Treaty in for Treat

[nigel-harps1954]

A 25-year lease was signed with the KDL in the spring, so they can discuss refurbishments together over the close season, but capacity won't be a worry unless/until form consistently improves, and being in a residential area, development will necessarily be incremental in nature.

There's almost certainly the space to extend the stand the entire length of the pitch, and put in something a little better on the opposite side of the ground, but they're a bit snookered on either end.

[joey B]

https://twitter.com/ByBarryLandy/status/1720217057562681776

Q&A from the new Drogheda investors this evening,won’t be going full time next season and might not be for a couple of seasons either…..

[NeverFeltBetter]

The official YouTube channel has a ten minute interview with a Tricor director up: https://youtu.be/kpf33C2Qz4s?si=WxDL9RH8UeM_Qad-

Makes it sound like they have been very hands-off this season, but who knows really.

[EatYerGreens]

https://twitter.com/ByBarryLandy/status/1720217057562681776

Q&A from the new Drogheda investors this evening,won’t be going full time next season and might not be for a couple of seasons either…..

They'll not be needing a full-time squad in the First Division anyway.

[Nesta99]

I dunno, things are looking like you could need to have a FT setup to bounce back especially if another premier side gets relegated. Not massive money f/t like Galway but its moving in the direction of p/t not being enough. If Drogs were FT now or last season itd be imteresting to see if thered be a marked difference.

[nigel-harps1954]

I dunno, things are looking like you could need to have a FT setup to bounce back especially if another premier side gets relegated. Not massive money f/t like Galway but its moving in the direction of p/t not being enough. If Drogs were FT now or last season itd be imteresting to see if thered be a marked difference.

Finn Harps were largely FT last year and we were a shambles.

[Olander]

I dunno, things are looking like you could need to have a FT setup to bounce back especially if another premier side gets relegated. Not massive money f/t like Galway but its moving in the direction of p/t not being enough. If Drogs were FT now or last season itd be imteresting to see if thered be a marked difference.
I'm not sure where the myth came from that we were paying massive money last year. We were FT granted, but we were hardly paying loads of our players 600-700 a week or something in the First Division. The team we start every week now usually has at least 8 or 9 players from last years squad in it. Our budget would've been in line with Waterford's last year as well. The club has been very sensible and lived within its means after promotion, I'm sure Caulfield would've wanted a lot more in terms of budget, but we've only added modestly to the squad over the off season.

A lot of people assumed that we would fair like Cork last year due to not really doing a big overhaul on the squad after promotion, but we had a strong squad last year with an experienced backbone, and they have done really well so far this year.

[joey B]

Finn Harps were largely FT last year and we were a shambles.

Dave Rogers was even worse than you can imagine!!!!

[Nesta99]

I'm not sure where the myth came from that we were paying massive money last year. We were FT granted, but we were hardly paying loads of our players 600-700 a week or something in the First Division. The team we start every week now usually has at least 8 or 9 players from last years squad in it. Our budget would've been in line with Waterford's last year as well. The club has been very sensible and lived within its means after promotion, I'm sure Caulfield would've wanted a lot more in terms of budget, but we've only added modestly to the squad over the off season.

A lot of people assumed that we would fair like Cork last year due to not really doing a big overhaul on the squad after promotion, but we had a strong squad last year with an experienced backbone, and they have done really well so far this year.

Fair enough, massive money over last two years! Galway should probaly have been given special status of the 4th biggest budget in the league, maybe with Waterford last season. If you were paying any of your players 600-700 a week in the 1st division then you were paying massive money!!

Beware JC! He convinced his beloved Cork City Foras to spend for return of a bocht club. The Comers wont run out of money but Caulfield isnt a basement budget manager when he gets a whiff of possible silverware!

[Acornvilla]

Didn't one of the Comers say a few months ago that he was personally putting over a million in per season. I can't remember where but I'm pretty sure I wasn't dreaming about Galway United budgets :D

[Olander]

Didn't one of the Comers say a few months ago that he was personally putting over a million in per season. I can't remember where but I'm pretty sure I wasn't dreaming about Galway United budgets :D
Now think about that for a second. Do you think if the Comers were pumping in over a million euro into the club every season that we'd be starting Stephen Walsh up front?

[Buckett]

I remember reading that article too. We have 8 teams but no training ground, the cost of renting facilities must be massive. Also have to rent Terryland, Athenry, Moyne Villa and Oranmore for matches. After what we went through in 2011/12/13 and our recent seven year stint in the First Division, I hope we have the fourth biggest budget!

[Acornvilla]

Clubs do indeed cost an incredible amount to run. Having a million extra to look after all that stuff would certainly take pressure off finding cash for the first team.

[Nesta99]

Its very LoI old to be tetchy on how much is being paid especially on players or it seeming like a needed badge of honour to be achieving on a smaller budget than others. Tbh who cares at this stage except for those who cant access the sort off money the Comers, Dermot Desmond, Kelleher etc can, to b able to push the limit of budgets with a safety net. If the Comers were throwing in 3mil then Galways fans should be 3 times happier than they currenty are. The fly in the ointment is if you give JC an additional 2mil for players he would just sign a few technically gifted footballers to keep the bench warm and raid Galway GAA for grunts!

[JC_GUFC]

Its very LoI old to be tetchy on how much is being paid especially on players or it seeming like a needed badge of honour to be achieving on a smaller budget than others. Tbh who cares at this stage except for those who cant access the sort off money the Comers, Dermot Desmond, Kelleher etc can, to b able to push the limit of budgets with a safety net. If the Comers were throwing in 3mil then Galways fans should be 3 times happier than they currenty are. The fly in the ointment is if you give JC an additional 2mil for players he would just sign a few technically gifted footballers to keep the bench warm and raid Galway GAA for grunts!


This is true! :D

To be fair to Caulfield, compared to what he did while at Cork, at least he's getting rid of lads who he's fallen out with, rather than having them around the club and training with the u20s etc.

[sbgawa]

Its very LoI old to be tetchy on how much is being paid especially on players or it seeming like a needed badge of honour to be achieving on a smaller budget than others. Tbh who cares at this stage except for those who cant access the sort off money the Comers, Dermot Desmond, Kelleher etc can, to b able to push the limit of budgets with a safety net. If the Comers were throwing in 3mil then Galways fans should be 3 times happier than they currenty are. The fly in the ointment is if you give JC an additional 2mil for players he would just sign a few technically gifted footballers to keep the bench warm and raid Galway GAA for grunts!

Desmond hasn't put a penny in since he bought 25% of the club for 2m 5 years ago. In the same period members have put in close to that , we've had about 7m in transfers and group stage euro money once and a million a year thereabouts in the other years....Desmond gets a lot of comment but he is a minor part of the clubs funding.

[sbgawa]

Not a criticism of him btw just reality.

[legendz]

7th place in the First Division for Treaty this year. 7 points off the playoffs. 34 points behind Cork City. There was a positive very early start before their season unraveled.
Galway going well. Cork returning to the Premier Division.
They are the only LoI club in the midwest region, extending to Clare and Tipperary. Treaty are the only city club struggling.
Are the current owners likely to turn that around?

[Martinho II]

7th place in the First Division for Treaty this year. 7 points off the playoffs. 34 points behind Cork City. There was a positive very early start before their season unraveled.
Galway going well. Cork returning to the Premier Division.
They are the only LoI club in the midwest region, extending to Clare and Tipperary. Treaty are the only city club struggling.
Are the current owners likely to turn that around?

I have heard rumours that Treaty are changing their name to Limerick again!

[Shearer]

7th place in the First Division for Treaty this year. 7 points off the playoffs. 34 points behind Cork City. There was a positive very early start before their season unraveled.
Galway going well. Cork returning to the Premier Division.
They are the only LoI club in the midwest region, extending to Clare and Tipperary. Treaty are the only city club struggling.
Are the current owners likely to turn that around?
Got a marginal budget increase under new ownership, lost key players in off season for the umpteenth time and couldn't possibly replace them.
Worst squad ever, as Tommy Barrett pretty much said before a ball was kicked, and yet average crowd almost doubled. Yet people pick holes in that too.

All those other cities are far further ahead in their development than we are. Limerick going to the wall in 2019 set things back years. Treaty have no facilities and are keen to get that sorted as soon as possible.

I'm not saying Treaty aren't immune to criticism, but some of the hyperbole around the club (and I'll extend that to Longford also) when they aren't winning every week is head-scratching. For example, Cobh's attendances dropped by 30% despite the fact they had two home games vs Cork City in 2024. Nobody bats an eye.

As to the question, it looks like there will be a budget increase including accommodation available to outside players in 2025, something that Kerry used to good effect in 2024. There are some handy players coming through the academy with 3+ on the radar of clubs in England which could bring in a few quid and help secure land which is of the greatest importance.


I have heard rumours that Treaty are changing their name to Limerick again!
I have some magic beans for you, Marty.

[culloty82]

This seems to be the most recent "club ownership" thread, so might as well post this John Wall profile here - apparently considered buying Bray at first, and then got advice from Dermot Usher on whether or not to take the plunge at Kerry. Certainly seems as though he recognises it will be a long-haul project, rather than making rash promises:

https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/arid-41572954.html

[Elfman]

Agreed, thanks for sharing this. Certainly if he's looking at it as a long term project, building the club off the pitch as well as on it and bringing the community with him, I would say things bode well for Kerry.

Here's hoping he doesn't get bored after 3 years and ups stick for another club!

[nr637]

With Treaty United now owned by the Canadian-based investment group led by Tricor Pacific Capital Inc., have the First Division Club been able to operate as a full-time set up?

By the by, Cobh Ramblers have 14 senior players operating on a full-time basis as well as the First Team Manager, under the new owners FC32.

I think Dundalk have a similar set-up?

Anyone have any information on these clubs or other First Division clubs set-up!

[Elfman]

With Treaty United now owned by the Canadian-based investment group led by Tricor Pacific Capital Inc., have the First Division Club been able to operate as a full-time set up?

By the by, Cobh Ramblers have 14 senior players operating on a full-time basis as well as the First Team Manager, under the new owners FC32 owners.

I think Dundalk have a similar set-up?

Anyone have any information on these clubs or other First Division clubs set-up!
Wow is there that many on full-time contracts in Cobh?

I thought they were still mainly part-time based on this recent article from Extra Time:
https://www.extratime.com/articles/35465/2025-season-preview-cobh-ramblers/

[Martinho II]

With Treaty United now owned by the Canadian-based investment group led by Tricor Pacific Capital Inc., have the First Division Club been able to operate as a full-time set up?

By the by, Cobh Ramblers have 14 senior players operating on a full-time basis as well as the First Team Manager, under the new owners FC32 owners.

I think Dundalk have a similar set-up?

Anyone have any information on these clubs or other First Division clubs set-up!

We are PT only for a hell of a long time now and will be for the foreseeable future. The support base isnt there unfortunately!

[nr637]

Head Coach: Michael McDermott Full-time
Players signed in on full-time contracts:
Goalkeeper:
Timothy Martin (Royal Excelsior Virton)

Defenders:
Shane Griffin (Shelbourne),
Cian Coleman, (Cork City),
John O’Donovan(Cork City),
Jonas Häkkinen (Free Agent),

Midfield:
Shane Griffin (Bray Wanderers),
Niall O’Keeffe (Waterford),
Cian Murphy (Cork City),
Barry Coffey (Cork City).

Forwards:
Cian Bargary(Cork City),
Jack Doherty (Cork City),
Sam Bellis (Waterford),
George Nunn (HK Kópavogs).

[total hoofball]

Are those 14 really 'full-time' training during the day-time or afternoons or are they classified as full-time professionals training in the evenings because they are getting paid a minimum of the €430 salary which is of the PFAI's criteria for being a full-time professional? I heard Shane Griffin (the ex-Shels league winner one) was meant to working in a new job along with playing for Cobh

[Shearer]

With Treaty United now owned by the Canadian-based investment group led by Tricor Pacific Capital Inc., have the First Division Club been able to operate as a full-time set up?
They train mornings and have lads in accommodation but vast majority either studying or working in some capacity.

[nr637]

Are those 14 really 'full-time' training during the day-time or afternoons or are they classified as full-time professionals training in the evenings because they are getting paid a minimum of the €430 salary which is of the PFAI's criteria for being a full-time professional? I heard Shane Griffin (the ex-Shels league winner one) was meant to working in a new job along with playing for Cobh

Heard most that have signed, are on full-time contracts and train on a full-time basis. That seems to be a minimum of 4 days training. Most have part-time jobs that allow them combine their training schedule to suit. Some of the jobs are school coaching and personal training coaching. A number have been sponsored by a business who have also offered some form of part-time work. Several of the squad from last year are mainly part-time and work or study in full-time jobs or college. The Manager is employed on a full-time basis and supervises and consults on all the teams within the club.

The club has moved to a full-time operation in all aspects of match day. This would involve team preparation for home and away fixtures in regards to travel, accommodation, backroom staff and all arrangements involved in team preparation.

The new owners FC32 have decided to move to a more professional schedule with promotion being the main objective!

[Martinho II]

Heard most that have signed, are on full-time contracts and train on a full-time basis. That seems to be a minimum of 4 days training. Most have part-time jobs that allow them combine their training schedule to suit. Some of the jobs are school coaching and personal training coaching. A number have been sponsored by a business who have also offered some form of part-time work. Several of the squad from last year are mainly part-time and work or study in full-time jobs or college. The Manager is employed on a full-time basis and supervises and consults on all the teams within the club.

The club has moved to a full-time operation in all aspects of match day. This would involve team preparation for home and away fixtures in regards to travel, accommodation, backroom staff and all arrangements involved in team preparation.

The new owners FC32 have decided to move to a more professional schedule with promotion being the main objective!

Where are FC32 from and is this the first time that Cobh Ramblers are FT?

[Elfman]

The new owners FC32 have decided to move to a more professional schedule with promotion being the main objective!
A pity they couldn't keep the pitch. Was that purely for long term cost savings or are Cobh planning to rent it out locally?

[Shearer]

A pity they couldn't keep the pitch. Was that purely for long term cost savings or are Cobh planning to rent it out locally?
It was a bog in fairness

[nr637]

Where are FC32 from and is this the first time that Cobh Ramblers are FT?

FC32 is a global multi-club ownership group of operators dedicated to developing player talent and unlocking potential across its portfolio. Founded by seasoned sports executives, FC32 focuses on building robust talent pathways and fostering both men’s and women’s football programs. With a vision for long-term impact, FC32 aims to cultivate high-performance environments within its clubs worldwide, prioritising community engagement and sustainable growth. The US-based FC32 recently took over Austrian outfit SKN St Pölten while they also have a stake in Swiss second-tier club AC Bellinzona and Serie A side US Salernitana.

https://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/league-of-ireland/cobh-ramblers-no-longer-member-owned-as-club-say-new-us-investors-fc32-will-be-transformative-for-cork-outfit/a2119107418.html

I Googled it for you m8! :)

[Nesta99]

Where are all the dire warnings about an American sports investment fund?

[Longfordian]

What kind of crowds would be realistic for Cobh expect for a Premier Division season out of curiosity? There are very few clubs left now that don't have some kind of outside backing. As in they were taken over or investors came in.

[Elfman]

It was a bog in fairness
If they don't fork out to maintain the new astro pitch properly it'll be a car park, which is no better.

[Comic Book Guy]

A pity they couldn't keep the pitch. Was that purely for long term cost savings or are Cobh planning to rent it out locally?

Cost saving, club were paying a small fortune in rental of pitches for training and academy games. Don't know the figure but it was around 50k a year to rent pitches for training etc.
The pitch was down before FC 32 came in.

[nr637]

What kind of crowds would be realistic for Cobh expect for a Premier Division season out of curiosity? There are very few clubs left now that don't have some kind of outside backing. As in they were taken over or investors came in.

I reckon Cobh can attract a regular hard core of 1,500 in the Premier. If they could maintain their position in the league the aim would be to increase this to 2,000+

[Elfman]

Cost saving, club were paying a small fortune in rental of pitches for training and academy games. Don't know the figure but it was around 50k a year to rent pitches for training etc.
The pitch was down before FC 32 came in.
Ah OK, thanks. Definitely understandable so but a pity FC32 didn't get in before the new pitch as they appear to have the funds that could have kept the grass surface. Hopefully they keep the new one up to scratch!

[culloty82]

Ah OK, thanks. Definitely understandable so but a pity FC32 didn't get in before the new pitch as they appear to have the funds that could have kept the grass surface. Hopefully they keep the new one up to scratch!

They've pulled out of St Polten, but the club have reassured supporters:

https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/arid-41606905.html

[Elfman]

Not a great development. You'd worry about their finances now, regardless of their relationship with the Austrian club. Hopefully they can get through the season. With hindsight, looks like the purchase by FC32 wouldn't have made a difference to the grass pitch!

[Nesta99]

Are Cobh fans and business people organised to step in at short notice ust in case? It does deserve a thread of its own!

But can I just say I knew it, I told ye so, it was always going to be a disaster, Im great for calling it first, their new investment was never a worry to the rest of the league hopefuls Arkaga Arkaga Arkaga....