Europe is coming into sharp focus ahead of Monday’s Champions League and Europa League qualifying draws.
I was delighted to hear some of the things he was telling me about where his team’s mindset is regarding Europe.Because of Covid-19, it’s possible - if not drawn at home - that Dundalk, Rovers, Derry and Bohs will play at neutral grounds and without fans. In the 25 years I’ve been involved as a player and now in the media, I can think of only two occasions where I felt football in this country was going somewhere.To be fair to Rovers, they would probably admit that their historic group stage adventure in 2011 was a surprise.
Clubs fond of an initiative here and there can continue to pat themselves on the back, and we can talk until the cows come home about an All-Island League.What matters is what happens on the pitch and in Europe, we’re not producing. Why? Because the league is yo-yoing and will only kick-on with investment in foreign players.
How viable it will be once fans are back in grounds and games are all played together on a Friday as normal, is another matter but so far the signs are encouraging.It feels like there’s been a game to tune into most days and it’s got people talking about the League of Ireland again - for the right reasons.Obviously it won’t be possible to have 5.45pm kick-offs on a Friday when supporters are allowed back, but the FAI can review that in the weeks ahead.
I’d also love to see supporters get involved in some shape or form with creative thinking outside the box.
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Source: IrishTimes - 🏆 3. / 98 Read more »
Source: IrishTimes - 🏆 3. / 98 Read more »