Post by Jim on Oct 27, 2009 18:21:23 GMT
I'm unsure about an all Ireland league as some of the teams just cant afford it. The bigger teams in the Irish league, Linfield, Glentoran, Cliftonville, Crusaders, Ballymena, could afford it, mainly the Belfast clubs, but I remember listening to an interview with Donegal Celtics chairman saying it would be the death of the club if they were to get promoted again, they wouldnt be able to travel to places like Cork.
Clearly Derry City are having problems with the costs of it.
In saying that it would be great for Irish football as having two leagues on a tiny island is daft and makes it impossible to attract people to matches in the face of the SPL and EPL. Every team has their hardcore support but most teams only get the big crowds on derby day. Even Linfield seem to bring in about 300 or so people to some matches, and theyre easily the richest club in Ireland, earning nearly a million extra a year from Windsor Park hosting International matches. An All Ireland league, not just a cup, would see Irish teams push harder in Europe.
I'd love to see Derry City back because they could challenge Glentoran and Linfield easily for the title, they're already one of the best teams in the LOI, just havent done themselves much justice this year.
Clearly Derry City are having problems with the costs of it.
In saying that it would be great for Irish football as having two leagues on a tiny island is daft and makes it impossible to attract people to matches in the face of the SPL and EPL. Every team has their hardcore support but most teams only get the big crowds on derby day. Even Linfield seem to bring in about 300 or so people to some matches, and theyre easily the richest club in Ireland, earning nearly a million extra a year from Windsor Park hosting International matches. An All Ireland league, not just a cup, would see Irish teams push harder in Europe.
I'd love to see Derry City back because they could challenge Glentoran and Linfield easily for the title, they're already one of the best teams in the LOI, just havent done themselves much justice this year.