Who cares about the First Division?

Seven days ago the makeup for the League of Ireland First Division was revealed with eight teams announced to participate, not the 12 teams that people may have anticipated. The news was met by anger from First Division supporters. Sensationalist headlines streamed across newspaper back pages, radio phone-in shows were overwhelmed with callers and television news programmes gave it full coverage.

 
Yes, perhaps this was all just a dream. But was I the only one who seemed to notice that the news passed without any real kind of discussion and press coverage? The second tier of Irish football had suddenly dropped from 11 teams to a mere eight. Two other teams have applied for licences but, even if they receive a licence, are very unlikely to be allowed take part when the season starts on March 2nd.
 
An eight team league is something most League of Ireland followers had not envisaged as we awaited the news about the fixtures. Eight teams in the league means teams will face each other four times, twice home and twice away, resulting in a 28 game season. The league campaign for clubs will end two weeks earlier than their Premier Division counterparts with a play-off for promotion taking place at the end.
 
Would there have been such a muted reaction had the same happened to the Premier Division? Would daily articles have been thrown in our faces about the disastrous effect it may have on the league, and on the teams? Last season's First Division had 11 teams and 30 games; this season could have brought 12 teams and 33 games each, but now clubs are left with a 28 games season and one which could have a devastating financial effect on clubs. Season ticket prices may need to be changed and budgets altered to recognise a shorter season with less home games for fortnightly income.
 
The situation is made even more unclear when we hear that even if Cobh Ramblers and Tralee Dynamos are awarded licences, they would only be allowed enter the league if another team failed to be awarded a licence. Why announce the make-up of the league when both clubs are still engaged in the licensing process? And why are they engaged in the licensing process when they have no guarantee that there may be a place available?

Galway United's decision to withdraw their licence application and the decision to deny the Galway United Supporters Trust a licence has taken a team away from the league. FC Carlow were also rumoured to be interested.
 
Limerick, Athlone Town, Mervue United Wexford Youths, Finn Harps, Salthill Devon Galway, Longford Town and Waterford United all take their place in the league, pending licensing decisions.
 
It is now a week since the announcement and we have still heard or read little about the First Division - a league which this season will see big players. Denis Behan and Joe Gamble remain with Limerick and they have added Stephen Bradley and Shane Guthrie from St. Pat's. Gary Dempsey has left Bray Wanderers to join Waterford United while Karl Bermingham, Colm James and David McGill have joined Longford Town from recently promoted Shelbourne.
 
With other quality players in all teams dotted around this small league, we're left with a dilemma. Do we choose to follow this strangely compact division and see what becomes of it? Or, do we wait and see what happens next season and wonder when the inevitable two leagues combine and make just one?

It is important for First Division fans to stick with it. The First Division is a place where young, talented players learn their grade. They progress through their respective teams and possibly on to things bigger and better. All players in the league want to play in the top league, no question, but for now we must support them in this one.
 
Who cares about the First Division? I, for one, do. You should too.