There was always a fear that the setup at Dundalk would turn sour. But the fear was that Peak6 would eventually up sticks and leave us high and dry ala Arkaga. We certainly hoped that it wouldnt end up a similar situation as CCFC simply as P6 were in a different league financially than Arkaga.
But this is an entirely different sh1t show where the eccentric nature of one individual's interference has done a lot of damage. Whether there is a method to the madness time will tell. It does seem like an american sports franchise owner method being copied by someone who doesnt recognise the different culture in football here. That said certainly in Spain club presidents do often dictate to head coaches and hire and fire in a seemingly irrational manner.
For all the stories of phones in dugouts, suggestions on who takes corners and all the other madcap stuff, what is a real worry for me is the distancing of real stalwart volunteers like former licencing officer and former club secretary who in particular practically single handedly drove the club on from 2012 issues and in to this most successful period with tireless effort. Losing these really balanced and level headed people + club administrators is a key concern. They obviously feel they cant be associated with things currently - considering that questionable conduct from one of the CEOs made them step back before and this led to the exit of the then CEO and a lot of issues being sorted, its hard to see a similar amicable righting these problems under the chairman. Its a pity as I liked the way this chairman started off in challanging the FAI and was willing to play hardball with them. That's what he seemed to be good at, if only he had left the footballing side delegated to others.
I dont think things started off anywhere near seeing the club as a conduit for American players to get to Europe, that money could be made selling these players on. But something like this appears to be developing albeit the calibre of players being overestimated. The only hope currently is that the coaching team will turn out to be more effective than their experience would suggest. After that, that there is a plan to appoint a head coach and recruit players purely for a tilt in Europe as a last throw of the dice. It is also a big concern that there doesnt seem to be a move by supporters to start mobilising for a worst case scenario. 200 or so signed up early to Patreon - maybe a totally independent supporters club would have been wiser!
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