See us Northerners
"Lisburn Distillery today confirmed they will go to court in order to gain a place in the Inter-Toto cup. The Whites finished third in the Irish Premiership and qualified for a place in the competition, but were turned down by the Irish FAs Independant Licensing Body, for failure to meet the criteria set down by UEFA. An appeal against the decision failed, but with Ballymena UTD waiting to replace them, Distillery are refusing to lie down"
A face-the Derry fans are four square behind this, the baord consulted with us and made us aware of the case and why we are pursuing it- therefore it is understandable that we are going to fight tooth and nail on internet boards to defend the position.
Some of the argument has been reasoned and those posters have been engaged and a fairly level headed debate has ensued. However some of the abuse regarding the Irish League and nationality was completely uncalled for but not altogether unexpected. Derry City are not using and will never use a "return to the Irish League" as a bargaining tool. The fans have been asked their opinions on this numerous times and the vast majority prefer to remain within the framework of the eircom League.
A number of respected posters on this and other board, especially those who have had practical experience of trying to implement the licence at their own clubs can see the validity of the case. While they may not agree with the course of action,and they are perfectly entitled not to, they at least understand Derry's furstration at the disregard for the licence which numerous clubs appear to have for the process.
If this debate does nothing other than bring the licence back front and central to the domestic game then it has already been worthwhile.
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