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Derry City players celebrate a goal against Finn Harps this year. Lorcan Doherty/INPHO

Derry City declare support for all-island league, urge other clubs to follow

‘We would encourage other clubs to acknowledge the fragility of the present arrangements,’ say the Candystripes as they give unwavering support for a new format.

DERRY CITY HAVE today issued a statement to give their backing to the ‘impressive’ proposed all-island league.

The model presented by businessman Kieran Lucid and data company Hypercube could see IFA and FAI affiliated clubs play truncated versions of their existing competitions before a combined tournament.

The Candystripes’ statement is unwavering in its support for a tournament outlined by the All-Island League Advocacy Group, noting that the Covid-19 pandemic puts professional football at a ‘seminal’ point on both sides of the border.

“The pandemic has exposed the underlying fragility of the present model,” says the Derry City statement before urging other clubs to openly back that view and restructured competitions.

In pure business terms it is not viable. There is not enough income being generated to sustain the business. Great efforts are made to keep clubs in existence, but those efforts can only be limited as they lack the finances to grow the business.”

Commenting broadly on the report into the viability of 32-county tournament, the uniquely-positioned Airtricity League club said:

“Derry City is impressed by the thoroughness of the research, the understanding and sensitive way in which all clubs on the island were approached and heard, and by the weight of the financial benefits for all stakeholders that would result from the recommendations contained in the report.

“Particularly impressive is the model that accommodates the two leagues on the island to maintain their present structures and yet accommodating an all island structure. Equally impressive is the format that will accommodate smaller clubs to remain comfortably within financial demands while having the opportunity and support to become more ambitious for their players and supporters.

“This is a seminal moment in the well being and even existence of professional football on this island.

“Presently, we have two football leagues, both precarious in structure and financial viability. The consequence of the corona virus has added to the difficulties of maintaining a football club.”

The statement adds:

“It always shocks fans when they discover that the prizemoney for winning the League in the north is £22,000 and in the southern league the prizemoney is €110,000.

“Pitted against the reality that it takes over £1,000,000 a year to maintain a medium successful club and the financial difficulties become apparent. 

“We are informed that the IFA and the FAI have agreed to jointly examine the report. We see this as creative and important.”

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    Mute Ray Ridge
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    May 2nd 2020, 8:59 AM

    We could certainly be doing with a Ferris or two in the green jersey nowadays. One of the best ever to wear the jersey. Pity career ended prematurely. I do enjoy him on the punditry. Very honest.

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    Mute thesaltyurchin
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    May 2nd 2020, 1:02 PM

    @Ray Ridge: So powerful, quality player indeed, thought he started his punditry on the bitter side, taken some time for the competitor in him to fade a little, he’s decent enough now tho in fairness.

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    Mute Cathal
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    May 2nd 2020, 5:11 PM

    He would have made any world 15 in his prime, absolutely quality player. Such a shame his career ended so early

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    Mute JackSimpson
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    May 2nd 2020, 8:09 PM

    When on form and injury free he was up there with Kaino as the best no.6 in the world.

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    Mute Spailpeen Farrell
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    May 2nd 2020, 9:11 AM

    Is Impactful code for always injured?

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    Mute Barra Mac An Bhaird
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    May 2nd 2020, 12:30 PM

    @Spailpeen Farrell: stupid comment. He was a class player

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    Mute ThatLJD
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    May 2nd 2020, 10:04 PM

    @Spailpeen Farrell: Always injured? Yes injury blighted the last year or so for him, but always injured, that’s a laugh. The reckless way he put himself about was possibly what didn’t help him have a long career but he never went missing in games and without needing to talk about what irishness meant to him he did his bit and more for the game here. Top class 6.

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    Mute Pat O'Leary
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    May 3rd 2020, 12:58 AM

    What a brilliant player – such a shame he had to retire so early. Always thought he could have managed himself a little better in terms of injuries, but guess that was just the competitor in him / always wanted to be back out in the thick of it.

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    Mute Boseph Stalin
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    May 3rd 2020, 2:06 PM

    I train at the same gym as him nowadays and hes STILL a beast!

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    Mute Conor Pocock
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    May 4th 2020, 6:08 AM

    Jaysis Ireland really had a glorious chance in 2011 to win the World Cup. Full panel of players to chose from……..Welsh defence was unreal that day though

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    Mute Jonny Walls
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    May 5th 2020, 3:12 PM

    Not sure we played New Zealand in Croker in 2010, think it was Aviva Stadium.

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