European Qualifying 2013.

[nigel-harps1954]

Fair points all, but given the relative derision towards even fans of the national team, whose ticket monies in theory are filtering down to the grassroots and even 'barstoolers' when they do take a passing interest, it's hard to see how the national league can achieve much credibility with a wider audience.

And that's even before you factor in that the product' is not exactly of the highest quality. Especially when you often compare to games on TV.

Wish the LOI well, but the attitude of some of its fans is as unhelpful as the inertia of the FAI in promoting the domestic league.

It's another excuse I don't buy, the quality is plenty good. In comparison to English Premier League, maybe not. Compare it to Scottish Leagues, it's just as good. Look at some of the European results of recent years and it's enough to tell you, Irish clubs are well able to challenge top clubs and give them a run.

As for money from the national side..it's very simple that each and every penny the FAI gets has to go one of three ways. Paying off stadium debt, paying Mr. Delaneys substantial wages, and paying the wages of the management team of Trap and Tardelli et all.

The prize money in the league is laughable. It (allegedly) costs more to enter into the League of Ireland than it does to finish outside the top two in the First Division. Is it any wonder there's only 8 teams?

If even there was only another €250,000 added to the prize pot, and I mean only €250,000, which in world football these days is absolute pittance, we'd see a much healthier league in my opinion, i.e we wouldn't have clubs going out of business every year.

There are some very easy solutions for the League of Ireland, but it's very tough when you have a CEO who believes his own words that he "only really gets judged on the national team performance", said himself during an interview with Sky Sports.

[ArdeeBhoy]

Hmm, you must have been watching a lot of different games to me and LOI people met via the Ireland scene.

The quality has improved, but overall, the top flight generally is not the same as the SPL and about Div.3 in England, though better than the domestic leagues in the North and Cymru.

[nigel-harps1954]

Hmm, you must have been watching a lot of different games to me and LOI people met via the Ireland scene.

The quality has improved, but overall, the top flight generally is not the same as the SPL and about Div.3 in England, though better than the domestic leagues in the North and Cymru.

I disagree wholeheartedly.

[Charlie Darwin]

It's like anything. The best players in the SPL are better than the best players in the LOI, but on average there's no difference. Gary Mackay-Steven and Danny Wilson are no better than Chris Forrester and Daryl Horgan. The only difference is they play in a league that has enough money to give them fully professional preparation for matches. Eliminate the difference in facilities and compensation and the LOI would catch up overnight. A bit of Sky money would be lovely.

[bullit]

Betting on matches involving LOI sides

Drogheda Utd 4/1 Draw 11/4 Malmó FF 8/15 (7.45 ko)

VMFD Zalgiris 4/5 Draw 5/2 St.Pats Ath 11/4 (7.15 ko)


http://www.paddypower.com/football/f...-league-coupon

[Charlie Darwin]

That's a decent punt on Pats. I'd say they're much better than 3/1 to win in Lithuania.

[nigel-harps1954]

A double on a draw interests me.

[Charlie Darwin]

I dunno, I think a Pats win is more likely.

[nigel-harps1954]

I dunno, I see Pat's getting an away draw and a home win. Drogs will surprise Malmo in Tallaght but end up getting well beaten in Sweden.

[gufcfan]

I dunno, I think a Pats win is more likely.

Žalgiris haven't lost in 19 games. 16 wins and 3 draws. Their last loss before that was in Europe last season. Got hammered 5-1 away at Admira in Austria after drawing 1-1 with them at home.

They've kept clean sheets in 8 of their last 10 home games and have done exactly the same away from home.

They've also only conceded 6 goals in 17 league games so far this season and their GD is more than twice that of their nearest rivals in 2nd.

39 competitive games played since they were knocked out of Europe last year.

Won 33
Drew 5
Lost 1

Lithuanian league, but still.

[Charlie Darwin]

Aye, it's league leaders against league leaders and the leagues are tied in terms of coefficient. I just think Pats and Liam Buckley are ideally placed for European football and Christy Fagan has finally figured out how to score goals. I think an away draw is the least of their capabilities.

[Spudulika]

Drogs to draw in Tallaght, Pats to draw away. Zalgiris are okay, but being dominant in Lithuania is nothing to shout about. The difference, with them, is that they're full professional (in concept) but I can see Pats out thinking them. Liam's a European manager, he'll get them through. All going well Pats should end up in the 3rd round. Drogs, love to see them pull off a shock, but on league form they've no chance - then again....

[bennocelt]

monies in theory are filtering down to the grassroots and even 'barstoolers' when they do take a passing interest, it's hard to see how the national league can achieve much credibility with a wider audience.

And that's even before you factor in that the product' is not exactly of the highest quality. Especially when you often compare to games on TV.

Wish the LOI well, but the attitude of some of its fans is as unhelpful as the inertia of the FAI in promoting the domestic league.

But the ole ole brigade always are on the defensive when you ask them about LOI football and their lack of interest.
And "the product" is live football which should be enough for any football fan to appreciate. And the standard isnt bad

[ArdeeBhoy]

Aye Benno, would largely agree but there's a massive reluctance as indicated by some on here to even contemplate embrace widening the fan-base blaming 'barstoolers', The FAI and even fans of the national team, some of whom are not near a senior club (despite Nigel's admirable but selective explanation) for all the ills of the domestic game.

Which just ain't right.

[osarusan]

The idea that the behaviour/attitude of LOI fans, either online or at grounds, is a genuine reason that people don't get involved in LOI football, is just the biggest pile of crap.

People don't want to watch LOI? Fine, I've no problem with that, but spare me the various "I would go, but: I'm afraid the fans will be mean to me/it's too far away*/the clubs have never reached out to me/etc" excuses.

*There are some people who are genuinely quite far away from the closest LOI club, but it's not the case for many using it as an excuse.

[dejadem]

Drogs will surprise Malmo in Tallaght.

That would be nice but can't see it happening, we are pretty bad at the moment.

[Dodge]

Fair points all, but given the relative derision towards even fans of the national team, whose ticket monies in theory are filtering down to the grassroots and even 'barstoolers' when they do take a passing interest, it's hard to see how the national league can achieve much credibility with a wider audience.

I'd say 95% of LOI fans support the national team. Don't let internet eejits cloud your view on that

[bennocelt]

The idea that the behaviour/attitude of LOI fans, either online or at grounds, is a genuine reason that people don't get involved in LOI football, is just the biggest pile of crap.

People don't want to watch LOI? Fine, I've no problem with that, but spare me the various "I would go, but: I'm afraid the fans will be mean to me/it's too far away*/the clubs have never reached out to me/etc" excuses.

*There are some people who are genuinely quite far away from the closest LOI club, but it's not the case for many using it as an excuse.

As a Mullingar man i have the difficult choice of athlone or longford - shudder

[MeathDrog]

Malmo 8/15 looks a very good price tbh.

Edit: now 2/5, PP copped themselves on.

[White Horse]

Malmo 8/15 looks a very good price tbh.

Edit: now 2/5, PP copped themselves on.

I went down to United Park last night and Drogheda looked much better than in the league. I wouldn't put an upset beyond them.

They are very unpredictable.