St. Pats players all amateurs?

**robertob** · 11/09/2008, 6:39 PM

I've read yesterday in a german newspaper to the UEFA Cup match against Hertha BSC, that the Pats squad is not full professional or consists just of amateurs. I'm surprised because I think St. Patrick's Athletic is a professional football club. The same newspaper wrote also that the coach John McDonnell is beside his manager job for Saints a taxi driver. Anyone can explain me what is true?

**Sheridan** · 11/09/2008, 6:44 PM

All St. Pat's senior players are (by Irish standards, highly-paid) full-time professionals. John McDonnell has been known to drive a taxi to supplement his income but I don't think he does it anymore, certainly not that frequently. There are several managers in the league who do this.

**robertob** · 11/09/2008, 7:01 PM

Thank you.

As I read the german artice I said "no that's not true. Saints are full-time professional". Good to get from you now the affirmation.

One other question: Wich LOI clubs are full-time professional?

**Sheridan** · 11/09/2008, 7:12 PM

I think I'm right in saying that at the start of this current season Bohemians, Cork City, Derry City, Drogheda United, Galway United, Sligo Rovers and St. Patrick's Athletic were full-time clubs, and Finn Harps mostly full-time. By next season, all except Bohs and Pat's (possibly Drogheda if things work out better than they look like doing) will probably revert to a mixture of full-time and part-time players or part-time only.

**Dodge** · 12/09/2008, 8:38 AM

BTW robert, let the Berlin team ad management think we're amateurs

**charliesboots** · 12/09/2008, 10:16 AM

Some of our players are risking losing their jobs for time off for the UEFA games. Players are even staying in a hostel there, Johnny is getting a german taxi driver mate to do a few runs from the airport. Lucky he has a seven seater.

Keep the myth alive Robert

**saintmaniac** · 14/09/2008, 6:14 PM

Originally Posted by charliesboots

Some of our players are risking losing their jobs for time off for the UEFA games. Players are even staying in a hostel there, Johnny is getting a german taxi driver mate to do a few runs from the airport. Lucky he has a seven seater.

Brilliant charlies... more of that!

I seem to recall Dolan speaking to the Scottish media before the Celtic game, saying that the team had to train in the dark... can we throw that one in too?

**BohDiddley** · 15/09/2008, 10:09 AM

Just give them the result v Sporting Franchise.

**A face** · 15/09/2008, 10:21 AM

Originally Posted by BohDiddley

Just give them the result v Sporting Franchise.

hee hee

**Billy-Green** · 16/09/2008, 2:41 PM

Originally Posted by Sheridan

I By next season, all except Bohs and Pat's (possibly Drogheda if things work out better than they look like doing) will probably revert to a mixture of full-time and part-time players or part-time only.

I herd that were goin full time in january/feb, not defo tho. Its somrthing to do with the stadium, rovers dont have to pay for anything but get all the income from it.

**amjl** · 18/09/2008, 10:45 PM

Originally Posted by Billy-Green

I herd that were goin full time in january/feb, not defo tho. Its somrthing to do with the stadium, rovers dont have to pay for anything but get all the income from it.

That seems really fair.....