League format 2011-2012

**legendz** · 15/07/2011, 4:05 PM

Originally Posted by Sam_Heggy

Legendz, if you remove the compulsory entry for Premier Teams you'll be left with maybe 3 or 4 in each section, meaning all will have to be put in together and Im pretty sure that if we have to travel to Tralee to play an A League game, it simply won't happen.

I don't doubt that Sam re. less clubs and travel logistics for some clubs. At the same time the FAI should look to cater for the A Championship clubs who've been looking to progress.
There should have at least been a meeting between the FAI and all the A Championship clubs to discuss a number of options. While far from ideal, even only 6 clubs could make up the A Championship played over 4 series. It would provide 20 games, 6 more than the 14 this year.

A national A Championship might not work for Finn Harps, but I would think 3 or 4 teams would field a reserve team. Only 2 or 3 first team clubs would be needed then.

The A Championship clubs possibly have not done enough anyways. Over the last few years, they should have formed an A Championship board with each club having a member. The A Championship board then should have liased with the FAI.

On clubs who could take part in a national A Championship. I think Castlebar and Tullamore could've stayed on board. Castlebar, Tullamore, Shamrock Rovers A, UCD A and Limerick A are all clubs who would likely take part. I haven't mentioned any of this years first team clubs in the A Championship. Only one more club would be needed for the at least unideal 6 clubs over 4 series.

**Ezeikial** · 16/07/2011, 1:38 AM

Originally Posted by legendz

Is the Premier definitely expanding to 12, with 10th Premier v 3rd in a play-off?

Incredible as it may appear nothing about next season's format and therefore this seasons promotion / relegation, has been formally confirmed by the FAI.

**SkStu** · 16/07/2011, 1:51 AM

Originally Posted by Ezeikial

Incredible as it may appear nothing about next season's format and therefore this seasons promotion / relegation, has been formally confirmed by the FAI.

normal service really, eh?!

**legendz** · 17/07/2011, 9:59 AM

Originally Posted by culloty82

The latest development, according to Tralee, is that even if all four A Championship clubs meet the First Division licensing criteria, only two will be elected. If other clubs are selected on merit, there will be no complaints, but given the progress made by individual clubs (Dynamos, Killarney Celtic, Castleisland, Fenit Samphires), especially at youth level, failure to win First Division status would be a hammerblow to the development of the sport in Kerry, so it would be in the KDL's interest to work closely with Dynamos to ensure they make the grade.

This is the article you speak of:
http://www.kerryman.ie/sport/gaelic-...d-2820294.html

"The big obstacle in our way is financing the team if they are allowed into Division One.

"We are disappointed at the poor attendances at our games and we will have to do everything we can to get more people out to view our games," Mr White said.

"All players should aspire to playing the game at the highest level and as we are the only club providing League of Ireland football in Kerry should have the support of all Kerry clubs involved in the game.

"We are under no illusions regarding what a big step this would be but we believe we can rise a step further on the ladder and bring Division 1 football to Kerry," Tralee Dynamos boss Noel White added.

I wish Tralee Dynamos well and am glad to see a Kerry club at least competing at present in the A Championship. I think it's a bit rich to say the club should have the support of all Kerry clubs. While Tralee are the only Kerry club at that level they are not club Kerry! If they want to get the support of all clubs, it's something that will have to work both ways. They'll have to be able to offer clubs something in return. It might be a bit off the wall but maybe Tralee Dynamos should operate under a different name at LoI or A Championship level. With their merger with Kingdom Boys, they could have opted for Kingdom Dynamos for the non-junior entity of the club. For Tralee to earn a status of being the club for Kerry, they are going to have to do something. It sounds from the Tralee boss, they need more support if they are gonig to make it. They are going to have to make big strides themselves if they are to earn the support. They have no divine right for it.

**holidaysong** · 17/07/2011, 1:19 PM

It makes no sense to me to only let two of the A Championship teams into the First Division and tell the other two to feck off back to the regional leagues. No sense at all. Assuming Salthill Devon drop out we will have a Premier of 12 then and a First of 10. Why not let the other two teams in and have two divisions of 12? Are there any good reasons why they shouldn't be let in?

**legendz** · 17/07/2011, 7:28 PM

Originally Posted by holidaysong

It makes no sense to me to only let two of the A Championship teams into the First Division and tell the other two to feck off back to the regional leagues. No sense at all. Assuming Salthill Devon drop out we will have a Premier of 12 then and a First of 10. Why not let the other two teams in and have two divisions of 12? Are there any good reasons why they shouldn't be let in?

Agreed, I don't see why the First Division has to be reduced to 10. If there are 4 good applicants and Salthill are withdrawing from the LoI, what is wrong with two divisions of 12? The Danish league, who's champions might be taking on Shamrock Rovers, have successfully run their top flight with 12 teams over 3 series since '95-'96. Their second tier will consist of 12 next season.

Wales ran their top flight with 12 teams and a split last year: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010%E2...Premier_League

Their strategy to give the bottom section something to play for was to run a final place Europa League play-off: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010%E2...ague_play-offs

**nigel-harps1954** · 18/07/2011, 3:58 PM

If I read 'The Danish League' once more on this website I'll go nuts.

**Dodge** · 18/07/2011, 6:06 PM

The Danish League

**legendz** · 18/07/2011, 6:32 PM

Originally Posted by Ezeikial

Incredible as it may appear nothing about next season's format and therefore this seasons promotion / relegation, has been formally confirmed by the FAI.

The lads on the MNS panel are confident anyways. They were full sure bottom Premier will be playing in a play-off. Would it happen in the 'The Danish League'?!

**Ezeikial** · 18/07/2011, 9:05 PM

Originally Posted by legendz

The lads on the MNS panel are confident anyways. They were full sure bottom Premier will be playing in a play-off. Would it happen in the 'The Danish League'?!

Most of those guys know less then the average LoI fan

**nigel-harps1954** · 18/07/2011, 10:38 PM

Christ of almighty..

**number16** · 18/07/2011, 11:58 PM

Salthill want to remain in the Airtricity league, and have no plans to pull out, despite the comments made here.

**Martinho II** · 19/07/2011, 12:07 AM

Originally Posted by number16

Salthill want to remain in the Airtricity league, and have no plans to pull out, despite the comments made here.

if they want to stay in the league they have to put it turnstiles, improve the roads to it they are shockin narrow put in shelter on pitchside and improve signage to the ground.. too many people have got lost or never made it due to poor signage..

**nigel-harps1954** · 19/07/2011, 12:10 AM

It's like watching a junior game in Drom. They need turnstiles and a stand with 500 seats to be in the first division I believe?

**L.T.F.C.** · 22/07/2011, 3:49 AM

Originally Posted by nigel-harps1954

It's like watching a junior game in Drom. They need turnstiles and a stand with 500 seats to be in the first division I believe?

Shir when has ground regulations ever mattered to anyone?
"Oh you're planning something?. Ok, here is your licence!"

**L.T.F.C.** · 22/07/2011, 3:55 AM

Originally Posted by culloty82

The prospect of playing Waterford, Limerick etc

Oooooohhhh.

**culloty82** · 22/07/2011, 7:31 AM

In any division, you need a few local derbies to generate extra interest.

**legendz** · 25/07/2011, 9:29 AM

Originally Posted by L.T.F.C.

Oooooohhhh.

I would see it as something wrong with the league if games like that aren't seen as attractive. Waterford and Limerick, though in the First, are two good teams, as are Longford. I'd like to see all three coming to Kerry on a regular basis.