Mannion criticizes order of play

Galway United manager Tony Mannion has criticized the FAI and league authorities for their decision to implement the structure of the Premier and First Divisions for next season – long before all 22 clubs have passed their licensing requirements for 2005.

Two clubs, Shamrock Rovers and Limerick FC, had their licenses withheld last season before earning reprieves to be allowed to take their place in the league.

It was believed that tougher imposition this season of the licensing scheme – which monitors several facets of the 22 clubs, from infrastructure to finances and legal requirements – would see some sides frozen out of the league.

Only five teams – Bohemians, Shelbourne, Derry City, Cork City and St Patrick’s Athletic – received outright A-class licences last season and Galway boss Mannion feels that the announcement of a 12-team top flight ahead of a 10-team First Division could be a little premature.

He told the Irish Daily Star: “We’ve already agreed a structure for the league next year before any of the licences have been handed out. Aren’t we getting a bit ahead of ourselves?

“It would seem, yet again, that we have made a giant leap of faith based on the assumption that all the clubs have their respective houses in order.

“If they haven’t, what then? Yet another fudge, or some affirmative action? It will be interesting to see. It just seems to me that everything is assumed to be hunky dory when maybe it’s not.”

You have to agree with the man ... cart before the horse. Even if planned out the time frames in the close season a bit better. The minute the season was over the licences issue should have been put on the table and let clubs work on it over the close season. It is stupid really .... but we'll put up with it again i suppose.