2014 League of Ireland.

**nigel-harps1954** · 12/11/2013, 5:15 PM

FAI Press Release this evening confirmed the start date for the 2014 League of Ireland season as Friday 7th March.

The full extent of the email was as follows:

"The 2014 Airtricity League season will commence on Friday, March 7.

Further details on the 2014 season will be announced in due course."

Interesting.

**Longfordian** · 12/11/2013, 5:31 PM

No idea how many divisions or clubs we'll have but sure that's an issue for another day. People need to book time off work for this one well in advance.

**galwayhoop** · 12/11/2013, 5:39 PM

In the FAI's defense at least by giving the start date clubs can start to prepare preseason and start dates for player contracts etc.

**nigel-harps1954** · 12/11/2013, 6:58 PM

I've seen reported in several places now that the fixtures will be released on 22nd December. There's been no official word from the FAI on this, so I'd imagine it's a rumour that spread a bit too quickly. There's no way they'll know what shape or form the league will even take by 22nd December.

**gufc2000** · 12/11/2013, 7:02 PM

Originally Posted by nigel-harps1954

I've seen reported in several places now that the fixtures will be released on 22nd December. There's been no official word from the FAI on this, so I'd imagine it's a rumour that spread a bit too quickly. There's no way they'll know what shape or form the league will even take by 22nd December.

I think the Premier Division fixtures have been released just before Christmas the past few years, with the First Division fixtures being published once licences have been issued.

**brendy_éire** · 13/11/2013, 12:42 PM

Originally Posted by gufc2000

I think the Premier Division fixtures have been released just before Christmas the past few years, with the First Division fixtures being published once licences have been issued.

You're correct. 17th February for 2010, 23rd December for 2011, 22nd December for 2012, 19th December for 2013. (I realise it's quite sad that I remember those dates)
It's great to the get the fixtures, Premier at least, out early these days.

**BonnieShels** · 13/11/2013, 1:41 PM

Originally Posted by brendy_éire

You're correct. 17th February for 2010, 23rd December for 2011, 22nd December for 2012, 19th December for 2013. (I realise it's quite sad that I remember those dates)
It's great to the get the fixtures, Premier at least, out early these days.

Speak for yourselves.

**bluewhitearmy** · 13/11/2013, 1:48 PM

Safe to assume if the December 22nd thing is true that they have decided to stick with 2 divisions then?

**stann** · 13/11/2013, 3:22 PM

That's been decided a good while ago I think, clubs were informed several weeks back that it will be a 12 team Premier with the numbers in the First "to be confirmed". Pretty sure we were told this anyway.

**bluemovie** · 13/11/2013, 4:39 PM

Can anything really be guaranteed or ruled out four months in advance of a League of Ireland season (apart from Bray not being relegated)? Will it still be three points for a win? Eleven players per team? Round, oval or square ball?

**bluewhitearmy** · 13/11/2013, 4:41 PM

Originally Posted by bluemovie

Will it still be three points for a win? Eleven players per team? Round, oval or square ball?

Yes, yes(unless someone gets sent off) and round.

Hope that puts any concerns you may have about playing in a 7 team league to rest.

**nigel-harps1954** · 22/11/2013, 9:46 PM

The FAI have all but confirmed the structure remaining as Premier and First Divisions for the league next season in a press release today.

Originally Posted by FAI

The 2014 Premier and First Divisions will kick-off on Friday, March 7, with the mid-season break taking place between June 14 and 26 with fixtures resuming on Friday, June 27. The EA Sports Cup Final is scheduled for Saturday, September 20 and the FAI Ford Cup Final is fixed for Sunday, November 2, at the Aviva Stadium.

Also interesting;

Originally Posted by FAI

The FAI’s High Performance Director, Ruud Dokter, made a presentation to delegates on his vision for the future of Irish football and the role he envisages for the Airtricity League in its development.

They didn't actually specify anything he said though.

Also, Sligo Rovers were winners of the Fair Play award for the 2013 season, while UCD were runners up.

**Longfordian** · 22/11/2013, 10:11 PM

Russell out. The one trophy he's supposed to win every year and he's made a hames of it.

**Neish** · 27/11/2013, 4:17 PM

Originally Posted by Longfordian

Russell out. The one trophy he's supposed to win every year and he's made a hames of it.

I heard he may take over the Rovers reserves if they do indeed join the first division

**Charlie Darwin** · 19/12/2013, 6:52 PM

Fixtures out noon tomorrow, according to Rovers' facebook. I assume that will solve the question of the number of teams in the FD too.

**gufc2000** · 19/12/2013, 7:15 PM

Originally Posted by Charlie Darwin

Fixtures out noon tomorrow, according to Rovers' facebook. I assume that will solve the question of the number of teams in the FD too.

I wouldn't bank on it. Premier Division fixtures have been released before Christmas the last few years, with First Division fixtures usually following suit in another month's time.

**nigel-harps1954** · 19/12/2013, 7:24 PM

First Division fixtures are out in January. Only Premier Division fixtures tomorrow.

**adamd164** · 19/12/2013, 7:36 PM

Originally Posted by nigel-harps1954

Also interesting;

The FAI’s High Performance Director, Ruud Dokter, made a presentation to delegates on his vision for the future of Irish football and the role he envisages for the Airtricity League in its development.

They didn't actually specify anything he said though.

Ruud Docktor? Is that a p1sstake? Sounds like one of these rappers, like Icey Tea or Scoopy Scoopy Dog Dog or one of these fellas.