Galway Awarded Premier License

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04/12/2006, 1:22 PM
londonhoop

Galway Awarded Premier License

Galway United were among the first clubs to be confirmed for next season's FAI-run Premiership.

There was no relegation or promotion from or to the Premier Division at the end of last season as a FAI-appointed committee decided on the best 12 teams to make up the new league in 2007.

United's off the pitch efforts have paid dividend and they will form part of the new top tier in the eircom League despite finishing third in the First Division.

'This is good news for everyone at Galway United FC in that it shows the Club has achieved the required standards' says General Manager Nick Leeson said in a statement.

'The announcement of the make up of the new FAI Premiership for next season, due on December 11th, is eagerly awaited but whatever the outcome preparations for next season are well underway at Galway United.'

2005 league champions Cork City have also confirmed their admission to the new league.
04/12/2006, 1:31 PM
holidaysong

It's just a premier licence...
04/12/2006, 1:33 PM
gufct

I know but a dundalk fan was on the galway forum preaching it as gospel!!!!!!!!
04/12/2006, 1:35 PM
Conor H

Nothing officialy confirmed yet but UTD are going to be in the Premier League.

Thanks LondonHoop.
04/12/2006, 2:02 PM
p�l-dcfc

Right, wait a minute. How much actual fact is there in this? Have Galway released a press statement?

I hope Galway do get in. More teams from the North and West please!

If this is confirmed is it almost certaintly 1st Division for UCD?
04/12/2006, 2:05 PM
fbtn

'The announcement of the make up of the new FAI Premiership for next season, due on December 11th, is eagerly awaited but whatever the outcome preparations for next season are well underway at Galway United.'

It's just Nick 'the king of spin' again.

There is nothing of confirmation in that to suggest Galway have been selected.

If they are though - fair play. Who will lose out though? Will be a travesty if UCD are the team to go down.
04/12/2006, 2:06 PM
p�l-dcfc

Quote:

Originally Posted by londonhoop

United's off the pitch efforts have paid dividend and they will form part of the new top tier in the eircom League despite finishing third in the First Division.

What about that though?
04/12/2006, 2:09 PM
p�l-dcfc

Quote:

Originally Posted by Galway United Official Website

The FAI has informed Galway United that we have achieved a Premier Division Licence for next season.

This is a critical step in the selection process for the new FAI Premiership and a hurdle the Club is delighted to have jumped.

"This is good news for everyone at Galway United FC in that it shows the Club has achieved the required standards," says Nick Leeson, General Manager of the Club.

"The announcement of the make up of the new FAI Premiership for next season, due on December 11th, is eagerly awaited but whatever the outcome preparations for next season are well underway at Galway United," Leeson added.

Doesn't say anything about being in the Super Extreme Premier Ultra League for sure next year.
04/12/2006, 2:10 PM
gufct

Its just lazy reporting by setanta.
04/12/2006, 2:12 PM
gufct

here is whats on our own website !!!!!!

Galway United receive Premier Division Licence Monday, 04 December 2006
The FAI has informed Galway United that we have achieved a Premier Division Licence for next season.
This is a critical step in the selection process for the new FAI Premiership and a hurdle the Club is delighted to have jumped.

"This is good news for everyone at Galway United FC in that it shows the Club has achieved the required standards," says Nick Leeson, General Manager of the Club.

"The announcement of the make up of the new FAI Premiership for next season, due on December 11th, is eagerly awaited but whatever the outcome preparations for next season are well underway at Galway United," Leeson added.
04/12/2006, 2:16 PM
jebus

Quote:

Originally Posted by londonhoop

United's off the pitch efforts have paid dividend and they will form part of the new top tier in the eircom League despite finishing third in the First Division.

Quote:

Originally Posted by p�l-dcfc

What about that though?

I've been making that point for quite a while now, but sadly the only debate that happens afterwards is to whether I'm 'bitching' or just 'moaning'. My point remains however that this no relegation/promotion lark has harmed this new superduper league greatly, even before a ball has been kicked. Any lay fan (or barstool monkey as they were once called on this forum) that I told about this devolpment laughed and said that it was proof that what they have been telling me all along (that the Eircom League is a joke) was right, and to be honest with you, on that point I couldn't argue. This has turned the national league into a running joke, and one that won't be sorted out properly. The only way of the FAI redeeming themselves in some small part would be to promote Shamrock Rovers and Dundalk and to relegate Waterford and leave it at that
04/12/2006, 2:17 PM
p�l-dcfc

Anyone got Leeson's phone number?

Someone give him a wee call and get him to clear this up.

Really want Galway in the league though. Great facilities and a well run club. Always follow their results due to a Football Manager "getting Galway into the Champions League group stages" fixation I've had for the past few years.
04/12/2006, 2:20 PM
p�l-dcfc

Quote:

Originally Posted by jebus

I've been making that point for quite a while now, but sadly the only debate that happens afterwards is to whether I'm 'bitching' or just 'moaning'. My point remains however that this no relegation/promotion lark has harmed this new superduper league greatly, even before a ball has been kicked. Any lay fan (or barstool monkey as they we once called on this forum) that I told about this devolpment laughed and said that it was proof that what they have been telling me all along (that the Eircom League is a joke) was right, and to be honest with you, on that point I couldn't argue. This has turned the national league into a running joke, and one that won't be sorted out properly. The only way of the FAI redeeming themselves in some small part would be to promote Shamrock Rovers and Dundalk and to relegate Waterford and leave it at that

I agree that the situation is farcical. And we may well be regarded as a joke league for the next wee while. But surely if the league improves as a result of a better geographical spread of teams with better infrastructures, it's well worth it in the long term?

Personally I wish we had 16 well run leagues and could get back to playing a 30 game season. But thats not going to happen, so maybe this is the best alternative for now.
04/12/2006, 2:22 PM
DanGU FC

It was a case of Setanta Sports mis-reading what was send out as a press release and what appeared on the United website r.e. Galway United obtaining a Premier Licence.

They have changed the news article which started the rumour, see here
04/12/2006, 2:23 PM
gufct

it is cleared up Pol it was just some tool on stanta with a hangover not reading the full press release.

Jebus there is promotion / relegation next season and the season afterwards.
04/12/2006, 2:23 PM
Philly

It is quite clear that he was talking about the club getting a Premier License, not getting into the Premier.

The article is just poorly written.
04/12/2006, 2:26 PM
pete

Easiest way to pick the 12 teams for the new SoooperLeague is to just give 12 teams a Premier licence. If Dundalk don't have licence they can't get promoted.

BTW did Galway Utd have a Premier licence last year?
04/12/2006, 2:27 PM
Conor H

Quote:

Originally Posted by pete

Easiest way to pick the 12 teams for the new SoooperLeague is to just give 12 teams a Premier licence. If Dundalk don't have licence they can't get promoted.

BTW did Galway Utd have a Premier licence last year?

AFAIK we weren't allowed have one but met the Criteria.
04/12/2006, 2:31 PM
jebus

Quote:

Originally Posted by gufct

it is cleared up Pol it was just some tool on stanta with a hangover not reading the full press release.

Jebus there is promotion / relegation next season and the season afterwards.

Couldn't care less, the damage has already been done as far as I'm concerned. Remember that this new league is supposed to be all about introducing new fans to League of Ireland football, its not about keeping us around because we'll be there next season anyway (well unless the Poles get their finger out Limerick fans might not be :( ). But if this is about bringing new fans in to watch local teams then this idea has to be one of the worst decisions ever made at the FAI HQ. And I'll bring it back to the English game, simply because we are trying to win back Irish fans hearts from the Premiership.

If the FA decided tomorrow that next season they would abolish relegation/promotion with a view to getting rid of the smaller teams, such as Wigan, Blackburn, Sheffield United etc. and replacing them with bigger clubs like West Brom, Sunderland and Sheffield Wednesday than there would be uproar. Over here though certain teams fans (ahem Galway) practically rejoice in it, whilst the rest of us put our heads down and mutter something about the good of the league. Well I'm sorry thats ********, this idea was ******** and the new superduper league will be ******** as well
04/12/2006, 2:36 PM
marley

Conor h What do you mean you met the criteria but you weren't allowed to have one. :rolleyes:
04/12/2006, 2:37 PM
Terry

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rogue Trader

I think i heard that they are 15 teams with premier licenses

correct RT, the 11 teams from the premier along with Rovers, Galway, Dundalk and Cobh
04/12/2006, 2:39 PM
Conor H

Quote:

Originally Posted by marley

Conor h What do you mean you met the criteria but you weren't allowed to have one. :rolleyes:

I mean exactly what i said.
Apparently last year you weren't allowed have a Premier License unless you were in the Premier league.Consequently we were giving a 1st Divison License despite meeting all the required criteria for a premier License.
I'm open for correction on this but that's what i heard!
04/12/2006, 2:39 PM
jebus

Quote:

Originally Posted by Terry

correct RT, the 11 teams from the premier along with Rovers, Galway, Dundalk and Cobh

Rovers, Galway, Dundalk AND Cobh!? So it's true God does in fact hate me :)
04/12/2006, 3:29 PM
Conor H

If it came from any other poster RT i'd admit it's funny.But knowing how bitter and resentful Jebus is of UTD It takes away from the undoubted humour in the signature.
04/12/2006, 4:07 PM
Lim till i die

Quote:

Originally Posted by Terry

correct RT, Cobh

:eek: :eek: :eek:
04/12/2006, 4:08 PM
Lim till i die

Quote:

Originally Posted by Conor H

If it came from any other poster RT i'd admit it's funny.But knowing how bitter and resentful Jebus is of UTD It takes away from the undoubted humour in the signature.

And he's bitter and resentful :rolleyes: :o
04/12/2006, 5:01 PM
Stato

Lads, let me put some clarity on this whole issue before everyone gets carried away.

The process for deciding who's in the new premiership is not yet complete. The whole process involves a number of different steps and each step carries a certaon number of marks out of 1,000.

The first step was based on performances over the five seasons up to and including the 2005 season. Marks from 300 for the best down to 90 for the worst were on offer (think that changed to 100 with Dublin City disappearing).

The next step was for the clubs to make a presentation to the Independent Assessment Group who decide on (as far as I know) 50% of the marks awarded. These marks cover the non-sporting areas such as infrastructure, club structure, marketing, attendances etc. Some of these marks are awarded based on the outcome of Licensing so that clubs didn't have to duplicate information. Licensing have only now made their decision so the IAG can only now finalise their decision.

The third step is the calculation of 2006 perfomances, including league, cup, league cup and europe. Marks are awarded from 200 for best down to 60 for worst. That calculation can only be completed now that the cup final is over.

Once the marks for the above three steps are known that gives a ranking of the clubs from 1 to 21. The final step is for clubs to achieve a Premier licence from club licensing. Assuming more than 12 clubs qualify for a Premier licence then the best 12 will be selected for the Premiership with the rest going into the First Division. The overall result will therefore be known later this week.

In previous seasons clubs could only apply for the licence for the league they were due to compete in hence why Galway could only apply for a First Division licence last year.

By my rough calculations based on what I believe to be the sporting criteria, the current ranking is as follows:
1) Shels (493 points out of 500)
2) Derry (460)
3) Cork (447)
4) Drogheda (437)
5) Longford (430)
6) Bohs (423)
7) Pats (420)
8) Rovers (383)
9) UCD (370)
10) Sligo (360)
11) Waterford (340)
12) Bray (333)
13) Harps (283)
14) Galway (277)
15) Limerick (260)
16) Dundalk (257)
16) Cobh (257)
18) Kildare (240)
19) Athlone (187)
19) Kilkenny (187)
21) Monaghan (183)

So basically if the 11 current premier teams and Rovers get a premier licence, the remaining first division teams will have to a lot higher on the non-sporting criteria and get their premier licence to get into the new premiership.
04/12/2006, 5:11 PM
DmanDmythDledge

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stato

The next step was for the clubs to make a presentation to the Independent Assessment Group who decide on (as far as I know) 50% of the marks awarded. These marks cover the non-sporting areas such as infrastructure, club structure, marketing, attendances etc. Some of these marks are awarded based on the outcome of Licensing so that clubs didn't have to duplicate information.

The IAG presentation only counts for something like 10%. The rest of the off-field is based on stuff like attendences, youth development, infrastructure, licensing etc.
04/12/2006, 5:16 PM
passerrby

Monaghan was more than able to achieve an A licence there was nothing in any area of the licence manual thatr we could not meet but made a dicision to apply for a B licence as it was clear we would be playing in the first division. however some of the clubs who have been awarded an A licence (and fair play to them ) have made a joke of the licensing system
04/12/2006, 5:20 PM
Stato

Quote:

Originally Posted by DmanDmythDledge

The IAG presentation only counts for something like 10%. The rest of the off-field is based on stuff like attendences, youth development, infrastructure, licensing etc.

They decide on the full 50% but most of those marks are set in stone i.e. if a club achieves something it gets a specific mark. The 10% is the bit where the IAG exercise some discretion based on the submissions.
04/12/2006, 5:54 PM
passerrby

someone said it before but it looks like the easy option will be to take rovers up and no other movement up or down and it will make it easier over the next two years to reduce it to ten. only my guess
04/12/2006, 7:51 PM
Gerrit

I have always enjoyed visits to Galway and would love to see them in the Premier, so it's not like I don't wish them well or so. But tell me: how can a club be promoted while for the last seasons they always failed on-pitch in gaining promotion?! The EL will look very foolish if a 6th-ranked club is being relegated for a club that played Div.I for years now... If it were Harps or Rovers you can say they deserve it based on several years in the Premier during the recent times, but Galway?! :confused: As I said, I wish them well and always had a soft spot for the city, but where's the honour in being promoted purely for off-pitch reasons?
04/12/2006, 9:25 PM
Paddyfield

Everybody loves us....

Gerrit. Good vibes like yours towards Galway might get us promoted!!!

Thanks.
04/12/2006, 9:32 PM
sligoman

Quote:

Originally Posted by londonhoop

Galway United were among the first clubs to be confirmed for next season's FAI-run Premiership

Thanks but I think I'll wait til it's offically announced before I believe that.
05/12/2006, 9:37 AM
jebus

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paddyfield

Everybody loves us....

Gerrit. Good vibes like yours towards Galway might get us promoted!!!

Thanks.

Sure ask Conor all about how much I love Galway. Apparantly I'm bitter and resentful of a small potatoes club who have never won the league, who's biggest European match was against Odense and who are doing everything but hand out sexual favours at the FAI in an effort to get promoted off the pitch. Sure how could I not be envious? :rolleyes:
05/12/2006, 9:02 PM
CollegeTillIDie

The New FAI League should be sponsored by Durex :D
Given Damien Richardson's comments earlier this season and who's in charge!
05/12/2006, 9:27 PM
Paddyfield

Quote:

Originally Posted by jebus

Sure ask Conor all about how much I love Galway. Apparantly I'm bitter and resentful of a small potatoes club who have never won the league, who's biggest European match was against Odense and who are doing everything but hand out sexual favours at the FAI in an effort to get promoted off the pitch. Sure how could I not be envious? :rolleyes:

Er, you lost me there jebus. I never implied that Galway United were monsters of European football or anything like that. As stated elsewhere, I have witnessed first-hand the potential of soccer in Limerick so you seem to be getting your wires crossed.

For what it's worth, Limerick FC have never won the Premier League or played in Europe. In the past, Limerick City and Limerick United have been in Europe but not Limerick FC.

If you have a gripe with ConorH, that's fine by me but if you live in a glasshouse, don't thr....nevermind.