1st division

[Magicme]

I think there could be 5 teams promoted from the first with the amount financial problems that are afflicting the premier. Somehow I don't think we will ever shake off Monaghan

Aw Jinxy, didnt think you would want to shake us off. Thought you had become fond of us!

[jinxy lilywhite]

Aw Jinxy, didnt think you would want to shake us off. Thought you had become fond of us!

Only the good looking mons :p .

[Mr A]

Only the good looking mons :p .

You mean mons without the mon dogs?

[Magicme]

Only the good looking mons :p .

Dam you, there goes a potential beautiful friendship! :mad:

[jinxy lilywhite]

Dam you, there goes a potential beautiful friendship! :mad:

I'm very sorry.

[shep]

God will strike me down if I cheer Dundalk on but will take the risk and send some positive vibes that way.

Cheers,hope you win this weekend also!!!

[Black and White]

Cant see us wining in Limerick on Friday lack of goals esp from our strikers!!...best possible result would be a draw...I can see it being 1all!! (hopefully)!!

[Nesta99]

Cant see us wining in Limerick on Friday lack of goals esp from our strikers!!...best possible result would be a draw...I can see it being 1all!! (hopefully)!!

Scared then??? Cant cope with the thought of another year of flirting with promotion only to to be disappointed??? Yeah me too .... but we i think we will win in Limerick! as things are going in the division above a top 3 or 4 may see us up :rolleyes:

[gael353]

Lims need to get something from Dundalk


we only need something to keep the home fans happy, we know promotion (through winning games as opposed to the Galway Utd way) is out so its kinda building for next season we are. Thankfully we've unearthed two new class midfielders, 2 new left backs, a good right back and more but thats all for next season.

[Conroy]

Silly talk of promotion now, Dundalk Fans should know not to be thinking of promotion untill were kicking off for our first game in the premier.

[jinxy lilywhite]

Cant see us wining in Limerick on Friday lack of goals esp from our strikers!!...best possible result would be a draw...I can see it being 1all!! (hopefully)!!

I wouldn't be so pessimistic though I'd be happy with a 1-1. If we score first though we are good enough to keep a clean sheet and win. Mean defences win leagues and we have that. What is our record 1 goal conceded in 7 league games.

Conroy is right though. Chickens hatch count don't your they before. A phrase along those lines especially with still a third of the season to go

[Splurge]

weve Athlone and Longford at home the next two fridays, anything less than 4pts will be a disappointment. Less than2 a disaster.

[Magicme]

Feck sake, feel like a Dundalk fan, invested time cheering them on only for them to let me down. grrrr

[LeixlipRed]

We no longer deserve to win the league. No passion, belief, spirit for months now. Longford fans, would you like Dave Freeman back? The laziest, least talented, useless pile of rubbish I've ever seen in a red jersey.

[De Town]

Longford fans, would you like Dave Freeman back? The laziest, least talented, useless pile of rubbish I've ever seen in a red jersey.

no thanks.

couldnt have said it better myself.

[Longfordian]

We no longer deserve to win the league. No passion, belief, spirit for months now. Longford fans, would you like Dave Freeman back? The laziest, least talented, useless pile of rubbish I've ever seen in a red and black jersey.

Fixed that for you there. Not to mention being a cheating, dishonest, ungrateful son of a gun.

[Lamper.sffc]

Great results for us. Beating shels:D. Dundalk loosing:D. Happy days.
The title race rolls on.

[jinxy lilywhite]

Feck sake, feel like a Dundalk fan, invested time cheering them on only for them to let me down. grrrr

Ha Ha Ha ;)


We no longer deserve to win the league. No passion, belief, spirit for months now. Longford fans, would you like Dave Freeman back? The laziest, least talented, useless pile of rubbish I've ever seen in a red jersey.

Still your only 5 behind after a poor win. Beat Waterford and you'll be joint second again


Great results for us. Beating shels:D. Dundalk loosing:D. Happy days.
The title race rolls on.

Bring it on. 11 games to go. 33 points to play for. 7 home games remaining. C'mon the lilywhites.

[LeixlipRed]

Ha Ha Ha ;)



Bring it on. 11 games to go. 33 points to play for. 7 home games remaining. C'mon the lilywhites.

It's really yours to throw away now with that proportion of home games!

[jinxy lilywhite]

the key is one game at a time.
It was hard not to get carried away with beating Waterford and its tough not to be despondent with the defeat in Limerick, but its been the story of our season.

[stann]

It's really yours to throw away now with that proportion of home games!

Not a bit of it.
If ourselves and Dundalk win all our other games it will come down to that meeting at the RSC that will take on epic proportions as it approaches. Winner of that would then take the title.
Now that won't happen, points will still be dropped by everyone, home and away (and Dundalk's home record is worse than ours, everyone's is), and none of the top four are out of it yet, not by a long way!

[holidaysong]

Bring it on. 11 games to go. 33 points to play for. 7 home games remaining. C'mon the lilywhites.


It's really yours to throw away now with that proportion of home games!

Only 6 of those 11 are at home actually, with 5 being away.

[jinxy lilywhite]

Only 6 of those 11 are at home actually, with 5 being away.

You are correct Holidaysong.
Kildare
Shels
Longford
Fingal
Limerick
Athlone

[Duffman]

Waterford having to play Shels twice, away at Fingal and Limerick. Surely they will drop points in these games.

[holidaysong]

Our remaining games:

Athlone Town (a)
Kildare County (h)
----------------------------
Shelbourne (h)
Monaghan United (a)
Longford Town (h)
Wexford Youths (a)
Sporting Fingal (h)
Waterford United (a)
Limerick 37 (h)
Athlone Town (h)
Kildare County (a)

Cobh won the division on 77 points last year, with Harps 1 point behind them and us another 10 behind Harps.

For us to finish on 77 points this year, we could afford to drop 7 points between now and the end of the season - for example we could lose away to Waterford and draw at home to both Fingal and Shels as long as we won all our other matches.

Hopefully, the three clubs behind us will continue to take points off each other and Waterford won't be able to break away from Shels and Fingal. If that trend continues then we might not even have to make it to 77 points.

[jinxy lilywhite]

Our remaining games:

Athlone Town (a)
Kildare County (h)
----------------------------
Shelbourne (h)
Monaghan United (a)
Longford Town (h)
Wexford Youths (a)
Sporting Fingal (h)
Waterford United (a)
Limerick 37 (h)
Athlone Town (h)
Kildare County (a)

Cobh won the division on 77 points last year, with Harps 1 point behind them and us another 10 behind Harps.

For us to finish on 77 points this year, we could afford to drop 7 points between now and the end of the season - for example we could lose away to Waterford and draw at home to both Fingal and Shels as long as we won all our other matches.

Hopefully, the three clubs behind us will continue to take points off each other and Waterford won't be able to break away from Shels and Fingal. If that trend continues then we might not even have to make it to 77 points.

Very true but it's probably too early to still call. I have been think all last week about the permutation and the Limerick result taught me not to count my chickens.
72 to 77 points will win it for one of the 4. I still think we are the best positioned as our goals conceded amount is very low (16). If we can keep that below 20 till the end of the season we should be fine.
This is one of the best first divisions that I can remember. No one side has been completely in control of the division and no side has really blown their opposition away. IMO its a necessity for us to get out this season as 3 are coming down. So in the first next season there could be Shels, Waterford, Fingal, Limerick and three of Cobh, UCD, Galway and Harps also to contend with

[holidaysong]

IMO its a necessity for us to get out this season as 3 are coming down. So in the first next season there could be Shels, Waterford, Fingal, Limerick and three of Cobh, UCD, Galway and Harps also to contend with

I agree! It's absolutely imperative that we get up this season. Next season's first division will be unbelievably competitive - only one assured promotion spot for 12 teams, with two others playing off to enter the promotion/relegation playoff. A lot of clubs are going to rot in that division next year...

As for this year, I'm hoping Shels win on Friday and dent Waterford's confidence a bit. A win for us in Athlone is a must after the Limerick fiasco to steady the ship again and hopefully regain our 5 point advantage!

I'll probably be in the hospital with a nervous breakdown by the end of the season, not a day goes by without me whipping out the fixture lists and wondering how it will all pan out... :o

[jinxy lilywhite]

My girlfriend has sworn that she will leave me if Dundalk dont win the league. She says I am becoming unbearable and she can't put up with another year of listening to me.
I'm undecided now how I want Dundalk to finish. It could free me up for away trips

[LeixlipRed]

I agree! It's absolutely imperative that we get up this season. Next season's first division will be unbelievably competitive - only one assured promotion spot for 12 teams, with two others playing off to enter the promotion/relegation playoff. A lot of clubs are going to rot in that division next year...

As for this year, I'm hoping Shels win on Friday and dent Waterford's confidence a bit. A win for us in Athlone is a must after the Limerick fiasco to steady the ship again and hopefully regain our 5 point advantage!

I'll probably be in the hospital with a nervous breakdown by the end of the season, not a day goes by without me whipping out the fixture lists and wondering how it will all pan out... :o

All that holds true for us as well. Next season will be the strongest 1st division ever I'd say. Add in a possible relegation for Cork and it'll be near to impossible for us to go up next year. It'll be nothing less than painfully fascinating between now and November

[higgins]

It will be equally if not more difficult to actually stay in the premier after promotion this season. You'll be in a battle with Bray and Harps!!

[holidaysong]

It will be equally if not more difficult to actually stay in the premier after promotion this season. You'll be in a battle with Bray and Harps!!

But only one goes down automatically next year so you only need to make sure you finish ahead of one other team. Personally, I think that is easier than having to be the best out of a strong 12 team first division.

[jinxy lilywhite]

It will be equally if not more difficult to actually stay in the premier after promotion this season. You'll be in a battle with Bray and Harps!!

In my very honest opinion it will be harder for us to get out of the first than survive in the premiership.

[Sumac]

In my very honest opinion it will be harder for us to get out of the first than survive in the premiership.

Having experienced both divisions over the last few seasons I would agree with your statement above. It will be extremely difficult to win the 1st division next season

[Black and White]

It will be very difficult, especially with the 3 relegated teams wanting to bounce back straight away as well as 3 out of the top 4 at the minute in the 1st division who loose out on that one promotion spot and then you have an ever improving Limerick side. You could almost see more teams suffering with financial problems in that division such as the Athlones and Longfords with that type of competition next season. When will they ever be back in the premier division with the way things are going these days???
I would actually keep the league format the same as before..12 in premier, 10 in first. Bottom two go down and playoff for the other spot.

[Jofspring]

Really looking forward to next season already. alot can change though between the end of this season and the start of next so who knows what postion some clubs will be in come the start of next both on and off the field.

[Lamper.sffc]

I would expect at least one of the relegated teams to struggle. It highly unlikely that all 3 teams will challenge. This year has been highly competitive as well with 4 teams going for one spot. Next year would probably be 5 for two spots. Not much harder id say. But hay who knows really

[holidaysong]

I would expect at least one of the relegated teams to struggle. It highly unlikely that all 3 teams will challenge. This year has been highly competitive as well with 4 teams going for one spot. Next year would probably be 5 for two spots. Not much harder id say. But hay who knows really

There is only one automatic promotion spot again next season, with 2nd and 3rd playing off to qualify for the promotion/relegation playoff (just like last season).

[Lamper.sffc]

Ok. Potentially two spots. There is still an extra option of going up

[L37Ultra]

If the bottom of the Premier Division stays the same (which I think it will) and the top of the Frist Divison stays the same (Who knows??) then it will be Cobh, Galway, UCD coming down from the Premier. I think Waterford may struggle if they don't go up this season but both Shelbourne and Fingal are getting stronger both on and off the field everyday. Limerick will be much improved next season and I think there is a chance we could nick one of the play-off places. And also don't rule out Longford they may improve over the off-season.

Basically, the First Division next season will be very interesting. UCD, Galway, Cobh, Limerick, Shels, Waterford and Fingal all going for Potentially two promotion spots.

[jinxy lilywhite]

Nothing won yet this season so you shouldn't exclude us from 1st division talk even if it is for next season.
Licensing may be a problem for some of the premier clubs. Cork and Sligo may have problems getting a premier license so they could be down there.
Personally I think 2 could come up from the 1st. Some of the clubs in the premier are really in that poor of a financial state.
Theres
Sligo
Cork
Cobh (in relegation zone)
Harps (could be ok)
Galway (in relegation zone)
UCD (In relegation zone but could stay up if cork of Sligo have to drop to the first)

Cobh and Galways finances are poor so there could be 4 sides in the premier without license and then with the winners of the 1st going up 2nd place may be allowed in on those circumstances

[Lamper.sffc]

Was starting to think that there was a possibility of two teams going up myself.
Its very important that if we dont finish first, we claim the second spot and see what happens.

[jinxy lilywhite]

Personally I don't want us to put it to the test but it won't be cut & dry in the close season.
It's bucketing here in Dundalk and possibly same nationwide. Will there be games played tonight?

[higgins]

I'd say two will 3rd from bottom would stay in the premier if any team is getting booted out.

1st or nothing I'm afraid.

[Dodge]

I'd say two will 3rd from bottom would stay in the

If you're trying to say that if any team is refused a license (Cork being most likely) then the highest placed relegated team would re-admitted to the premier, then I think you're right

[jinxy lilywhite]

I'd say two will 3rd from bottom would stay in the premier if any team is getting booted out.

1st or nothing I'm afraid.

i trying to say that there could be 4 clubs who may have their premier license revoked for next season so what next then.

[holidaysong]

If you're trying to say that if any team is refused a license (Cork being most likely) then the highest placed relegated team would re-admitted to the premier, then I think you're right

I'd imagine that is what would happen alright.


i trying to say that there could be 4 clubs who may have their premier license revoked for next season so what next then.

As for this scenario, although it's unlikely, it'd probably be the highest placed team in the first to secure a premier licence I would imagine..

[jinxy lilywhite]

Dundalk Play Athlone tonight. Hopefully a victory for the lilywhite army. then Kildare on Thurs. We could be 8 points clear of Waterford before they kick a ball on friday.
Points in the bag are better than games in hand

[LeixlipRed]

Or you could be two points clear of them with them having two games in hand ;)

[jinxy lilywhite]

Or you could be two points clear of them with them having two games in hand ;)

True but if we lose to Athlone and Kildare then we don't deserve to win the league in my opinion. You really have to look at getting max points off all the bottom 4.

[DmanDmythDledge]

It will be very difficult, especially with the 3 relegated teams wanting to bounce back straight away as well...
I doubt we would aim for going straight back up if we are relegated. We will lose about half of our first XI and won't be able to replace them with a First Division budget. If we do go down we will probably look to rebuild for a year (maybe two) then look to go back up, although I think we would be in the First for quite a while...


If you're trying to say that if any team is refused a license (Cork being most likely) then the highest placed relegated team would re-admitted to the premier, then I think you're right
That's what happened with the Dublin City fiasco a couple years back.