The Future of the League

**legendz** · 23/09/2011, 1:31 PM

Expanding the league to two divisions of 12 will be a once off. It'll bring more symmetry to the divisions where they can have the same format and numbers of games. The new clubs will need time to bed in but in the long-term it'll work in terms that the league will have a better spread nationally, all regions wanting to be involved will be involved and I think myself it'll be great for the league as a whole while it's down to the individual clubs themselves to have their own houses in order.

**Macy** · 23/09/2011, 1:31 PM

Píssing about with the number of teams won't make any difference. I also think the setanta cup shows that adding teams from the North won't do anything, on it's own. There may be some case to be made for radical reform - one proposal that I thought had some merit was as two even conferences (north/south or east/west) played on a home and away, with one cross conference series of games, and then a play off for the championships. But I wouldn't be convinced it'd do that much bar a short term shot in the arm. It would give teams space to sort themselves out though.

As ever, the bottom line is that teams have got to start budgeting based on the worst case scenario rather than the best. I don't believe it'll effect the standard that much - where the feck do we think the players we have are going to go?

**pineapple stu** · 23/09/2011, 1:33 PM

Originally Posted by legendz

It'll bring more symmetry to the divisions where they can have the same format and numbers of games.

How would symmetry in the leagues help, say, Sligo Rovers?

Seriously, these are tiny, tiny points in the greater scheme of things.

**baddebt** · 23/09/2011, 1:41 PM

I have heard rumour after rumour about the shenanigans going on behind the scenes in Oriel , I'll be attending tonight as usual , but would I be right in saying the very future of the club hang's by a thread ?

**legendz** · 23/09/2011, 1:48 PM

Originally Posted by pineapple stu

How would symmetry in the leagues help, say, Sligo Rovers?

Seriously, these are tiny, tiny points in the greater scheme of things.

Maybe for you but not for me. Many clubs in the First Division I can imagine want to be involved in the Premier. Personally for me, it'll be great to see Kerry involved in the League of Ireland set-up. It's all relative I guess, which is understandable.

**pineapple stu** · 23/09/2011, 1:52 PM

Originally Posted by legendz

Maybe for you but not for me.

That the number of teams in a league being unequal is a tiny, tiny point isn't a matter of personal opinion. It's just a tiny, tiny point.

**passerrby** · 23/09/2011, 2:37 PM

Please someone lock this thread it's starting to hurt my head

**Lim till i die** · 23/09/2011, 2:47 PM

What about some sort of pyramid structure encompassing Intermediate and Junior football too??

Discuss.

**PartySaint** · 23/09/2011, 2:56 PM

Originally Posted by Lim till i die

What about some sort of pyramid structure encompassing Intermediate and Junior football too??

Discuss.

Ohhh I don't no about that, That would be have to be played during the winter IMO

**Mr A** · 23/09/2011, 2:56 PM

As part of an All-Ireland league, clearly.

**Dodge** · 23/09/2011, 3:10 PM

Originally Posted by baddebt

I have heard rumour after rumour about the shenanigans going on behind the scenes in Oriel , I'll be attending tonight as usual , but would I be right in saying the very future of the club hang's by a thread ?

The future of every club in the league hangs by a thread. All the time

Dundalk's board seem to have been playing fairly loose with finacnial ifo over the past while, but I think (and hope) they're a big enough club to survive

**Charlie Darwin** · 23/09/2011, 3:58 PM

The only way forward for the league is through gradual, sustainable development, which is something most clubs have had to learn the hard way. Salthill and Mervue have shown that having the right structures in place and enough money to pay your bills isn't enough to drive a club forward.

**Nesta99** · 23/09/2011, 4:22 PM

Originally Posted by Dodge

The future of every club in the league hangs by a thread. All the time

Dundalk's board seem to have been playing fairly loose with finacnial ifo over the past while, but I think (and hope) they're a big enough club to survive

Seems to be more the clubs owner than the Board as the planning levy of €432k is what put off our former Financial Director's takeover - if it was news to him well gives a bit of insight into how the owner did as he pleased ignoring any sort of due process! DFC Trust are confident of working a deal hopefully in conjunction with others. Part of the stumbling block is the terms of the 99yr lease which currently seems to prohibit a profit share that could service the building levy. Reports of a loss of 150-200k this season is not entirely accurate. These figures include a loan carried forward. This season we are at worst facing a modest lost. This building levy is out of left field and there is an accross all involved consesnus to find a solution. Ammendments to the lease could be one option to allow facilitation of payments. I believe that Dundalk Town Council are at the stage of legal process to move for this levy which is why this has suddenly become public. Discussions will continue with the council over a repayment scheme and not as rumoured here in Drogheda of a waiving of the fee!

**El-Pietro** · 23/09/2011, 5:09 PM

Originally Posted by Charlie Darwin

The only way forward for the league is through gradual, sustainable development, which is something most clubs have had to learn the hard way. Salthill and Mervue have shown that having the right structures in place and enough money to pay your bills isn't enough to drive a club forward.

don't know if you've been paying attention but Mervue are floating around the middle of the First division right now. Making progress slowly.

**Charlie Darwin** · 23/09/2011, 5:43 PM

Well I meant more that they weren't building a fanbase - as far as I know they still get about 100 a game?

**El-Pietro** · 23/09/2011, 6:25 PM

they said there were 400 at the first home game this year. i dont believe that though

**Acornvilla** · 24/09/2011, 12:07 AM

Originally Posted by Charlie Darwin

Well I meant more that they weren't building a fanbase - as far as I know they still get about 100 a game?

cba looking it up but pretty sure their avrg attendance is about 300

**ped_ped** · 24/09/2011, 1:42 PM

Originally Posted by Acornvilla

cba looking it up but pretty sure their avrg attendance is about 300

Which isn't awfully less than you'd find in Jackman most Fridays.

**nigel-harps1954** · 26/09/2011, 4:13 PM

Difference being though there, they would be right enough estimating 300-400 in Jackman, but in Mervue, their attendances seem to be a bit off the mark.

**Lim till i die** · 26/09/2011, 4:33 PM

Originally Posted by nigel-harps1954

Difference being though there, they would be right enough estimating 300-400 in Jackman, but in Mervue, their attendances seem to be a bit off the mark.

All our tickets are scanned, I've seen the printouts.

Mervues' attendances are of course entirely ficticious.