Setanta Cup 2013

[BonnieShels]

Think it should go to a one legged cup tie. would add to the ties. best 4clubs from each into a quarter or go eight clubs from each league and extend it over the season that it involves our clubs pre season and mid season and the same with the northern clubs.

I agree with one legged ties. Gives a chance for a one-off result to happen, ie. an IL team to win.

[NeverFeltBetter]

Never seen much of an attraction in it, just spectator wise. I'd be more interested in some kind of Community Shield-type affair where the league champions of both nations or a League XI play each in a one legged thing alternating between capitals, try and make an event of it to promote both leagues. Probably not the best comparison, but something like the All-Star Games they do in the US.

Then again I have no idea how financially lucrative/valuable the Setanta Cup is as it stands, so I might be way off in my suggestions. You wonder how much the IFA values it though. Any chance the Welsh League could get involved in some fashion?

[BonnieShels]

What will Welsh teams add?

Except higher stats in the Goals For column.

Or the Goals Against column if TNS get Bohs.

[NeverFeltBetter]

Just something new, bigger games for them, promote closer ties, yadda yadda yadda.

[BonnieShels]

Just something new, bigger games for them, promote closer ties, yadda yadda yadda.

If we can't get people excited for Linfield v Shams... What hope has Drogheda v Bala Town?

Though I would be intrigued to see Bangor City v Bangor one day.

[Dodge]

LAds, LOI clusb aren't playing friendlies because they won't pay for refs, they're not going to pay for travel to Wales to play in front of 500 people

[BonnieShels]

Lad, LOI clusb aren't playing friendlies because they won't pay for refs, they're not going to pay for travel to Wales to play in front of 500 people

Fixed that for you.

NFB... what Dodge said

[adamd164]

Highlights of Crusaders vs Cork City - go to 3.40 in to see Daryl Kavanagh's goal. Also follow it up to see a City fan (and poster on here) take a tumble celebrating it. Not me, thankfully.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mh0ID...ature=youtu.be

[citybone]

On Soccer AM's twitter page, might get the goal on Soccer AM, Your welcome Daryl Kavanage!

[Ned Flanders]

Setanta have selected Linfield v Rovers 2nd leg as next Mondays televised game.

[adamd164]

Setanta have selected Linfield v Rovers 2nd leg as next Mondays televised game.

would have thought Drogs v Derry was the more interesting tie considering it's the only really alive tie. I guess what it comes down to is that there's more rovers fans than either of those though.

[legendz]

I think the Setanta Cup is grand as it is and has stumbled on it's best format. They'll be going down the road of the hurling league if they chop and change with another revamp in format. Leave it as it is. It's good preparation as it is for teams who'll be in European action in the summer. Good to get a few games played in the similar format over two legs. I don't see how adding Welsh clubs would add to the competition. Roll on more LoI dominance in the Setanta cup and roll on the start of the LoI action this weekend. Just a shame as always that a Kerry club has yet to grace the LoI.

[brendy_éire]

would have thought Drogs v Derry was the more interesting tie considering it's the only really alive tie. I guess what it comes down to is that there's more rovers fans than either of those though.

My guess is it's because Windsor has better TV facilities.

[A face]

My guess is it's because Windsor has better TV facilities.

Exactly, its a cheaper gig if they dont have to pay crew to setup. Less headache to just be able to go and plug in and away ya go.

[Dodge]

There's no sponsor for next year, so if one isn't found, it's finished

[DannyInvincible]

There's no sponsor for next year, so if one isn't found, it's finished

If Setanta will no longer be attached to the competition, is it fair to assume they'll also cease broadcasting games?

[A face]

If Setanta will no longer be attached to the competition, is it fair to assume they'll also cease broadcasting games?

Well they'll look to see is it viable anyway.

[adamd164]

If Setanta will no longer be attached to the competition, is it fair to assume they'll also cease broadcasting games?

No, they have said they will continue showing games but that a new main sponsor must be found to put in the prize money etc!

[adamd164]

See below post, where it was confirmed that Setanta would be prepared to continue broadcasting next year...

On the Setanta Cup, there'll need to be a new sponsor from next year if it's to continue. From the Irish Times on Friday:


http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/...327611471.html

Tournament's future in balance as sponsors end eight-year association

The future of the All-Ireland club tournament is in jeopardy for 2014 unless the FAI and IFA can find a new sponsor after Setanta Sports last night confirmed they are pulling out as main backers after eight seasons next year.

Setanta Sports are, however, amenable to continuing to televise the competition, which has a total prize fund this year of €175,000, should a new sponsor be found.

"It's not a surprise, we knew it was coming," said Milo Corcoran, chairman of the Setanta Sports Cup organising committee at the 2013 draw in Belfast last night. "We've our commercial departments working on trying to get someone, or maybe more than one, in to replace them."

Finding a sponsor in the current economic climate looks an unenviable task, Corcoran agreed.

All four League of Ireland clubs in the first round were drawn at home in the first legs last night. The competition begins on February 11th, and will again be played as a straight knock-out competition over two legs.

Meanwhile, Cobh Ramblers look increasingly likely to return to the Airtricity League next season, according to league director Fran Gavin. Having been relegated from the Premier Division at the end of the 2008 season, the Cork club failed to gain a First Division licence and have been absent since.

[A N Mouse]

VW Cup?