Treaty United

[Nesta99]

Warrenpoint would be an ideal feeder club for Dundalk. Better than a Dundalk II in the 1st Division. Streamline coaching and tactic work, pick up players in their own catchment, send some of our 19s players on loan to them, share s&c staff and facilities etc to make sure they keep on target. Opportunities to play U19s against a senior side. Have some wily pros in the squad, best way to scout I.L. players. Warrenpoint relatively on the cheap get players that can keep them up. Could sneak Europe and Dundalk help with prep. Win win all round!

[EalingGreen]

Warrenpoint would be an ideal feeder club for Dundalk. Better than a Dundalk II in the 1st Division. Streamline coaching and tactic work, pick up players in their own catchment, send some of our 19s players on loan to them, share s&c staff and facilities etc to make sure they keep on target. Opportunities to play U19s against a senior side. Have some wily pros in the squad, best way to scout I.L. players. Warrenpoint relatively on the cheap get players that can keep them up. Could sneak Europe and Dundalk help with prep. Win win all round!
Ideal for Dundalk maybe, but I could see three major problem areas which should (imo) prohibit this.

The first is regulatory. What happens if eg something goes wrong at Point, meaning the IFA needs to take action? They could end up punishing them, while the real "culprit" is over the border in Dundalk, so can't be touched. Indeed, if the punishment (fine?) was sufficiently severe, DFC could simply walk away, leaving Point to suffer it.

The next concerns conflicts of interest eg Point need players in the second half of the IL season to fight a relegation battle, but DFC need to sign players to boost their squad at the start of their new season. Who gets priority?

And finally, what happens if, say, Point aren't producing the benefits which DFC required? DFC could pull the plug, take all the best players and coaches with them and leave Point in the brown stuff.

Which is not to say that two clubs like that couldn't co-operate over matters of mutual interest, but it needs to be at arms length, with transparent boundaries in place.

[Martinho II]

I saw Warrenpoint play us in a friendly in Longford a few years back. I am not sure what the link was at the time but there should be more friendlies between loi sides and NI league sides. Like I was in Cliftonvilles ground last season(2019) for friendly new ground to tick off for example!

[Charlie Darwin]

I saw Warrenpoint play us in a friendly in Longford a few years back. I am not sure what the link was at the time but there should be more friendlies between loi sides and NI league sides. Like I was in Cliftonvilles ground last season(2019) for friendly new ground to tick off for example!
There are a few link-ups like that. Sligo play Ballinamallard every year or two, and Rovers had more plans for friendlies with Cliftonville that ended up not working out. Dundalk have played a few different IL clubs in friendlies too, as it probably suits both sides with distance to Belfast half that of Dublin to Belfast (and we all know the NI teams don't like to travel).

[nigel-harps1954]

There are a few link-ups like that. Sligo play Ballinamallard every year or two, and Rovers had more plans for friendlies with Cliftonville that ended up not working out. Dundalk have played a few different IL clubs in friendlies too, as it probably suits both sides with distance to Belfast half that of Dublin to Belfast (and we all know the NI teams don't like to travel).

Harps and Derry would play preseason and mid season friendlies against Irish League sides every year too.

[EalingGreen]

In the Irish League, tiny clubs like Institute and Warrenpoint get to the top tier by virtue of the fact that the gap between intermediate and senior football there isn't all that big. They then add nothing to the top level in reality

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/northern-ireland/55117820

YeeHaa! ;)



(no fans, no appeal etc),

Trust me, they had the fans of 10 other teams firmly behind them yesterday!)

[Kingdom]

Yep. And that's something that's effectively never been there before (or even now). The First Division is the Graveyard for a reason.

Is it a fair point to make, that in the IL the transport/overnight costs aren't significant (given the relative small distances between clubs), compated to the LoI?

For example. Warrenpoint and Coleraine are probably the two furthest apart IL clubs? Which is about 3 hours drive taking it easy. In a pyramid LoI, you've the potential then to have a very low-cost amateur/semi pro Kerry side, travelling to Finn Harps. That's an overnight and the expense associated with the travel. Of course that's a once-off, but if you're in a league with Buncrana, Harps, Monaghan, and Castlebar say, that racks up quickly.

The alternative is a regionalised first division. Would that work - is there the interest there?

[pineapple stu]

Well that's part of the reason why I'd favour a regionalised First Division (in fact, I've suggested before doing away with the FD and making the LSL/MSL/USL/CSL the de facto First Divisions, with a larger Premier to compensate)

Again, I don't think it's a silver bullet, but you have to encourage clubs to step up somehow.

[Kingdom]

Well that's part of the reason why I'd favour a regionalised First Division (in fact, I've suggested before doing away with the FD and making the LSL/MSL/USL/CSL the de facto First Divisions, with a larger Premier to compensate)

Again, I don't think it's a silver bullet, but you have to encourage clubs to step up somehow.

That's a fair point too. I've heard commentary, anecodotal stuff, about the money floating around certain LSL clubs anyway - not necessarily top tier LSL clubs either.

[EalingGreen]

Harps and Derry would play preseason and mid season friendlies against Irish League sides every year too.Even at Junior level, you get a lot of players from the border counties* who cross over to play in NI. And the same happens further up the pyramid, right up to Senior level. (Unsure whether it goes the other way).

Though when I say "cross over", they don't always seem to take the most direct route, if their (ahem) "petrol expenses" claims are any guide. :cool:


* - I remember hearing that Shay Given's father played against Roy Carroll's father (both goalkeepers themselves) in the Fermanagh & Western League back in the day, for example.

[sadloserkid]

https://twitter.com/TreatyUnitedFC/status/1336658054138499073 - all systems, if not exactly at go, are certainly being primed! And I for one am pleased at this development.

[NeverFeltBetter]

Another step in the road. Anyone have any idea when licenses will be announced?

[CraftyToePoke]

https://twitter.com/TreatyUnitedFC/status/1336658054138499073 - all systems, if not exactly at go, are certainly being primed! And I for one am pleased at this development.

SLK, before you know it we'll be back in the game leaning on the wall frozen with the cold, head in our hands at the touches on them, happily questioning why we f**kin bother, it'll be great.

[sadloserkid]

SLK, before you know it we'll be back in the game leaning on the wall frozen with the cold, head in our hands at the touches on them, happily questioning why we f**kin bother, it'll be great.

I can hardly wait! :D

[nigel-harps1954]

I wonder how the other applications are going, whether or not we'll see movement from the Irish Sea..or other associated invitees.

[NeverFeltBetter]

It's been too long since local media in Limerick has had a chance to ignore a brutal on-pitch display because of a few curse words were heard from the stands.

But who will provide the half-time gift to away supporters? I hope that's in the licensing application.

[Kiki Balboa]

I wonder how the other applications are going, whether or not we'll see movement from the Irish Sea..or other associated invitees.


After the initial novelty of it, I think the Irish Sea thing is wearing pretty thin. Pretty obvious if they somehow join the league, they will be gone in a few years. No thanks. Pretty disrespectful.

[Martinho II]

Another step in the road. Anyone have any idea when licenses will be announced?

Does Early Jan sound about right?

[EatYerGreens]

Anyone have any idea when licenses will be announced?

Probably a week after the new season starts.

#GLITW

[NeverFeltBetter]

POS' Limerick also allowed to proceed: https://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/league-of-ireland/two-limerick-clubs-get-green-light-to-apply-for-league-of-ireland-first-division-spot-39845322.html

I presume they must be putting Jackman down as their ground then? Or is he hoping Treaty's application fails and that it'll be OK for him to put down Market's Field?

[Nesta99]

POS' Limerick also allowed to proceed: https://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/league-of-ireland/two-limerick-clubs-get-green-light-to-apply-for-league-of-ireland-first-division-spot-39845322.html

I presume they must be putting Jackman down as their ground then? Or is he hoping Treaty's application fails and that it'll be OK for him to put down Market's Field?

Didnt Limerick FC go to the courts to be allowed apply for a license for it then to be rejected? It's one thing to get the green light to apply and another to get the green light to participate so I'd reckon Limerick FC's application would be met with rolling eyes and go straight to the bin. It wouldnt surprise me if both applications from Limerick nominated Markets Field.

[NeverFeltBetter]

True, but Treaty appear to have a deal worked out with the owners of the ground at least, if the reports are to be believed.

[nigel-harps1954]

Presume both will nominate Markets Field, wouldn't be an unknown for two teams to use the same ground if it's granted as well.

Be interesting, all the same, to see how that story progresses.

[Nesta99]

Presume both will nominate Markets Field, wouldn't be an unknown for two teams to use the same ground if it's granted as well.

Be interesting, all the same, to see how that story progresses.

It'd be more than interesting! If there was no issue with credibility of the league/FAI etc. i'd nearly will it to happen as you just wouldnt be able to look away - car crash viewing of the year. If P'OS had TV cameras follow him about he'd make his LFC money back selling the footage to a documentary maker!

[Mr A]

Presume both will nominate Markets Field, wouldn't be an unknown for two teams to use the same ground if it's granted as well.

Be interesting, all the same, to see how that story progresses.

I think Treaty have an exclusive deal there, not sure where I read it

[NeverFeltBetter]

It's been said in a few news reports.

I suspect POS' application is fairly fantastical. That club is dead, the brain just hasn't realised it yet.

[sbgawa]

He is very litigious and the FAI will handle his application properly.
If it stands up Limerick (POS) won't be the first club to start again.

[EatYerGreens]

I think Treaty have an exclusive deal there, not sure where I read it

I think they both signed a treaty over it.

[Mr A]

I think they both signed a treaty over it.

Which included a 5 lined humourous poem?

[pineapple stu]

There once was a gowl Pat O'Sullivan
When the row for a licence flared up again
Said the mustachioed ****
"Treaty United? **** that"
And he started his circus back up again

[Lim till i die]

I'd be near certain Pauds interest is in fielding underage teams again next year and not in a first division team.

That and good old fashioned spite.

In fairness (I know, I know) Limerick FC fielded this year at u-17 and u-15.

Random league of ireland merry go round fact for you Alan Murphy and his brother are over the u-17s. I can only assume he needs the contact hours for one of his badges.

They'd be playing out of Hogan Park. It's better than you remember it but still not great.

It was being put around the town recently that he was in touch with the red bull boys. Utter nonsense but wouldn't it be absolutely class at the same time. :D

[Mr A]

Last time I was there the club shop had been broken into that week, someone had stolen the wheelie bins despite a seven foot wall and there was a car on fire behind the far goal for the second half.

Honestly it was great craic.

[Nesta99]

Last time I was there the club shop had been broken into that week, someone had stolen the wheelie bins despite a seven foot wall and there was a car on fire behind the far goal for the second half.

Honestly it was great craic.

The very few seats , miles behind one goal were all melted, walking to the round was running the gauntlet, toilets were barely 4ft L-shaped wall with a roofing gutters embedded in the ground along on wall, no sinks. Our manager was sent off but stood behind the wall and continued on 'shadow' coaching. Officially the worst ground Id ever visited but it was strangely fun for as long as the feral children kept their distance.

[NeverFeltBetter]

Ha, I might have been one of those feral children, once upon a time. Grew up not five minutes walk from Hogan. Kip of a stadium then. No idea what it's like now, but can safely assume it is not much better.

[Martinho II]

Ha, I might have been one of those feral children, once upon a time. Grew up not five minutes walk from Hogan. Kip of a stadium then. No idea what it's like now, but can safely assume it is not much better.

Im getting confused now. I was in Rathbane in 2000 when we played Limerick. I was also in Markets Field and also Jackman Park. Wots Hogan now?

[NeverFeltBetter]

Still there, think a local club, Hill Celtic, are the main users nowadays (I could be way off there, I'm out of the loop: haven't lived in the area for over twenty years). Limerick FC underage used it up to a few years ago I think. There were consistent rumours of Limerick FC moving there again anytime there was unhappiness with the Market's Field arrangement.

Or do you mean what is Hogan? It's the "stadium" in Rathbane.

[osarusan]

Im getting confused now. I was in Rathbane in 2000 when we played Limerick. I was also in Markets Field and also Jackman Park. Wots Hogan now?

Rathbane and Hogan Park are the same.

[GUFCghost]

What are the stadium requirements for division 1? I remember going through a big hefty PDF before and seeing guidelines that looked similar to a UEFA Category 2 stadium

[ger121]

What are the stadium requirements for division 1? I remember going through a big hefty PDF before and seeing guidelines that looked similar to a UEFA Category 2 stadium
More like IFA CAT 2 and I’m referring to the Irish Farmer Association here, not them up the road.

[nigel-harps1954]

What are the stadium requirements for division 1? I remember going through a big hefty PDF before and seeing guidelines that looked similar to a UEFA Category 2 stadium

What they're supposed to be, or what they are?

[Nesta99]

Im getting confused now. I was in Rathbane in 2000 when we played Limerick. I was also in Markets Field and also Jackman Park. Wots Hogan now?

Think Rathbane, and the local wildlings circling away supporters throught - but more out of curiosity than manevolance, If only we'd had chocolate bars with us to give away!

[GUFCghost]

What they're supposed to be, or what they are?
Oh supposed to be, a lot of venues would barely make UEFA category 1

[nigel-harps1954]

Oh supposed to be, a lot of venues would barely make UEFA category 1

I think First Division grounds are supposed to have 500 covered seats, and Premier Division supposed to have 1,500 or 2,000 or something.

[GUFCghost]

I think First Division grounds are supposed to have 500 covered seats, and Premier Division supposed to have 1,500 or 2,000 or something.
Ah what a wonderful world that would be.

A club should atleast have plans for a UEFA Category two ground, which is only 1,500 seats. If you can't see any scenario where you're going till fill that, there's really no point in becoming a senior club

[EatYerGreens]

Ah what a wonderful world that would be.

A club should atleast have plans for a UEFA Category two ground, which is only 1,500 seats. If you can't see any scenario where you're going till fill that, there's really no point in becoming a senior club

Now, now - you'll be accused of wanting franchises and upsetting the forces of football darwiniasm with that sort of chat ;)

[NeverFeltBetter]

According to Limerick radio Feb 4th is license decision day.

[nigel-harps1954]

Which is mental.

We've no idea the lineup of the league, or fixtures, about 5 or 6 weeks out from proposed start date.

[NeverFeltBetter]

The FAI is probably operating on the basis of the start being delayed, they just don't feel the need to admit that to anyone on the 2% chance it doesn't have to.

[Martinho II]

Wonder wots Treaty Utds chances of getting back in I wonder? For Limerick as a sporting city it will be tragic if they cant come back in at all.

[NeverFeltBetter]

Better than Limerick FC's chances I'd wager.