THE WAY FORWARD - AT LEAST TO STOP THE SLIDE
Bohs Til I Die
The National League has a lot to offer , if marketed properly . The game needs to be dramatically overhauled if progress is to be made . The FAI have appointed a marketing officer , but nothing appears to be happening . I would like to know why ????
With the poor result from St Pats in the European Qualifers and with Cork and Bray preparing for their games , what can be done , and more importantly , what needs to be done . The damage done is not fatal , but if action is not taken now , then it could prove to be fatal if the necessary action to stop the slide is not taken . Lets not be naïve , The national league is in trouble , but it is not too late .
I firmly believe that there are some key initiatives which need to be put in place to improve our overall standing in the overall European picture .
Some things which must be done are : - All clubs need to increase the level of corporate involvement in the league . Additional revenue from this sector will help clubs improve facilities and their squads . - Money which clubs take in should be kept in the game . Substantial signing on fees to players are draining vital resources from the clubs , and this practice needs to be stopped . Exhorbitant fees are being paid to players in Dublin who will go to one of the other clubs if they do not get what they want . - The refereeing and Assistant Referee standards need to improve . How can people be expected to turn up and watch a game when the match officials do not know some of the rules , or at least appear not to know the rules . - The disciplinary system is another area which needs to be clarified . Clubs are switching the dates of minor games such as Leinster Senior cup matches in order to allow a key player play in a game he would have missed . The system also needs to be consistant . Too often in the past couple of years players who have committed a very similar offence have been given completely different punishment . - All games should have a Television camera present to give added exposure . This can only help attract viewers if a proper highlights package programme is put together to provide a shop window for The league . You cannot expect people to turn up at games if they do not know their on , so a plug for the following weeks games is also a necessity . - There should never be a situation in Dublin whereby two games take place within a couple of miles form each other at the same time . Games should be played on Friday night and either Saturday or Sunday .
The governments proposal for the National Stadium to replace the idea for the ARENA is good , so long as it is honest . If it proves to be a cover for the European Super League which will probaby start in the next 5 or 6 years then it may be the beginning of the end for Irish soccer .
The £11.1 Million could do some significant good work for the National League . Every club in the Premier Division in five years time could be playing in a vastly improved stadium . It is money which is much needed . I have one question though , how will it be distributed ? Will it be handed out evenly , giving all clubs £500,000 , or will the bigger clubs get the lions share .
I would like to see all clubs get an even share . Allow the money to be spread evenly , in the hope that the improved facilities along with improved standards to see an increase in attendances . This will then present clubs with an increased revenue , which must then go back into the club , for the development of facilities and squads .
Bohs Til I Die