John Delaney at the FAI Thread - (Mod Notes in OP)

Brock Turnpike

Berserker wrote: »

Whoever takes over as CEO after Delaney is going to have a massive battle on their hands. I'm not quite sure what these LoI lads want. They want facilities, crowds, stadia etc, which will enable players to stay here and develop into top class international players but they don't want to change the current structures, which are not going to achieve those goals.

Reminded of the scene in Extras when Andy is asked what exactly it is that he wants: he can be rich and famous and on the telly, or have integrity and respect.

Berserker

D14Rugby wrote: »

The one thing LOI fans do want to change is the current structures.

So please shut the **** up you haven't a clue what you're talking about.

Not sure the second line is necessary, so I'll leave that alone. You need to change the current structure to get to your end goal/vision for the game. Do you see my point? The current structure is not and has not worked. You are not attracting enough punters. You are not developing enough talent. The talent you are developing is leaving as soon as a decent offer comes in. Shall I go on.

osarusan

Berserker wrote: »

Not sure the second line is necessary, so I'll leave that alone. You need to change the current structure to get to your end goal/vision for the game. Do you see my point? The current structure is not and has not worked. You are not attracting enough punters. You are not developing enough talent. The talent you are developing is leaving as soon as a decent offer comes in. Shall I go on.

What new/different structure do you have in mind?

Awesomeness

No matter what changes there is no quick fix for the LOI. It is improving year on year. It will take time but it just needs to be supported.

That does mean some more money. Prize money being more than the CEO salary would be a start. But it also means supporting ideas

https://twitter.com/MikeTreacy/status/1099341100765143040

https://twitter.com/MikeTreacy/status/1099360723132731393

https://twitter.com/MikeTreacy/status/1099364450770042881

This is the Dundalk chairman getting fan feedback about the possibility of streaming game. There would be a lot of organizing to do it right but its an idea. One that should be looked into and supported instead of going "No you cant do that". Same as with the fantasy league idea they are not allowed to do it. That is the kind of feedback clubs get.

The last report I can recall was this one
https://www.the42.ie/league-of-ireland-brand-report-3142957-Dec2016/

It came with some obvious ones LOI supporters will tell you about like improving facilities and then some about painting bus stops and playing Fifa on the big screen at half time ( Still curious about which grounds he seen the big screen in and thought playing fifa on it would be a good idea).

And of course like any thing the FAI does comes with the disclaimer “Under John Delaney, it’s been amazing. And I say that independently. There have been some amazing achievements.” North korean levels of propaganda and ****

ASOT

D14Rugby wrote: »

The one thing LOI fans do want to change is the current structures.

So please shut the **** up you haven't a clue what you're talking about.

With an attitude like that it's no wonder there's been no change

Dots1982

osarusan wrote: »

What new/different structure do you have in mind?

Well amalgamation of clubs I think is what he is getting at. I don’t understand why that will create this boon in the domestic game. I don’t really understand what clubs should be amalgamating? The Dublin clubs? What others? Why will this save Irish football?

I can see things domestic clubs could do like sign agreements with big clubs in England so that quality players can go on loan here and in return the English club treats the Irish club like a nursery. I don’t even think that’s a good idea but I can see it has a benefit.

If amalgamation is the answer I can’t see how this improves anything and I struggle to see what clubs are amalgamating.

D14Rugby

Berserker wrote: »

Not sure the second line is necessary, so I'll leave that alone. You need to change the current structure to get to your end goal/vision for the game. Do you see my point? The current structure is not and has not worked. You are not attracting enough punters. You are not developing enough talent. The talent you are developing is leaving as soon as a decent offer comes in. Shall I go on.

And as you have been told multiple times before and decide to ignore the one thing the LOI wants is a change in structure, which is exactly why people like Niall Quinn are being talked about and are being taken relatively seriously for running the league.

The clubs are changing and have changed their own structures as much as possible but they're hamstrung by the FAI and people like you not giving it the attention it deserves.

The current structure is this, the FAI don't care about the league and just take money don't give any. In turn the average punter doesn't care and instead talks out their arse about the quality of the league, the clubs own structures and the players while actually knowing sweet **** all about what's actually going on thus increasing the domino effect and starving the clubs of funds. The clubs desperately want to constantly improve and change with the times but simply can't afford to because they're being starved of funds by the FAI and the punters who'd rather talk ****e about the league instead of forming an actual educated view.

Berserker

Berserker wrote: »

Can one of the LoI lads lay out your vision for the future of the domestic Irish football (ideal scenario) and the international teams in a post, please?

Whoever takes over as CEO after Delaney is going to have a massive battle on their hands. I'm not quite sure what these LoI lads want. They want facilities, crowds, stadia etc, which will enable players to stay here and develop into top class international players but they don't want to change the current structures, which are not going to achieve those goals...

Much much more prize money and an All Ireland league, with much greater tv coverage. But they're just my preferences.

Don't think any LoI fans expect "facilities, crowds, stadia etc" to be handed out by the FAI.

Berserker

osarusan wrote: »

What new/different structure do you have in mind?

More than happy to post that in a while (later tonight, I have meetings this afternoon) but I want to see what the LoI people want first. This is their league at the end of the day.

artanevilla

What the league needs is bigger prize money, better fixture planning and much much better marketing.

Everything else is really under control of the clubs. (fpr the most part)

Berserker

artanevilla wrote: »

What the league needs is bigger prize money, better fixture planning and much much better marketing.

Everything else is really under control of the clubs. (fpr the most part)

Can you expand on that? Has the move to summer football been a success?

Deleted User wrote: »

Much much more prize money and an All Ireland league, with much greater tv coverage. But they're just my preferences.

Don't think any LoI fans expect "facilities, crowds, stadia etc" to be handed out by the FAI.

Good news on the facilities front. I agree. How would you feel about Sky taking a bigger role in the TV coverage if it meant getting the rights to the senior international games?

Dots1982

One advantage the LOI could have over GAA is that elite GAA managers do not let their players near the media.

The LOI could arrange a behind the scenes fly on the wall documentary series of Irish clubs but it would need full dressing room access.

The amazon Man city one wasn’t bad but it would need as much drama and characters as possible. It would have been interesting in the days of Kerr, pat Dolan, Damien Richardson and dermot keely would have been good.

D14Rugby

Berserker wrote: »

Can you expand on that? Has the move to summer football been a success?

In just one month (April) fifth of the league is played plus a cup game. That's ridiculous. Despite the clubs outright asking for it not to happen.

Oat23

Berserker wrote: »

I want to see what the LoI people want first. This is their league at the end of the day.

We want an association that isn't corrupt, will work to improve the league and improve the standard of Irish football. That is their job. People seem to forget that.

irelandrover

1) The FAI not blocking clubs money making friendlies
2) Divert some money from the CEO/ RoI management into the prizefund for the league
3) Wage caps
They are the obvious ones for me.

Simple enough ones from my point of view:
4) further TV coverage, I live in holland and the first division has a show every Friday night live showing one match but goals from all other games. I mainly followed my local club here but find myself watching this when my team doesnt have a home game. Its definitely increased my interest in the league.

Somethinhg needs to be done to improve training of children. My idea would be as follows:
5) Set up provincial academies.
6) At 18 or when players are finished school bring the cream of the crop from teh provincial academies into a national academy. THe national academy team plays in the league as a team. If players are bought from the academies by a foreign club then the money is distributed amonst the clubs.

Awesomeness

I will give it my 5 minute vision with the knowledge that it could be structured a lot better and that there are smarter and more strategic minds than my own willing to give their input. So its pretty much just a brain dump

Delaney gone, Fran Gavin gone, FAI board gone( Maybe keep a few of the latest members so their is some continuity). CEO salary cut to 100000 per year. Extra money to be pumped into league - premier and first division. 10% of all revenue generated by national team (like Iceland) to be allocated to clubs( tv deal, tickets, prize money etc).

New board make up. FAI representatives and club representatives. This board to be given the responsability of securing tv deal (or streaming platform if more lucrative), League sponsorship, league marketing, fantasy league etc or appointing someone to do it who will answer to them.

And importantly to make sure the next point about money is not either abused or clubs go bankrupt trying to chase greater prize money - strict regulations regarding player wages and finances. The current licence process is a sham. The clubs would also need at least at premier level have a certain number of pro players and 52 week contracts so that the season does not have to be cut short and it will allow them to be in a better position to cash in on any players foreign clubs come looking for

All This extra money to be broken down in a couple of ways.
1. Prize money
2. Improved youth structures. Coaching etc
3. Studies. Have a look at each club. What can be done to improve facilities. Timeline and cost involved. What other areas of country could potentially host a first division club. There are a number of areas which no longer have teams such as Monaghan. It is not cost effective for most first division clubs and they cannot afford to play players expenses even. With greater money involved this may be more feasible

expectationlost

Berserker wrote: »

Can one of the LoI lads lay out your vision for the future of the domestic Irish football (ideal scenario) and the international teams in a post, please?





Probably not. Now that it's an issue in the public domain, which may annoy their membership they do.

their pay was reduced in 2012 while his rent was being paid on top of a huge salary (Delaney did reduced his pay then too)

Dots1982

Dots1982 wrote: »

One advantage the LOI could have over GAA is that elite GAA managers do not let their players near the media.

The LOI could arrange a behind the scenes fly on the wall documentary series of Irish clubs but it would need full dressing room access.

The amazon Man city one wasn’t bad but it would need as much drama and characters as possible. It would have been interesting in the days of Kerr, pat Dolan, Damien Richardson and dermot keely would have been good.

Forgot Roddy Collins .. somehow

TheCitizen

artanevilla wrote: »

What the league needs is bigger prize money, better fixture planning and much much better marketing.

Everything else is really under control of the clubs. (fpr the most part)

Agree with that. It also needs better TV coverage. RTE only show the odd game live. They need to show a game every Friday night live, there needs to be consistency in the coverage.

Dots1982

It should be stated that the reason the fixtures are done in a top loaded way is so that clubs in Europe have as much free time as possible to prepare for European fixtures.

Sebastian Dangerfield

Berserker wrote: »

Can one of the LoI lads lay out your vision for the future of the domestic Irish football (ideal scenario) and the international teams in a post, please?

I only go to the occasional LOI game so I'm far from an expert, but it seems like basic support and attention is what is missing. I've had a season ticket for Ireland for over 15 years and the only time I've ever heard the LOI mentioned is i) when someone has died and a minutes applause / silence is held, or ii) when the cup final, included as part of the season ticket, is being promoted.

How about something as simple as promoting the next batch of LOI fixtures over the tannoy? Assisting them in locating sponsorship for the league - I mentioned earlier, Lidl's support for ladies gaelic football for example has been transformative. If cash is really that tight, add a small subsidy - 5 or 10 euro - to season tickets, with revenue going directly to the LOI. Add a €2 admin fee to tickets for away fans, cash goes to the league. A small tax, 5-10% maybe, on registering the sales of players to foreign clubs, money is pooled between the teams in the league. They'd have to analyse it to ensure it doesn't hit sales too hard and cost teams vitally needed revenue, but it could work. If it doesn't, scrap it.

How about basic cost savings for executive staff, with the surplus passed on to the league? Vouched expenses, with a set of guidelines on what can be spent on flights, hotels, meals etc. Like turkeys voting for Christmas I know, but I worked for one of the biggest banks in the world and we had to implement that during the crash. Why not the FAI? In 2012 Delaney came into a bar in Sopot and put his card behind a full bar for supporters to drink. Does anyone think it was his personal card?

Unfortunately the FAI are so poorly organised in their current form, they can barely sort themselves let alone anyone else. The last time I applied for away tickets, I think the ballot was finalised 11 days before the game. The away ticket portal listed the last Austria away fixture as the next game months after the fixture had been played.

I'm pretty sure the recent Northern Ireland fixture was counted as a game on both the last and current season tickets too, from memory. I'm open to correction, but it captures the FAI perfectly if correct. Asking fans to pay for the same game twice!

Awesomeness

Dots1982 wrote: »

It should be stated that the reason the fixtures are done in a top loaded way is so that clubs in Europe have as much free time as possible to prepare for European fixtures.

Also the season length is short as clubs cant afford 52 week contracts but it can still be done much better. The number of fixtures can be spread out more but also if you have to have midweek games do not make harps travel to cork.

That is just common sense if you want fans be able to go. If there are midweek games they should be regionalised as much as possible

D14Rugby

Dots1982 wrote: »

It should be stated that the reason the fixtures are done in a top loaded way is so that clubs in Europe have as much free time as possible to prepare for European fixtures.

But also so that FAI weekends can be kept completely free for some reason even when the majority of teams are knocked out.

major bill

Affiliation fee of 17/20K needs to go or be re-thought, would love to see an expansion to the league with regional leagues under the first division creating a proper pyramid. The current expenses don't make this appealing to non LOI clubs and the first division is not appealing either to new clubs.

Referee expenses surely could be covered by the FAI?

Little things like that for a start would help.

On a positive note, more people are talking about the league in recent years, grounds are more livelier, Bohs selling out the Jodi, crowds are defo up, the standard of play is better, alot of good young players playing in it. We just need that bit more support from the top.

And clubs need to help themselves too and live within their means, as already mentioned the current licensing process is a joke.

Zico !

Premier league needs to be expanded to 13 teams playing each other 3 times investment is needed on ground improvements-that be a start also Dundalk shouldnt be allowed play on that plastic pitch

Zico !

Sebastian Dangerfield wrote: »

I only go to the occasional LOI game so I'm far from an expert, but it seems like basic support and attention is what is missing. I've had a season ticket for Ireland for over 15 years and the only time I've ever heard the LOI mentioned is i) when someone has died and a minutes applause / silence is held, or ii) when the cup final, included as part of the season ticket, is being promoted.

How about something as simple as promoting the next batch of LOI fixtures over the tannoy? Assisting them in locating sponsorship for the league - I mentioned earlier, Lidl's support for ladies gaelic football for example has been transformative. If cash is really that tight, add a small subsidy - 5 or 10 euro - to season tickets, with revenue going directly to the LOI. Add a €2 admin fee to tickets for away fans, cash goes to the league. A small tax, 5-10% maybe, on registering the sales of players to foreign clubs, money is pooled between the teams in the league. They'd have to analyse it to ensure it doesn't hit sales too hard and cost teams vitally needed revenue, but it could work. If it doesn't, scrap it.

How about basic cost savings for executive staff, with the surplus passed on to the league? Vouched expenses, with a set of guidelines on what can be spent on flights, hotels, meals etc. Like turkeys voting for Christmas I know, but I worked for one of the biggest banks in the world and we had to implement that during the crash. Why not the FAI? In 2012 Delaney came into a bar in Sopot and put his card behind a full bar for supporters to drink. Does anyone think it was his personal card?

Unfortunately the FAI are so poorly organised in their current form, they can barely sort themselves let alone anyone else. The last time I applied for away tickets, I think the ballot was finalised 11 days before the game. The away ticket portal listed the last Austria away fixture as the next game months after the fixture had been played.

I'm pretty sure the recent Northern Ireland fixture was counted as a game on both the last and current season tickets too, from memory. I'm open to correction, but it captures the FAI perfectly if correct. Asking fans to pay for the same game twice!

Thats allready in

Sebastian Dangerfield

Zico ! wrote: »

Thats allready in

Announcing LOI fixtures at Ireland games? I dont doubt you but its news to me!

Deise Vu

LOI forum ....... thataway.......

Back to JD. His revised status can best be summed up by a comment I heard at the weekend: I see Delaney fell on his sword. And missed.

Leaving himself as Executive Vice President is apparently a convenient way to still be eligible for all those juicy EUFA and FIFA committees with the onerous First Class travel and expense accounts. I'm sure the €160K fee combined with his VP's salary will allow JD to stump up the odd €100K if the FAI run short again.

Awesomeness

Deise Vu wrote: »

LOI forum ....... thataway.......

Back to JD. His revised status can best be summed up by a comment I heard at the weekend: I see Delaney fell on his sword. And missed.

Leaving himself as Executive Vice President is apparently a convenient way to still be eligible for all those juicy EUFA and FIFA committees with the onerous First Class travel and expense accounts. I'm sure the €160K fee combined with his VP's salary will allow JD to stump up the odd €100K if the FAI run short again.

But the failure of the FAI's in relation to the LOI has to be mentioned. But your right there are other things to be mentioned. The womens game also needs better funding - another section of Irish soccer that is treated with contempt by the current crowd

D14Rugby

Deise Vu wrote: »

LOI forum ....... thataway.......

Back to JD. His revised status can best be summed up by a comment I heard at the weekend: I see Delaney fell on his sword. And missed.

Leaving himself as Executive Vice President is apparently a convenient way to still be eligible for all those juicy EUFA and FIFA committees with the onerous First Class travel and expense accounts. I'm sure the €160K fee combined with his VP's salary will allow JD to stump up the odd €100K if the FAI run short again.

It all ties in to John Delaney and all played a part in what has emerged recently.