Two-tier system causes divisions

The decision to retain the present two-tier system has generated a great deal of debate within the League of Ireland fraternity, with, unsurprisingly, the so-called lesser lights not impressed by the behaviour of the ‘Bigger Guns.’

Although, there is a sense that this subject will raise its head again next year and I have no doubt that will be the case.

Furthermore, given the current plight of the domestic game, it’s a topic that could conceivably dominate proceedings every year for the foreseeable future as the relevant authorities attempt to re-energize a soccer public, who appear to be seriously disillusioned presently.

However, although crowds are down and clubs are all struggling financially, it should be remembered that people going through the turnstiles has fluctuated wildly in the past and will continue to do so.

I played at Inchicore, Turners Cross, Dalymount and other League of Ireland grounds in the 1970’s and the support then wasn’t much to write home about either. One game in particular at Richmond Park attracted a crowd of less than fifty.

Don’t be fooled into thinking it was all Honky Dory-excuse the pun- in the past.

However, the biggest difference is that in those days was players weren’t paid ridiculous amounts of money. THAT’S ALL THAT’S CHANGED!

To believe anything is incredibly silly.

Everyone will recall days when the ground was filled to capacity but the reality is that those days were few and far between. They certainly weren’t as regular as the rose-coloured glasses brigade would have you believe.

It was remarkably similar story in the ‘80’s and 90’s!

Crowds good some years; crowds not so good others!

Some people, who should know better, are suggesting all kinds of investment in the local game but now certainly isn’t the time.

Lack of infrastructure is certainly an issue that should have been addressed during the last four decades by every club on the island- north and south.

However, there are more pressing matters that need the attention of everyone involved in the running of a soccer club in Ireland.

Furthermore, would you invest in a local football club at the moment?

National and local sponsorship is one thing! Multi-million pound investment is another.

The Country needs sorting never mind local football!

Congratulations to team boss Mick Cooke and everyone associated with Drogheda United following their remarkable EA Sports League Cup victory against Shamrock Rovers at Tallaght stadium last Saturday night.

No-one could begrudge Cookie a cup final win after falling at the last hurdle on numerous occasions.

However, had Ronan Finn’s first half chance been converted- he really should have scored- I believe Brian Laws’ side would have gone on to win the game.

Rovers went to sleep at a corner but the cross should still have been stopped, whilst poor positioning at the near post for both of Drogs first half goals ultimately cost the home side the tie.

To compound matters, the third goal scored by Drogheda midfielder Eric Foley took a massive deflection, which is the way it sometimes goes when things aren’t going your way.

Defensively, they’ve been all over the shop this year and the goals against tally in the league table tells the tale.

From Laws’ perspective he couldn’t have wished for a worse start with a defeat against St Pat’s adding to Rovers’ miserable season.

The board’s decision to bring someone in who wouldn’t be aware of the playing staff’s strengths and weaknesses ahead of a cup final and only a handful of matches left has to be seriously questioned.

Their player of the year Ronan Finn was played wide right last Saturday night and that backfired big time.

Moving personnel around is part and parcel of the game but you should always leave your best players in their best positions.

What transpires at Tallaght in the near future will be very interesting to watch.