The "A" Championship

[Magicme]

With Monaghan United considering entering a team in the new "A" Championship do any of you think that we are stretching ourselves financially or are we doing the right thing to give more kids in the area an opportunity to play at a step up from Juvenile?

[Dodge]

Not my place BUT

I think an A League team for Monaghan would be great. There's already a strong underage set up, and even ladies sides. The addition of an A league team would further cement your place as the football team in Monaghan. By having an u20 side and an A team, as well as the senior side. Monaghan would be seen to have the best 30-40 players in the county (and obviously surrounding areas like Cavan etc). If the senior side is made up of a mixture of Dubs and locals, the A side would be exclusively for locals and would provide a bridge from schoolboy football into senior football. Its amassive jump for a 19 year old to play LOI and sometimes even the u21 league won't tougen them up. This league should help develop players.

Of course money's tight all around the league so whatever the decision is going to be, it won't be easy.

Good luck

[Magicme]

Thanks Dodge! Thats exactly the plan. Under 20's league will run in 2 sections so will have big breaks when there are no games and the "A" League will fill those gaps ensuring that between the U20s, A championship and the Senior side we would have approximately 40 people playing football. This year we have just developed our U17 and U18 teams as previously there was no league for them to play in so the club is very committed to keeping the young, very talented, players coming through the ranks.

Some people like to use the "too many dubs" stick to beat us with but we want to be as competitive as our budget allows us in the eL so therefore we have to find the best players we can. Some of the local lads are just not quite ready for the step up. Those that are have made it onto the squad on a regular basis. Some have attitude problems but maybe by playing in the A championship they will get their act together and then be ready for the eL.

[Dodge]

Some people like to use the "too many dubs" stick to beat us with but we want to be as competitive as our budget allows us in the eL so therefore we have to find the best players we can. Some of the local lads are just not quite ready for the step up.

Well the local lads will only get better from better coaching and playing with better players. A relatively succesful side will make Monaghan Utd a more attractive option too

[Magicme]

So do you fancy a job here dodge?

[Dodge]

So do you fancy a job here dodge?

I'm open to offers

[passinginterest]

I think Dodge has outlined the reasons for going for it pretty well. By the same reasoning I think Wexford Youths should also enter a team. If Dublin City hadn't gone bust Wexford Youths would only be joining the A league this year. It's an ideal opportunity to develop players and keep a full squad match fit. With no overage players in the under 20 division it'll be very important.

[monutdfc]

Thanks Dodge, you just saved me a lot of typing!

[DRDoc]

Im looking forward to the A League but what I hope is that its given proper attention by the FAI and the media etc

I mean i would like to see the fixtures in papers alongside the First and Premier - eleven aside and the great fai eircom site with information and articles on it - aertel to have the up to date table on it - each club to have a website kept up to date with fixtures, reports etc etc

With regards to monaghan - they have a great underage set up, very impressive and think an A team would be great

The underage set up provides the fans of the future for clubs, especially for clubs outside of cities and every effort should be made to develop

Go Monaghan is what I say

[Magicme]

I see the "nay sayers" cant be bothered explaining why they think it is a bad idea. I wish they would so that the debate would open up even more.

[galwayhoop]

Thanks Dodge! Thats exactly the plan. Under 20's league will run in 2 sections so will have big breaks when there are no games and the "A" League will fill those gaps ensuring that between the U20s, A championship and the Senior side we would have approximately 40 people playing football.

where did you hear about these 'gaps'? it is the first i heard of them.

not doubting you for one second but it really sounds like a great idea (kudos to the FAI/eircom LoI).

i was only thinking about it the other day how in order to fulfill the 3 segments (league proper, u20 and A league) a club would need 50 - 60 players!! But as you say if the seasons are split you would only need 40 or so!!!

do you know what are the proposed dates for commencement of A-league and u20 and when do their respective seasons end??

[MyTown]

Seems to be in line with what I heard, which was that the lads who don't get a game with the first team or the u20s get a run with the 'A'.

I've heard that both Mervue United and Salthill Devon have applied to join.

Interesting times ahead.

[Magicme]

Tbh hoop I am not sure of the total break down. It was just mentioned in a discussion in the club the other day that it is something like 2 periods of games but not 100% on the details.

[Lim till i die]

I've heard that both Mervue United and Salthill Devon have applied to join.

Are they going to tie in as United feeder clubs or will they be "competition"??


Great stuff out of Monaghan, if our board had even a modicum of sense or ambition they would follow suit.

Given the Junior League we have in Limerick the fact that Monaghan can field an A league team and we can't is rather shameful

[Dodge]

I see the "nay sayers" cant be bothered explaining why they think it is a bad idea. I wish they would so that the debate would open up even more.

I didn't vote for any as I presumed it was for Mons only. Wouldn't be basing any decisions on the basis of what Limerick or Sligo fans voted

[Lim till i die]

Wouldn't be basing any decisions on the basis of what Limerick fans voted

That's why your club is a shambles while our attendances are up 283% over the last four years

[Magicme]

Ha ha, dont worry the committee at Monaghan United will make the decision that is right for the club regardless of the poll on here! I just thought it would interesting to see people's views. Dodge you are welcome to vote.

[MyTown]

Are they going to tie in as United feeder clubs or will they be "competition"?l

Start rubbing your hands Ltid - I can't see anything other than competitive rivalry at play....... if they are successful in their applicaltions.

[stann]

Voted yes for the reasons Dodge outlined at the top there. Great way to link the excellent underage set-up and the senior team.
Also, an extra team at the club that might keep back some sh!t-hot youngsters out of the senior side for when we play ye next year is good for me too.

[Magicme]

Ha ha! All our *bleep* hottest youngsters are being trailed by clubs in England so doubt if they would be playing against you anyways!

So you looking forward to the trip up here next year Stann? You do know you have a bed in my house anytime don't ya.