FAI to look at return to winter football

**A face** · 13/01/2009, 10:47 AM

Originally Posted by Macy

I think LoI clubs/ players always took Europe more seriously. I don't recall players being on holiday being an issue with the winter season.

We did have problems in the past alright, John Cotter and there was something about Deccie Daly and John Caulfield (two guys that would die for the club) and holidays clashing as well

Surely proper research would show what would or wouldn't damage the league? I think it'd be wrong to preempt any research one way or another. I'd have very low confidence of the proper research ever being done, however.

Agreed on the research. I think any move that didn't consult all the stack holders would be a bad move and far to risky now. Maybe in ten years time have another look at it.

**A face** · 13/01/2009, 10:48 AM

Originally Posted by GuisaSaigon

The only club I've really noticed moaning about this is Shligo. Wasn't their chairman blaming crap attendance figures on mothers bringing their kids to the beach?

Wasn't there a beached whale up there recently, was that a bigger attraction than Rovers?

**passerrby** · 13/01/2009, 10:56 AM

hate to disagree inside man but Monaghan I believe are happy with the summer football,

**noby** · 13/01/2009, 11:41 AM

Originally Posted by GuisaSaigon

Wasn't their chairman blaming crap attendance figures on mothers bringing their kids to the beach?

People can laugh and joke about it all they want, but good summer weather can also have a detrimental effect on attendances. Not enough to change back to winter, perhaps, but it is a factor.

**dcfcsteve** · 13/01/2009, 12:12 PM

Originally Posted by Rovers Maniac

I am glad you have no power what so ever !

You'd be surprised...

**Macy** · 13/01/2009, 1:01 PM

Originally Posted by GuisaSaigon

Wasn't their chairman blaming crap attendance figures on mothers bringing their kids to the beach?

As said early, attendances are down at the height of summer. There's more for families to do, and a lot of it for free, during the summer months.

**A face** · 13/01/2009, 1:24 PM

Originally Posted by Macy

As said early, attendances are down at the height of summer. There's more for families to do, and a lot of it for free, during the summer months.

Hallowen, Thanksgiving, Christmas, January Sales, School and PlayStation do the exact same thing in winter.

**GuisaSaigon** · 13/01/2009, 1:28 PM

Originally Posted by noby

People can laugh and joke about it all they want, but good summer weather can also have a detrimental effect on attendances.

No need to worry so...

**GuisaSaigon** · 13/01/2009, 1:30 PM

Originally Posted by A face

Hallowen, Thanksgiving, Christmas, January Sales, School and PlayStation do the exact same thing in winter.

Don't forget Chinese new year!

**mypost** · 13/01/2009, 1:33 PM

Can this be the last time a poll is done on this subject?

Every time we have one, Summer walks over winter. Apart from Keely, Matthews, Sligo and a handful of random fans, it's clear that a lot more than 5 clubs of 22 want to stay with the status quo.

How many were at Distillery last weekend? Or Larne? Or Newry? Or Dungannon? Or Linfield? Or Glentoran?

When they reach 10,000 a week at this time of year, then we can seriously discuss whether a change is necessary in order to boost crowds, have better pitches, compete in Europe as now, which contribute to better football.

Until then, considering it is useless.

**noby** · 13/01/2009, 1:59 PM

Originally Posted by A face

Hallowen, Thanksgiving, Christmas, January Sales, School and PlayStation do the exact same thing in winter.

We're aware of your views, but there's no need to be patronising. Like it or not, when the weather is good in the summer people, like myself, with young families find there are a lot of other things to do.

**BulmersKid** · 13/01/2009, 2:03 PM

Does anyone have any evidence that there has been no improvement in attendences since the switch to summer football?

At the moment all I am hearing is speculation

**pineapple stu** · 13/01/2009, 2:26 PM

Does anyone have any evidence that there has been an improvement in attendences since the switch to summer football?

At the moment all I am hearing is speculation

**BulmersKid** · 13/01/2009, 2:30 PM

Originally Posted by pineapple stu

Does anyone have any evidence that there has been an improvement in attendences since the switch to summer football?

At the moment all I am hearing is speculation

Either way doesn't bother me.

**A face** · 13/01/2009, 2:58 PM

Originally Posted by noby

We're aware of your views, but there's no need to be patronising. Like it or not, when the weather is good in the summer people, like myself, with young families find there are a lot of other things to do.

Yeah, and you'll bring your kids to Santa as well, whats your point. You know the point i'm making. Is making my point now considered patronising?

Originally Posted by GuisaSaigon

Don't forget Chinese new year!

2009 is the Year of the Ox, which is also known by its formal name of Yi Chou. 己丑 and there are billions of people interested in that

Originally Posted by mypost

Can this be the last time a poll is done on this subject?

Yeah, its conclusive, the excusists will have to come up with something else.

Every time we have one, Summer walks over winter. Apart from Keely, Matthews, Sligo and a handful of random fans, it's clear that a lot more than 5 clubs of 22 want to stay with the status quo.

What actually did it for me was three or four years ago Matthews was giving out about summer soccer and saying we should move back to winter football while he had five games posponed because of the pitch at Flancare Park. That just takes the biscuit.

How many were at Distillery last weekend? Or Larne? Or Newry? Or Dungannon? Or Linfield? Or Glentoran?

When they reach 10,000 a week at this time of year, then we can seriously discuss whether a change is necessary in order to boost crowds, have better pitches, compete in Europe as now, which contribute to better football.

Until then, considering it is useless.

Good call, we dont have to change back to try it, when IFA report bumper attendances it will be the indication we need whether or not we should change back.

**noby** · 13/01/2009, 3:09 PM

Originally Posted by A face

Yeah, and you'll bring your kids to Santa as well, whats your point. You know the point i'm making. Is making my point now considered patronising?

It's the way you make your point.
When have attendances been down because of school? Or Thanksgiving? Hallowe'en would have to fall on a Friday for it to influence attendances. People on this thread have already mentioned how Christmas was an opportunity to go to games.

**OneRedArmy** · 13/01/2009, 3:20 PM

Originally Posted by pineapple stu

Does anyone have any evidence that there has been an improvement in attendences since the switch to summer football?

At the moment all I am hearing is speculation

Given there's no official data (it wasn't even recorded, never mind published) thats all there every will be, speculation.

**passerrby** · 13/01/2009, 3:23 PM

there is no evidence to say that a return to winter football would have any effect on attendances eitherway ,however im convinced it would be a step backward in the playing facuilities so changing back in the hope that things will improve is the kind of wolly headed wishful thinking that has the league in its present situation

**A face** · 13/01/2009, 3:24 PM

Originally Posted by noby

It's the way you make your point.
When have attendances been down because of school? Or Thanksgiving? Hallowe'en would have to fall on a Friday for it to influence attendances. People on this thread have already mentioned how Christmas was an opportunity to go to games.

And i apply the exact same logic about going to see whales on the beach in summer. Its lame and lame doesn't cut it any more. If people want to change back they have to PROVE it will be better.

**noby** · 13/01/2009, 3:29 PM

I'm not here to PROVE anything, just following up on a comment made. Yes it makes for more comfortable viewing conditions, but all I'm saying is there is more distractions in the summer.
You're the only one obsessed with whales.