 4 or 5 games if all or the majority of games can be played. If you go 7 odd months without a game then restarting is hardly that crazy a way to go.

Your whole, and quite frankly ridiculous, argument is based around Sligo having players to come in, the odds of that having happened are the exact same as another club having 7 players injured and losing a striker for the last 4/5 games. So tell me how is that fair but sligo having them at the start of the season isn't?

[redobit]

Yeah that would be fair, not ideal but it would be fair, because it's the same rules for all the teams that's what fair is, it's not giving any team an advantage because at the end of the day winning the first game of the league is as valuable as winning the 5th or the last, that's how a league works.

They've all already agreed to drop a round so the clubs have already nailed their colours to the mast that dropping rounds to be played is on the table, and dropping games already played isn't.

Haven't seen an agreement to drop games? Anyway there is a big difference in dropping 1 series of games and dropping 3 series of games. Apart from being daft and unfair the solicitors would be lining up around the block.

[redobit]

Your whole, and quite frankly ridiculous, argument is based around Sligo having players to come in, the odds of that having happened are the exact same as another club having 7 players injured and losing a striker for the last 4/5 games. So tell me how is that fair but sligo having them at the start of the season isn't?

Nope, not my whole argument at all. As I keep saying - either restart the season and play the whole season out or if that cant happen and it goes on too long then start the season again.

[RathfarnhamHoop]

Haven't seen an agreement to drop games? Anyway there is a big difference in dropping 1 series of games and dropping 3 series of games. Apart from being daft and unfair the solicitors would be lining up around the block.

It was announced ages ago, same announcement as the June 19th resumption date. All clubs were consulted on those plans and had lots of input.

Nobody's suggesting dropping 3 rounds except in exceptional circumstances, the point is that if they drop two you seem to think that games to be played are somehow more valuable than games played (based purely on Sligos results may I add) despite that having no basis and logistically not making sense.

[redobit]

All Im saying is play the whole season or restart it if this goes mess goes on too long. In a nutshell, thats it clear and simple.

[osarusan]

Just to be clear, when I say 'series' I'm talking about each of the sets of 9 games, so 4 series = 36 games. I think others are using the word 'round' to say the same thing.

Finishing after 27 games wouldn't be unusual here anyway, so is doable. Yes, some teams get the tougher away draws, but that's nothing new.

Finishing after 18 games is just about legitimate and acceptable to me, as each team did play each other home and away.

Anything shorter than 18 is not 'proper' in my eyes, and stopping mid series - after 24 or 30 games or whatever, is just wrong.

[RathfarnhamHoop]

All Im saying is play the whole season or restart it if this goes mess goes on too long. In a nutshell, thats it clear and simple.

And in a nutshell, why? How do the FAI stand in court when the lawsuits come in because Harps went down by a point or Bohs miss Europe by a point or whatever and justify it?

[redobit]

It was announced ages ago, same announcement as the June 19th resumption date. All clubs were consulted on those plans and had lots of input.

Nobody's suggesting dropping 3 rounds except in exceptional circumstances, the point is that if they drop two you seem to think that games to be played are somehow more valuable than games played (based purely on Sligos results may I add) despite that having no basis and logistically not making sense.

You admitted to being biased, not me. I'm trying to be fair in an situation that is far from ideal.

[redobit]

And in a nutshell, why? How do the FAI stand in court when the lawsuits come in because Harps went down by a point or Bohs miss Europe by a point or whatever and justify it?

Well as you said fair, not ideal but it would be fair, because it's the same rules for all the teams that's what fair is.

Im only putting forward a suggestion ffs. Untwist your biased knickers.

[RathfarnhamHoop]

Well as you said fair, not ideal but it would be fair, because it's the same rules for all the teams that's what fair is.

Im only putting forward a suggestion ffs. Untwist your biased knickers.

And how is counting games played already not the same for everyone?

[redobit]

Never said it wasnt.

I think it could go any number of ways and made suggestions that I think can work (rightly or wrongly). You cant or dont want to accept that there is a validity in starting the season again. But as you said you are biased so it is pretty hard to have a conversation with a person with one mindset that suits only his needs.

[RathfarnhamHoop]

Never said it wasnt.

I think it could go any number of ways and made suggestions that I think can work (rightly or wrongly). You cant or dont want to accept that there is a validity in starting the season again. But as you said you are biased so it is pretty hard to have a conversation with a person with one mindset that suits only his needs.

Your suggestion involves simultaneously cancelling games due to time constraints and replaying games already played. That is just all kinds of wrong and just asking for a lawsuit

[Ezeikial]

I'm beginning to see that there is some substance in redobit's thesis

[redobit]

Your suggestion involves simultaneously cancelling games due to time constraints and replaying games already played. That is just all kinds of wrong and just asking for a lawsuit

Nope, never said to replay any games already played. That would be daft.

Other FAs, rugby, womens leagues have scrapped leagues with a lot more games played than us. That could happen here and if it goes on long enough then re-start. Hardly a mind blowing suggestion in fairness.

[RathfarnhamHoop]

Nope, never said to replay any games already played. That would be daft.

Other FAs, rugby, womens leagues have scrapped leagues with a lot more games played than us. That could happen here and if it goes on long enough then re-start. Hardly a mind blowing suggestion in fairness.

Your suggestion would have Shamrock Rovers playing Dundalk for example three times in the Airtricity League in the year 2020 but only two counting for the league. That is replaying a game. And that is lawsuit central.

They have scrapped leagues because they have more games played. They're not scraping the season to start the same season again because that's ****ing daft.

[redobit]

Your suggestion would have Shamrock Rovers playing Dundalk for example three times in the Airtricity League in the year 2020 but only two counting for the league. That is replaying a game. And that is lawsuit central.

They have scrapped leagues because they have more games played. They're not scraping the season to start the same season again because that's ****ing daft.

Nope, not saying that either. Replaying a game is playing it twice, while restarting a season is a new set of games. If it goes on too long then clubs/ FAI could well agree to scrap and restart, then the first few games are gone. Its only a suggestion, I have zero fukcing idea if that will happen, nobody does, but better to put all suggestion on the table and see what is the best and fair for all clubs in the LOI. At least if everything is on the table it gives us options based on how long this lasts. Its pretty funny that you can't even fathom or comprehend that the season might start again, but as you said you're biased, so hey no surprise.

[dahamsta]

I've binned the last few posts from this thread. Please get back on topic.

@redobit quit the wumming, I've never had any truck with it and even less so now.

@RathfarnumHoop chill out, you're allowing yourself to get wound up over a bloody forum post.

@MartinHo II if you have a problem with a post, why don't you report it instead of adding to the frustration by bitching about moderation.

@ToberonaTornado thanks for the report but I'm not deleting the thread, it's a perfectly legitmate topic if people stick to it.

[osarusan]

Just to get this back on track - what do people think is the minimum amount of games that needs be played for a league to be considered legitimate?

My thoughts from earlier quoted below.




Finishing after 27 games wouldn't be unusual here anyway, so is doable. Yes, some teams get the tougher away draws, but that's nothing new.

Finishing after 18 games is just about legitimate and acceptable to me, as each team did play each other home and away.

Anything shorter than 18 is not 'proper' in my eyes

With 18 games, that's another 13/14 games to be played, which could be crammed into...8-10 weeks?

But I also wonder about some of the new signings that arrived in Ireland for this season? Are they still here? Still under contract? Will clubs even have a squad left to play a possible 13/14 games?

[Nesta99]

It would have to be at least 2 rounds, home and away. Unless of course Shamrck Rovers drop enough points and Dundalk dont well then they can call it after 7 games which would be totally fair and reasonable from a completely unbiased perspective!

Things are looking better for a return in September if not before. It would be reasonable to extend the league in to January if need be and either have a much shortened off-season or start 2021 later and over a period of time move back to the 'normal' schedule.

If player contracts are currently suspended ye'd hope that that they are reinitiated with dates ammended. if it doesnt suit a player to do then a mutual termination happens. For some clubs I suppose the important thing is to get games back on even if it means a weakened side, get gate receipts going again but chucking out a season's target. Money saved by a reduction in a wage bill could be allocated to 2021. I would think that the vast majority of players would want contracts honoured even with changed dates. If clubs are significantly effected in an ongoing manner and try to regnegotiate terms thats where the problems could really kick up in due course.

[Real ale Madrid]

I've been socially distancing myself from COVID-19 discussions - serious ones anyway.

Because things are bad enough like.

[nigel-harps1954]

I've said it already, finish this season out to 27 games. Can't really be any less than that given contracts, season tickets, and sponsorship deals.

If it has to start again in July or August instead of June, so be it. Play it through until January or February 2021. Start the following 2021 season in April or May and play another shortened 27 game season until December. That'll bring us back to another Feb/March start for 2022.

It's another 10 weeks until the 19th June date given by FAI. Realistically, we won't be out of the woods by then, but you'd certainly expect a relaxation of social distancing by then to allow players to resume training.

Looking at a further month, 17th July looks a reasonable restart date. There's 29 available Fridays between then and the end of January 2021. That should be more than enough time to finish off a 27 game season along with FAI Cup, allowing for 3 or 4 midweek fixture dates, and no calling off rounds of the league for cup from quarter final onwards.

Failing that, 14th August resumption allows to end the season end of February instead.

The idea of an 18 game season, where four or five of those games have already been played, should come nowhere near the discussion.

[pineapple stu]

Don't agree an 18 game season shouldn't be considered. Everything should be considered at the moment.

But the other factor no-one's mentioned is that even if restrictions are lifted in, say, June and the season resumes in late June, it's entirely likely that the virus would just take off again and another lockdown would follow in September for 6 weeks. What happens then?

[Nesta99]

I've said it already, finish this season out to 27 games. Can't really be any less than that given contracts, season tickets, and sponsorship deals.

If it has to start again in July or August instead of June, so be it. Play it through until January or February 2021. Start the following 2021 season in April or May and play another shortened 27 game season until December. That'll bring us back to another Feb/March start for 2022.

It's another 10 weeks until the 19th June date given by FAI. Realistically, we won't be out of the woods by then, but you'd certainly expect a relaxation of social distancing by then to allow players to resume training.

Looking at a further month, 17th July looks a reasonable restart date. There's 29 available Fridays between then and the end of January 2021. That should be more than enough time to finish off a 27 game season along with FAI Cup, allowing for 3 or 4 midweek fixture dates, and no calling off rounds of the league for cup from quarter final onwards.

Failing that, 14th August resumption allows to end the season end of February instead.

The idea of an 18 game season, where four or five of those games have already been played, should come nowhere near the discussion.

Oh dear - put the hard hat on nigel unless RH has suddenly taken up yoga!

[RathfarnhamHoop]

Oh dear - put the hard hat on nigel unless RH has suddenly taken up yoga!

He's okay, he's not suggesting replaying the games, just that it'd be too short ;)

I still disagree mind, I think clubs will look at it from the pov that every game is money in their pocket and less to pay back for season tickets, but its a valid opinion.

[Nesta99]

Phew! Hard hat can be put away. I doubt anyone wants a shortened season. I for one would want to play Rovers 4 times to have the maximum chance of overtaking and pulling ahead. With 2 rounds though there is at least balance with one home and away fixtures. That I can see being acceptable to clubs and supporters. There is the issue of losing the value of season tickets, would fans generally go lookng for a 50% refund due to half the games being played. Losing gate receipts and refunding ST holders could be a nail in the coffin for some clubs. Take Bohs where such a large proportion of their tickets are ST, it would be a big hole in the finances if fans insist on refunds. I wouldnt want a refund from my club but how would others feel?

[Nah Nah Nah Nah]

The other way of doing it would be to offer people a reduction for next seasons season ticket based on them missing games this season