Keely and Gill face First Division realities

Speaking at a joint press conference for their upcoming eircom First Division clash this Friday, both John Gill and Dermot Keely put forward their glaring criticisms of the eircom League.

Both men argued that full time is not the way forward for the league, as there’s not enough interest from the fans.

“I was amazed to read the general report that attendances are up 20%. It’s not true, ask any manager around. The other night St Pats and Finn Harps, 900 people or so attended.”

Speaking of the eircom First Division, Keely was critical of the coverage the media supplies it with: “We are grateful for the coverage today, we really are, but the first division is an abyss […] Dundalk, Shelbourne and [Sporting] Fingal are the only clubs who can say they can guarantee eighteen weeks wages”.

“Attendances are down. Costs are up. Administration is huge. I’ve never seen such an air of pessimism around,” said Keely.

When asked if he agreed, Gill replied “Absolutely, I feel the league is at a crossroads.”

“There needs to be a rethink. We have this preconceived idea that we have to go full time. I feel that some managers might think that full time is the way to go. But three quarters would say part time.”

Gill argued that if people did this for the money, they wouldn’t be involved. “We are looking to break even at the end of the season. For a first division club, it’s a miracle.”

Keely agreed. “We are hoping that too, maybe a bit of a loss […] This idea of getting a millionaire tycoon, if there is one out there, I’d marry him!”

Gill spoke of his side’s investor. “Dundalk are after getting a tycoon, Gerry Matthews. He didn’t know anything about football when he came in; his aim was to help out the community. He runs it like a business, the right way. If I want to get ten footballs for training, there is a procedure to get them. It’s the right way.”

Too many clubs are not doing it the right way however. Both men laughed off the plans put forward by clubs currently in financial turmoil. “We do this because we love the game. We should get everyone together and have a think tank. People who understand what they are doing: Managers, Players, even Directors.” added Gill.

“Take your head out of the sand. If you don’t, we [clubs] are gone!” was Keely’s message to the Abbottstown officials.