League Of Ireland 2009 Preview

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.

• Opening Round Of League Fixtures
• Setanta Sports: Star Signings Of 2009

League of Ireland 2009: Dundalk The Destination For Bohemians

Defending champions Bohemians will travel to Dundalk in the opening round of fixtures of the League of Ireland. The FAI Cup victors have suffered a problematic off-season, much in the same fashion as other clubs in the country as they fell victim to the economic crisis and paid the consequences for lavishly over-spending from previous years. Elsewhere, St Patrick’s Athletic encounter Galway United for the first match of 2009 and Sligo Rovers welcome the challenge posed by Cork City.

Kildare County will compete in the League of Ireland First Division for the upcoming season after Cobh Ramblers were denied the necessary licence. Cobh Ramblers were relegated from the Premier Division last season but failure to obtain the relevant license will see them relegated a further tier to the ‘A’ Championship. The future of 2007 champions Drogheda United has additionally been secured in the top-flight after they emerged from examinership two weeks ago and have met the requirements in time.

Premier Division Opening Fixtures (Friday 6th March 2009)

• Bray Wanderers v Shamrock Rovers
• Derry City v Drogheda United
• Dundalk v Bohemians
• Galway United v St Patrick’s Athletic
• Sligo Rovers v Cork City (Saturday 7th March 2009)

Check back on here in a couple of week's for a preview to the 2009 League of Ireland season as Bohemians attempt to achieve two successive domestic titles and fend off their reinforced rivals.

Drogheda secure home comfort in Setanta Sports Cup

Drogheda United will have home advantage in the semi-finals of the Setanta Sports Cup. Going into the final match of Group 1, the reigning champions Drogheda had to score more than their Eircom rivals Cork City to be assured of first position – and with it the luxury of a home draw at the next stage. Goals from Eamon Zayed and Adam Hughes secured a 2-0 victory over Cliftonville, while Cork City had to settle for runners-up despite beating Dungannon Swifts 4-1. Amidst the turmoil and off-the-field problems surrounding Cork City, progression into the semi-finals has signalled a secure and bright future as news of a takeover ended the uncertainty. The Republic of Ireland’s superiority in the competition has been evident again as both representatives have progressed in Group 1. The challenge posed from Northern Ireland’s Cliftonville and Dungannon Swifts has been lacking throughout, but there are elevated hopes from their representatives in Group 2.

In the corresponding group, Derry City reached the last four by overpowering St Patrick’s Athletic 1-0. Kevin McHugh scored the vital winner to secure their advancement, but it left St Patrick’s Athletic with only a slim chance of achieving the same and will have to win their last match to retain any hope. There is still one match to be played in Group 2, with three clubs competing for the last semi-final place available. Northern Irish champions Linfield remain the favourites to claim it and they will hope to win the tournament for the second time having been victorious in 2005. Glentoran and St Patrick’s also remain hopeful though.

The Setanta Sports Cup was created in 2005, following on from a number of cross-border competitions which have been run over the years. The victors will receive a significant financial boost with the prize money standing at €350,000.

Ivan Campo Lands in East Anglia

Soccer City FC's Chris C. commented on the former Bolton player in May. News today has Campo signing with Coca-Cola Championship side Ipswich Town. Will Campo's veteran presence be a positive? Or will he offer up a series of listless performances while in the Championship?

Also in Championship news:

Sheffield Wednesday have signed Middlesbrough defender Tony McMahon. The 22-year-old became surplus to the requirements at Boro with the arrival of highly regarded Justin Hoyte. McMahon spent time last season with Championship outfit Blackpool.

And Reading added another forward recently with the signing of 23-year-old Irishman Dave Mooney. In 22 League of Ireland appearances last season with Cork City, Mooney netted 15 goals.