Originally Posted by BohsFan
As a matter of fact, outside of a certain EL football cognoscenti I would wager that both teams would at this stage be regarded as northside teams, both having played most of their football on the northside for the last twenty years or so. The aforementioned football cognoscenti, in terms of loyalty, are probably for the most part spoken for, the big game that is next in play is for the patronage and loyalty of those who know **** all about the EL. Almost by definition the majority of these are far more likely to gravitate towards the more successful of the two teams. The real danger for Rovers is that, all things being equal, in the short to early medium term the more successful team is likely to be Shelbourne.
Put simply, don't overestimate the local roots angle. A significantly more successful side in Tallaght is likely to enjoy a significantly better support. I know from a moral point of view that it may be important to tell yourselves otherwise but the typical Irish punter wants success and glamour and whoever can offer the most of that in Tallaght will pretty quickly come to be regarded as the local team and will be considered synonymous with the area.
