Genesis Report - What does it mean for Rovers?
Genesis white paper on eircom League is released
Genesis says radical reform is required for eircom League to survive The Strategic Management consultants, Genesis, have said that radical reform of the eircom League is required to secure its future. Managing Director Alistair Gray said that many League clubs are financially unsustainable and the League in its current format is near to being bankrupt, economically and commercially as a sporting product. Genesis recommends sweeping changes to its structures and operations in order to sustain itself into the future.
Mr Gray was speaking as details of Genesis’ “white paper” were outlined to stakeholders within the game. Genesis had been commissioned by the eircom League and the FAI to review the League and prepare the “white paper” regarding the future strategic direction of the League in Ireland.
Mr Gray said the opportunity existed to radically reform the eircom League and create a successful vibrant senior game, integrated with the rest of football in Ireland. “The vision of a financially viable, sustainable, successful and marketable League can only occur if the reforms are radical — tinkering around with the League will lead it nowhere”, Mr Gray said.
He also said the current situation where the League is not managed by the FAI yet is financially dependent on the Association was unworkable.
Genesis have recommended actions across 10 key areas:
Merge fully with the FAI
Gives the League the benefits of operating under one operational entity; increases in marketing and sponsorship benefits and benefits for football as a whole
Change management structure running the League
Existing 22 strong Management Committee to be reduced to 8 person Executive Board with outside representation
Revamp League structures
National League of 10 teams with two regional Leagues (10 teams each) with under 18 and under 21 regional Leagues and links to schoolboys
Create mandatory participation agreements
Based on the principle of a contract, clubs will be invited to apply for membership of the league and must sign the participation agreement and be bound by its contents which will be strongly linked to the club licensing scheme
Prioritise investment in facilities development
Investment should be prioritized on the clubs with clear strategic plans and should deliver a range of high quality, family friendly stadia.
Dublin clubs will be encouraged to consider ground-sharing if they are to attract significant public funds for investment.
Step change in approach to marketing
The league should be re-branded and re-launched as part of a fully revised marketing strategy.
Improve club administration
Clubs must be managed to high levels of professionalism to raise the overall standards operating with long-term plans
Introduce wage controls
Mandatory wage control mechanism should be put in place for all clubs within the National League limiting spending to a maximum of 65% of turnover on players’ wages and costs. This should be monitored and enforced rigorously
Create clear development structures
Incorporating coaching, training and underage structures
Invest heavily in community links
Much stronger links needed to grow the game. League club to act as pinnacle of football in an area.
Commenting on the white paper, FAI Chief Executive Officer John Delaney said the document provided a pathway for the successful development of the game at senior level
“The challenge is now to grasp the ideas and press ahead in consultation with the stakeholders to reform the League”, he said. “Leaving the status quo is not an option for the League or the FAI”, he added.
Chairman of the eircom League, Paddy McCaul said the consultation process which led to today’s white paper was productive and the outcomes, in general, reflect the inputs of the stakeholders of the game. “eircom League clubs know that change has to take place in order for the League to prosper again”, he said. “We now have to continue that engagement to make the changes necessary for the future viability of the League”, headed.
Following a request from the eircom League the FAI Board has appointed John Byrne as Acting Director of the League. Michael Hayes, Acting General Manager, now assumes the position of Operations Manager for the League.
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With the Report suggesting a top tier of 10 teams and regional leagues what does it mean for Rovers ? Its hardly going to revamp for next year or is it?
