League of Ireland - European potential

BOHEMIANS will represent the League of Ireland in the 2009/2010 Champions League. Boh’s already received €200,000 from the FAI for winning the league last year. Bohs enter the competition at the second qualifying round phase; they will earn €130,000 for every round of the competition they compete in. They have been drawn against Austrian Champions Salzburg, formally managed by current Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni, this will be a though task for the Irish club. If Bohs progress to the third qualifying round then even if they loose they will be guaranteed a place in the Europa League which will potentially provide them with a further €90,000.

ST Patrick’s Athletic, Derry City and Sligo Rovers are all competing in this years inaugural Europa League. All teams will receive €90,000 per round with teams who qualify for the group stage receiving and additional one million euro. Pat’s have been drawn against either Keflavík ÍF of Iceland or Valletta FC of Malta, Derry have been drawn against Skonto Riga of Latvia, whilst Sligo have been drawn against Albanian side Vllaznia. Both Derry and Sligo received bye’s into the second round whilst Pat’s must progress from the first round.

Last year Pat’s nearly knocked Bundesliga side Hertha Berlin out of the competition but narrowly failed, hopefully this year will be a successful one for the Irish sides.

League of Ireland - Financial crisis

Limerick FC look are on the brink of bankrupcy after a recent massive loss in revenue. The club has suspended all funding for all of its teams with the exception of the senior League of Ireland team.

Limerick join a long list of League of Ireland clubs who have entered financial trouble. Only last year Cobh Ramblers went from playing Premier Division football to the 'A' League, due to the clubs financises.

Galway United also found themselves in financial difficulty in recent times, due to lack of sponsorship but also because of an extremly high wage bill. Wes Charles, a St Vincent and Grandines international, was being paid €1,400 a week as well as recieving a free car and free use of a pent-house apartment in Galway city. To get on top of their financises Galway United had to sell many of their high profile players including Wes Charles.

I think the main problem with the League of Ireland is the lack of interest. Only 300 supporters attended Longford Town's excellent cup victory over Wexford Youths last week, if the fanbase isn't there how can clubs aim to prospour?

What does the future hold for Irish domestic soccer.....?