CHARLIE FROM THE STANDS: Give it a chance

Last week, I discussed how the Irish Government was failing the domestic game by not investing in the proper infrastructure for clubs to be successful. This week, in Part Two, I delve a little deeper into that.

Ultimately, the question remains: Does the Irish Government even want to create a football industry in Ireland?

Look at the most recent Republic of Ireland MNT squads, and the amount of homegrown players that have come through. James McClean was capped 103 times, after starting his career at home. Matt Doherty is a product of the Bohs academy – with big money moves leading to financial windfall for the Dalymount outfit.

They are likely to benefit again when Evan Ferguson eventually seals a move to a top side. Gavin Bazunu’s moves to dates have already generated significant income for Shamrock Rovers. Others to note are Liam Scales (UCD / Shamrock Rovers), Seamus Coleman (Sligo Rovers), Enda Stevens (Shamrock Rovers) and everyone’s favourite Ireland player right now, Chiedozie Ogbene (Limerick). And that list will continue to grow – albeit organically.

The WNT is the same. With a sprinkle of players that have come from college and club systems in the USA and UK respectively, the majority of the current crop have come from domestic clubs.

All of these players are products of, let’s face it, a failed system. Imagine the talent that could be nurtured and produced if the system and structures in place were markedly better.

Imagine the league was able to increase the number of players developing from academies, moving on to bigger clubs and subsequently playing for the national side, then surely that proof of concept alone would attract funding. The standard of the national game would improve, creating a knock-on effect for commercial partners and broadcasting deals. On the pitch, it will increase the chances of playing in major tournaments for our national teams, which in turn will generate interest and money. It’s a win, win – surely?

International hopefuls

The North-West in particular has been affected by that in the past. Take the women’s game as a good example. Derry City currently compete in the NIWFA league. Then you have players in Donegal – players that are international hopefuls – having to ply their trade in Sligo or Dublin to ensure that they continue their development. We should not be in that place anymore. Young players shouldn’t have to travel 2-4 hours to go play for a club to keep their international ambitions alive, simply because there isn’t a senior side any closer.

The MNT and WNT having success on the pitch will be a byproduct of the implementation of plans and processes, but also the funding of these. This success will ultimately be the marker that associations will be judged. Yes – grassroots is important; it is the foundation on which football in this country is built. But you cannot expect a Caoimhin Kelleher to emerge from a local league and go straight to the Premier League (from Ringmahon Rangers to Liverpool) every year.

To facilitate, you must have the facilities. This is an absolutely crucial element, albeit one which can be developed over time. Well maintained grass pitches, equipment, gyms, sports nutrition, even education outlets for players. In my opinion, there is a reasonably simple solution for the improvement and introduction of all of the above – the betting tax levy.

Since 2001, some 80% of the €1.2 billion generated form the betting levy, has been allocated to two dying sports - Greyhound Racing and Horse Racing. This is outrageous, considering that 60% of that has been prize money! Shocking. Now, think about what sports have helped generate that money – over half of bets placed are on football.

Again, I believe that football in Ireland over the next 10 years should receive equal funding that should be spent predominantly on the facilities. There is no question that sport, and football in particular, is a better investment for society, from a health and community perspective. Mapping that out, I would suggest: top quality grass pitches with undersoil heating, proper floodlights, proper broadcast facilities, dressing rooms, large screens, LED advertising hoardings, disability access areas and adequate toilet facilities.

This would transform the league into something that every player, fan, club and member of the local community can be proud of. Even more so, it would enhance the experience of the league.

Perception can sometimes be a detriment to the success of a business. When you break it down, the League of Ireland needs to be treated as a fully fledged business, not just by the clubs. The Government, the FAI and the club stakeholders must see this opportunity for development and grasp it. But the opportunity needs to be forthcoming.

Fund the thing. Give it a chance.

No time for Devine

Shelbourne continued their relentless start to the season with a 2-0 victory over Bohemians, making it four wins from five for Damien Duff’s side. In the days after the game, Bohemians parted way with Declan Devine – a shotgun decision some would say considering they have only played a handful of games this season.

A poor week on the pitch was compounded by the sacking of Devine, and with virtually a new team and big holes in their squad in the absence of James Talbot, Keith Buckley and Rob Cornwall, the Bohs hierarchy made the call early.

Did the problem sit with Devine? How much say did he have in recruitment? You would have to wonder these things. My view is Alan Reynolds got a call from Pat Fenlon when Derry City made an approach to become their number two, and I’m sure Pat massaged it in a way of ‘sit tight, something’s coming…’ Getting rid of Devine will not improve things overnight – unless that is, the players downed tools a la Solskjaer at United. But for Bohs, their managerial appointment approach now needs to be long-term, similar to their work off the pitch.

You would wonder how long Stephen O’Donnell will be given to turn things around at Dundalk. St Pat’s inflicted the latest defeat on the Lilywhites, even if going by reports, Dundalk were much improved from their horrendous display against Sligo Rovers though that would not have been hard.

Sligo themselves were tipped by many to struggle this season, but their start to the season will have the Bit o’Red faithful feeling as confident as ever.

The returns of Fabrice Hartmann, Max Mata and Ed McGinty, coupled with the signings of Simon Power and Conor Malley have Sligo looking like a proper side. Their third clean sheet of the season came against Shamrock Rovers last week, after their demolition job of Dundalk. When confidence is high, you want to challenge the best and in taking points from both Derry City and Rovers, they went toe to toe and remain undefeated.

John Russell will be ruing that one point could have been three, had it not been for the horrendous performance from referee Rob Hennessy. Honestly, you have to respect referees considering the job that they do, but for far too long, Hennessy has been performing well below the standard needed, and deserved, by League of Ireland clubs.

In my opinion, Neil Doyle and Paul McLaughlin are the only two at the required level, and two that undertake the role in a considerate manner. The rest are struggling to get to that grade, with Hennessy and Rob Harvey two that consistently baffle with their showings. There’s too much at stake for clubs here – referees need to up their game.

Closer to home, Derry City’s 3-0 win over Waterford United was their most convincing showing so far, a statement win which maintains their 100% record at home. Last season, Derry failed to make the Brandywell a fortress, winning only 9 of 18 games there – not enough for a league winning side. The minimum this has to be, I feel, is 12 wins.

Watching Derry play last year, you felt they had extra gears and needed to inject something into their play, perhaps being more direct, getting players into box quicker and using the transitions better. Too many times we have seen them retreat back to Brian Maher after winning the ball back from the opposition, which is fine at times, but not against teams you need to be beating

For me, these teams are at their weakest when they have the ball, they are out of shape and not tuned in to their defensive responsibilities. Couple that with Derry’s relentless tempo, long-range passing and a faster approach getting the ball forward, that to me was the most impressive thing on Friday night. And with Pat Hoban up front, Derry look like a different animal. He doesn’t need 4-5 chances a game. And that will be so important.

Never disappoints

The pick of this week's fixtures is Bohemians vs Derry City, as my two former clubs go head-to-head at Dalymount Park. I have been at most of these matches over the last few years and I can tell you I have never left feeling disappointed. There are certain ties where you are guaranteed goals, chances, moments of class and value for money - this is one. These two teams tend to love attacking, free-flowing football that allows creative players to show their worth.

If anything, with my old boss Pat Fenlon in the dugout, this might be slightly different this time round. But undoubtedly, Ruaidhri Higgins will know exactly what to expect. With Patrick McEleney’s return to the fold following last week's performance, they will be brimming with confidence. What a game this could be.