The League of Ireland returns from the winter break amid financial controversy, depleted spirits and suffering from negativity after an industrious off-season. Preparation for the 2009 season has attracted more attention for predominantly all the wrong reasons, with the threat of examinership looming over many clubs and a managerial mayhem which brought about a staggering six changes. As kick-off looms, the turmoil and commotion can be buried as respectability and stability hope to make a long-awaited return to Ireland’s top-flight division, which has up until recently flourished in quality and soared in expectation.
When clubs lack the financial clout to even pay outstanding wages, it does little to create a blossoming reputation and this harrowing nightmare was much closer to truth than presumably many could have predicted. The threats posed by expenditure exceeding income materialised under the strenuous economic decline which has grappled the world dry - no wonder then that any scarce source of income remaining has been prioritised for soaking up the wreckage from past years. The approaching nine months will effectively determine the extent of the damage caused over the winter.
Some clubs have completely fallen by the way-side, with Cobh Ramblers failing to obtain the necessary license to even compete in the First Division, others have resorted back to semi-professional football and trimming down their wage list to more adequate sums. Cork City racked up escalating debts in the region of €800,000 and, along with 2007 champions Drogheda United, survived with 10 point deductions each last campaign but more brutal measures will be carried out by the FAI should there be any reoccurrences this season.
Defending champions Bohemians triumphed in 2008 with a record-winning margin over their closest rivals and rightfully preserve their status as favourites to extend the success into the new season. The acquisition of 2006 PFAI Player of the Year and former Cameroon international Joseph Ndo could prove to be the shrewdest transfer of the window, while the Dubliners astounding defensive stat of conceding no fewer than 13 goals in 33 fixtures should set the scene for a sturdy and robust back four. Derry City will be given the responsibility of hounding down the title aspirations of the Bohs as the second-favourites to taste championship glory have also reinforced their squad with several fine signings.
The popularity of the domestic league within the country itself is bound to be slightly disillusioned and disheartened by the struggles of late, especially as football fails to challenge Gaelic football and rugby on the same popularity magnitude. An immediate solution to revitalise morale would be to accomplish beyond the simple means of the League of Ireland and progress through to the Group Stages of one of Europe’s club competitions, either the UEFA Champions League or the UEFA Cup. Such a feat remains sheer fantasy and doesn’t seem a feasible target in the short-term because, as cutbacks are enforced to cut down the spending figures, investment is essential in expanding.
Hope can, however, be salvaged by the modifications implemented to both continental competitions as qualification should, in theory, present itself as a slightly less daunting task. BATE of Belarus, who created history as the first Belarusian club to qualify for the Champions League Group Stages, operate on a similar budget to League of Ireland outfits to add further confidence to the cause. The importance of spending within their means needs to be met, once a breach is made through these darker times then the undisputed potential will resurface. For the short-term though, a clean bill of health after this season of rehab would be a respectable outcome for all concerned.
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