| Eircom League format is set for a radical reform BY
LARRY COONEY
 The ANNUAL meeting
of the Eircom League takes place on Saturday with the FAI’s plan
to revolutionise the structure of the league the main item for discussion.
It is proposed there be no promotion or relegation in the 2006 season
and that in 2007 the Eircom League as we know it is effectively wound-up
with all clubs having to reapply for membership of a new league.
Most controversial is the proposal that 2006 League positions be only
part of the criterion for deciding which teams make up the Premier Division
of the new national league in 2007.
As in the English-based Football Conference League, ground capacity, financial
stability and a recognised management structure will all be factors in
deciding which clubs can compete in the new top flight.
This proposal is the latest development for the Eircom League, which has
enjoyed considerable success since the introduction of summer soccer.
Attendances have improved and Irish teams are now much fitter when European
competitions start which has been reflected in the success of Cork City
and Shelbourne in recent seasons.
It is a sign of the increasing regard in which the domestic game is held
that several managers from English Championship clubs attended last season’s
FAI Cup Final to watch potential players. Eircom League attendances have
increased steadily in recent years and media coverage has also increased
dramatically.
The Eircom League is therefore determined not to rest on its laurels as
a result of both improved perception and football standards beyond all
recognition since the start of the Millennium.
Summer soccer and a greater number of talented young Irish players returning
home to ply their trade has been reflected in increased crowds and interest
in the domestic game.
The transfer fees now being paid to Eircom Clubs for their players reflects
the increased standing of the league abroad. Kevin Doyle’s well-documented
success at Reading and more recently Wes Holohan’s form for Livingston
in the Scottish Premier League have shown British clubs the true potential
of Eircom League players.
Kevin Doyle’s move to Championship football has resulted in a call
up to the Ireland squad after just 20 games for Reading. Doyle’s
progress is further proof that several young Eircom League players are
not far short of the standard required by incoming Irish boss Steve Staunton
as he looks to rebuild the Republic’s footballing fortunes
Meanwhile it has been confirmed that Longford Town striker Sean Dillon
has signed for Shelbourne after a protracted transfer saga.
Twenty-eight-year-old Dillon was originally earmarked as a replacement
for Jason Byrne who was thought to be departing Shels.
With Byrne remaining at Tolka Pat Fenlon decided to pursue Dillon anyway.
The clubs eventually agreed a fee to take Dillon to title-chasing Shelbourne
for the new season.
Bohemians have signed veteran striker Vinny Arkins. Formerly of Notts
County and Dundee, 37-year-old Arkins enjoyed spells with Shelbourne and
Derry City in the National League before moving to Portadown in the Irish
League six years ago. Having been one of the top strikers in that league
he has now elected to see out his career back in his native Dublin.
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