LOI support for Ireland

**mypost** · 22/05/2011, 9:59 PM

Originally Posted by PartySaint

When Pats lose it can ruin a weekend/week but when Ireland lose i lose no sleep over it, Would like to see them qualify for a major tournament but doesn't really bother me if they don't

Well it should. If we qualify, the FAI gets more money, some of which can be re-invested in league prize money, ground facilities, and player development at grass roots level. International football is the top of the pyramid of the game, and the more money it makes, the more the rest of us benefit.

In general interest, yes it is expensive to go to games, so are most sports events these days. A standard away LOI trip is roughly €50 per trip minimum in ticket, programme, refreshment, and travel costs. Not to mention the work/college time lost to get across the country and back on weeknights.

The quality of football played by the Ireland team isn't mouth-watering, but it's not supposed to be. Our aim is to get the next finals, that's what we're playing for, and if that means scrapping our way to get there, then that's ok.

1-0 in the Derby on Tuesday will be 3 points, and a step nearer winning some silverware. That will do me.

**gufcfan** · 23/05/2011, 7:53 AM

If I lived in Dublin I probably would go to a lot of games, but not having much more than a passing interest in the Premier League, I don't really see the players very often so I don't care enough about it to bother travelling from Galway and paying what it costs to get the seat I would want.

Went to Argentina game, more to see the stadium than anything else. Annual visit for FAI Cup final will be the only time I'm seen there more than likely.

**Macy** · 23/05/2011, 10:11 AM

I used to go regularly, and then was actually the contact for Longford when the LoI singing section thing started. I lost interest in going to matches when we were fecked around by Delaney - tickets taken off us, and then split around the ground in crap seats rather than the raison d'etre of the whole scheme of a singing section. I won't go back while Delaney is in charge (tournament qualification or not) - not just for that reason, but it's pretty high tbh, as it showed what he thought of the LoI and it's fans.

**Red Army** · 23/05/2011, 10:53 AM

What's the story with the LOI block now is it near the signing section of the south stand or part of it? Are supporters giving much grief for standing up during games at Lansdowne Road now? I'd hate to buy a ticket and find out I'm surrounded by a load of Antos and their family all kitted out in Man U gear with everyone sitting. Do fans behind both ends still stand?

**Brusher** · 23/05/2011, 12:31 PM

Stopped going in the '80's as I was sick and tired of the granny rule being over used and no involvement of any LOI players (ok bar the very odd friendly), I felt no affinity to any of the players. But also when I look at the thousands that do attend the internationals, it sickens me that if only each of these "fans" took an interest in an Irish club (even if they couldn't get to a LOI ground, they could purchase jerseys etc), we could have a growing league to be proud of.

**Charlie Darwin** · 23/05/2011, 12:44 PM

What's the significance of the LOI section - is it cheaper or do you just like being around other domestic fans?

People get a bit too worked up by our international attendances I think. In international terms, we've been one of the best supported teams for years, even when we're not qualifying for things. England don't always sell out Wembley despite the London metro area having three times Ireland's population.

**gufcfan** · 23/05/2011, 12:57 PM

I wouldn't mind being in the singing section, but I don't like being behind the goal. I'd rather be high up and more central than relatively close and behind the goal.

**bennocelt** · 23/05/2011, 3:26 PM

Originally Posted by mypost

Well it should. If we qualify, the FAI gets more money, some of which can be re-invested in league prize money, ground facilities, and player development at grass roots level. International football is the top of the pyramid of the game, and the more money it makes, the more the rest of us benefit.
The quality of football played by the Ireland team isn't mouth-watering, but it's not supposed to be. Our aim is to get the next finals, that's what we're playing for, and if that means scrapping our way to get there, then that's ok.
.

Are u fXXXing serious, really!!

**Mr A** · 23/05/2011, 3:41 PM

Why wouldn't he be serious? Weren't there plenty of people giving out here when the prize money was reduced? Not sure how much they've invested in facilities but certainly they've spent a lot on improving the standard of coaching around the country.

**bennocelt** · 23/05/2011, 4:20 PM

Originally Posted by Mr A

Why wouldn't he be serious? Weren't there plenty of people giving out here when the prize money was reduced? Not sure how much they've invested in facilities but certainly they've spent a lot on improving the standard of coaching around the country.

Yeah reduced but paying over 2 million for a crock of a manager (amongst other things). Obvious where the FAIs priorities lie.
Remind me how much delaney is on again!

This grass roots idea is great - so when can we wait to see LOI players in the national team?

**Mr A** · 23/05/2011, 4:30 PM

They only pay half of Traps wages, and investing in the best possible manager (although this will always be subjective) for the senior side makes sense as they generate the money that runs the rest of the organization.

And yeah, Delaney is on huge money. Is he worth it? I'd need to be more familiar with the FAI's accounts to judge that better to be honest.

And the LOI will get players capped when it's good enough. It's currently not even close. Their may be some decent individuals but it's hard to judge them compared to players in fully pro leagues.

**mypost** · 23/05/2011, 5:04 PM

Originally Posted by bennocelt

Yeah reduced but paying over 2 million for a crock of a manager (amongst other things).

Milan, Juventus, Inter, Bayern Munich, Benfica, Italy

Italian League/Cup, European Cup, Cup Winners' Cup, UEFA Cup, German League/Cup, Portuguese League, Austrian League, European Championship/World Cup Qualifications. Some Crock!!

I suppose you would prefer Paul Jewell coaching us. He'd be well-paid too.

**bennocelt** · 23/05/2011, 5:32 PM

Originally Posted by mypost

Milan, Juventus, Inter, Bayern Munich, Benfica, Italy

Italian League/Cup, European Cup, Cup Winners' Cup, UEFA Cup, German League/Cup, Portuguese League, Austrian League, European Championship/World Cup Qualifications. Some Crock!!

I suppose you would prefer Paul Jewell coaching us. He'd be well-paid too.

enjoy another 2 years of no tournaments

**John83** · 23/05/2011, 5:33 PM

Originally Posted by bennocelt

Yeah reduced but paying over 2 million for a crock of a manager (amongst other things)...

Yeah, they really should have picked up that dodgy anterior cruciate management ligament in the medical.

**mypost** · 23/05/2011, 5:52 PM

Originally Posted by bennocelt

enjoy another 2 years of no tournaments

Ireland 5 10 +3
Russia. 5 10 +3
Slovaks 5 10 +1

Aye, it's all over already.

**PartySaint** · 23/05/2011, 6:51 PM

Originally Posted by mypost

Ireland 5 10 +3
Russia. 5 10 +3
Slovaks 5 10 +1

Aye, it's all over already.

Ireland are actually 3rd, don't let that get in the way tho

Kerr was on a lot less than trap is and done about the same job

**Docboy** · 23/05/2011, 7:15 PM

Yep, and if Trap has us finish fourth in the group I have no doubt that he'll be shown his papers as well.

**mypost** · 23/05/2011, 8:22 PM

Originally Posted by PartySaint

Ireland are actually 3rd, don't let that get in the way tho

Kerr was on a lot less than trap is and done about the same job

No I won't let it get in the way. Ireland are joint top on goal difference. That's what I'm going on until we've played Slovakia and Russia home and away.

Kerr didn't get us to a play-off in two attempts. That's why Trap is paid what he is, and achieved what he has, and Kerr is coaching the Faeroe Islands.

**PartySaint** · 23/05/2011, 11:10 PM

Originally Posted by mypost

Kerr didn't get us to a play-off in two attempts. That's why Trap is paid what he is, and achieved what he has, and Kerr is coaching the Faeroe Islands.

Its not about getting to the play-offs its about getting to tournaments, For the record I don't think Ireland will qualify for the Euro's either but we will have to wait and see what happens

**mypost** · 23/05/2011, 11:33 PM

Trap hasn't qualified for a finals yet, but he took a team 10 points off qualification and with morale on the floor, to within a Henry handball of qualification inside 2 years. Kerr took a WC 2nd Round team to a 4th place qualifying group finish in three and a half years. The job records are not comparable.

If we wait to see what happens, we should wait to cast judgement on our qualifying chances. It's all to play for with 5 games to go, and we have as much chance as either of the other two atm. Trap and the team need the country's support as much now as ever, to get us over the line in front of the others.