Eircom League - Prime Time Special

[brianw82]

The thing I'd really like to see is a big, bold step taken in terms of marketing. I'd imagine the crappy ad with the 2 blokes in Dalymount was made by the FAI, or at least scripted by them.
Outsource the ads, maybe get the same people that Sky use to hype the PL up to the stars. As mentioned with the rugby example, if you keep hyping it consistently, the more bums on seats you'll get.

[pineapple stu]

That's the point iIwas driving at... P1 inject the funding and infrastructure (proper marketing etc -won't be easy !!) which generates public interest leading to increased revenues, hopefully leading to greater succcess in European compeditions, which generates further interest reflected in more sponsorship and increases in income from merchandise sales etc, plus a generation of new/future custmomers (barstoolers and kids) who then develop a real connection with their local side...nothing new in that but something ( P1 and the money they'd bring) is required to kick start the project, works here for rugby and GAA clubs and for soccer clubs throughout the world

P1 (a) can't deliver any of that (even though they'll claim they will) and (b) it won't generate the hype and interest you're talking about. We've had relative success in Europe for the past few years and it's done nothing (24000 at Shels v La Coruna, all gone by the next game). To follow the rugby model to its ultimate conclusion (apart from galwayhoop's point), you'd need to bring in high profile players, preferably internationals. The money at the top of football is far far higher than it is in rugby, so it's a complete non-runner.

I'm not sure either why people are so desperate to see the league become something it's not (a quality European league). Enjoy it for what it is, and don't go looking at ridiculous proposals because they promise something you want. Promises are cheap.

[sonofstan]

I'm not sure either why people are so desperate to see the league become something it's not (a quality European league). Enjoy it for what it is, and don't go looking at ridiculous proposals because they promise something you want. Promises are cheap.

I don't expect Serie A or the Bundesliga, but its not fantastical to imagine a LoI (all Ireland i would hope) that would be comparable in terms of quality and attendances with the SPL minus the old firm.

[Calcio Jack]

P1 (a) can't deliver any of that (even though they'll claim they will) and (b) it won't generate the hype and interest you're talking about. We've had relative success in Europe for the past few years and it's done nothing (24000 at Shels v La Coruna, all gone by the next game). To follow the rugby model to its ultimate conclusion (apart from galwayhoop's point), you'd need to bring in high profile players, preferably internationals. The money at the top of football is far far higher than it is in rugby, so it's a complete non-runner.

I think P1 or a similar entity could deliver...but would take a number of years and would be high risk for who ever invests..you don't need to follow the rugby model completely...what is needed is an effort to find a hook that the current floating supporter would find attractive... I suspect that's why P1 were very keen on a geographical spread of clubs

I'm not sure either why people are so desperate to see the league become something it's not (a quality European league). Enjoy it for what it is, and don't go looking at ridiculous proposals because they promise something you want. Promises are cheap.

Agree , but there is a difference between being desperate to have a quality league and a viable professional league with a decent standard of play...currently we have a decent standard of play and it's the off pitch issues that are the major problem

[Magicme]

The thing I'd really like to see is a big, bold step taken in terms of marketing. I'd imagine the crappy ad with the 2 blokes in Dalymount was made by the FAI, or at least scripted by them.
Outsource the ads, maybe get the same people that Sky use to hype the PL up to the stars. As mentioned with the rugby example, if you keep hyping it consistently, the more bums on seats you'll get.

The ads were outsourced to a reputable advertising company.

[A face]

I'm not sure either why people are so desperate to see the league become something it's not (a quality European league). Enjoy it for what it is, and don't go looking at ridiculous proposals because they promise something you want. Promises are cheap.

I'd agree with others on this. I dont want an all singing all dancing super dooper league, just a viable product run well so that clubs are stable and become integrated within their communities.