Clubs divided over future LOI format?

**Trainee** · 19/09/2012, 2:55 PM

Originally Posted by Mr A

In terms of the league format for next year - I just saw a comment from a Harps official saying it's 'as you were'.

Didnt Waterford come out and say if there was not a change they would not be in the league next year.

**bluewhitearmy** · 19/09/2012, 3:02 PM

Originally Posted by Mr A

In terms of the league format for next year - I just saw a comment from a Harps official saying it's 'as you were'.

Next years first division could be great craic altogether then...

**Battery Rover** · 19/09/2012, 3:10 PM

The Board of Management of the Football Association of Ireland today (September 19) confirmed the structure of the Airtricity League for2013 season.
Prior to the decision, information meetings were held with clubs and the matter was also discussed by the National League Executive Committee.
The Board recommends a 12 club Airtricity League Premier Division for the 2013 season. The Board will also seek expressions of interest for First Division licences from clubs or new entities for the 2013 season. Interested clubs will be invited to contact the FAI in the first instance after which they will be forwarded a pack and a licensing manual to apply for an Airtricity League First Division license.

**nigel-harps1954** · 19/09/2012, 3:14 PM

Not looking forward to this.

Any chance Waterford would just go ahead and field a few suspended players and get a big points deduction?

**brendy_�ire** · 19/09/2012, 3:44 PM

No mention of First Division structure. Will/Can they go with 6 teams?

I'm disappointed with today's announcement now. Really thought a one-tiered league was the best option.

**Dodge** · 19/09/2012, 3:46 PM

Originally Posted by brendy_�ire

No mention of First Division structure

They said they're inviting application from clubs and new 'entities'

**gufc2000** · 19/09/2012, 3:51 PM

Well at least that clears it up for the play-offs, they now take on serious consequence.

**brendy_�ire** · 19/09/2012, 3:59 PM

Originally Posted by Dodge

They said they're inviting application from clubs and new 'entities'

That doesn't really mean anything though. They haven't stayed what structure it would have.
I assume they'll want at least 10 teams, which means finding 4 new entrants/victims for the First, assuming Salthill/Mervue give way to a new Galway team.
I just can't see them recruiting 4 additional clubs.

**Jofspring** · 19/09/2012, 4:04 PM

Inviting new teams is all well and good but it needs to be done right. Applications should be required to be in for the end of October to mid November. A decision needs to be made on who qualifies by the end of January. If at that stage you are left with only 7 clubs in the division then that still leaves time to go down other routes e.g regionalise the division with the teams that applie reapplying because their costs should be lower.

**gormacha** · 19/09/2012, 4:06 PM

Doesn't matter what they do to the First from here on in, it's phuqed any which way.

Salthill, Mervue and Youths will be fine. It's Athlone, Harps, and which ones of Longford, Waterford and Limerick who don't go up who will be in real difficulty. You can't be semi-pro with enough seriousness to try and (re)establish Premier football with that kind of FD.

**adamd164** · 19/09/2012, 4:07 PM

Originally Posted by Trainee

Didnt Waterford come out and say if there was not a change they would not be in the league next year.

Well if Waterford are promoted I doubt they'll drop out!

**gormacha** · 19/09/2012, 4:16 PM

Originally Posted by adamd164

Well if Waterford are promoted I doubt they'll drop out!

Even if we do manage to get promoted, I'll still be very much in favour of a single division. Whoever doesn't get up before the trapdoor is pulled up this season are facing near insurmountable problems.

**bluewhitearmy** · 19/09/2012, 4:17 PM

Originally Posted by brendy_�ire

That doesn't really mean anything though. They haven't stayed what structure it would have.
I assume they'll want at least 10 teams, which means finding 4 new entrants/victims for the First, assuming Salthill/Mervue give way to a new Galway team.
I just can't see them recruiting 4 additional clubs.

Mervue have said they plan on being there next season i believe.

**Dodge** · 19/09/2012, 4:29 PM

Originally Posted by gormacha

Even if we do manage to get promoted, I'll still be very much in favour of a single division. Whoever doesn't get up before the trapdoor is pulled up this season are facing near insurmountable problems.

until next year when you're relegated and Dundalk win the first by 30 points.

Will Waterford threaten to resign again?

**nigel-harps1954** · 19/09/2012, 4:34 PM

Originally Posted by bluewhitearmy

Mervue have said they plan on being there next season i believe.

I certainly hope the two Galway teams decide to stay now. We need as many teams as possible now.

**bluewhitearmy** · 19/09/2012, 4:45 PM

Originally Posted by nigel-harps1954

I certainly hope the two Galway teams decide to stay now. We need as many teams as possible now.

Ya need everyone to stay now. Would be great if Cobh and Tralee were ready too.

**Charlie Darwin** · 19/09/2012, 4:56 PM

Any sign of Sporting Fingal?

**outspoken** · 19/09/2012, 5:43 PM

No club in their right mind will enter the LOI while this crazy 19,000 entry fee still exists. The first division is known as the graveyard division for a reason, next season could spell disaster for a club like longford or waterford should they not be promoted.

**gormacha** · 19/09/2012, 5:47 PM

Originally Posted by Dodge

until next year when you're relegated and Dundalk win the first by 30 points.

Will Waterford threaten to resign again?

Now now, no call for that. You enjoy your little slap-down's don't you?

As I said, irrespective of Waterford's fate, now or next season, I will advocate for a single division until there is a viable first.