Could a single Eircom League division be the answer to so many problems?

You always start as you mean to go on, but it hardly ever works out that way.
We’ve all been there. On the first day in your new job you’re keen as mustard, you mean business. Like a signature, as the graphologists tell us, it’s a self-conscious statement of how you would like to be seen rather than a genuine revelation of who you really are.
Initially you set out to portray yourself in the very best light, but then, as time passes, you have to concentrate on things other than making a good impression. And, that’s when you start to do your very best.
You have to start at the start, that’s unavoidable, and the sooner you’ve got that out of your system the better - the start only reveals what kind of starter you are.
When the FAI took over the Eircom League they got plenty of media mileage out of it. They said all the right things and made all the right moves.
They made a good start, but that ‘start’ is over. Now it’s time to show reason, sense, intelligence and perspective.
Last week all 22 of the Eircom League clubs, including Jack McCarthy's (pictured right) Limerick 37, met with the FAI to discuss their problems. Most club representatives tabled questions related to how the Licensing Committee were going to approach their deliberations i.e. how harshly might they treat clubs who find themselves in financial strife.
The structure of the divisions was also discussed with the First Division clubs, who are eager to attract crowds, pleading for the introduction of a single division encompassing all 22 Eircom League clubs. You can see what they’re getting at: playing every one else twice, getting the likes of Shamrock Rovers at home and making a few cuid.
Thing is though the clubs may not need to force the FAI’s hand. With the likes of Drogheda, Sligo Rovers, Cork City, Galway United, Athlone Town, Cobh Ramblers, Waterford United facing some choppy waters the FAI may have to abandon the two-division league structure next season. You can’t really have two divisions if you don’t have enough clubs to fill them.
Watch this space.

Brian McDonnell