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"This term, 'League of Ireland', I hate it. I've always hated it"

Ever since it first emerged yesterday, the Conroy report has been generating plenty of debate. Th...



"This term, 'League of...
Soccer

"This term, 'League of Ireland', I hate it. I've always hated it"

Ever since it first emerged yesterday, the Conroy report has been generating plenty of debate.

The report commissioned by the FAI and compiled by Declan Conroy includes a number of recommendations aimed at improving the situation in the League of Ireland (you can read a summary of the key points in the report here which also includes a link to the original report).

Tonight, Conroy joined us and former Shelbourne midfielder Stuart Byrne on Off The Ball to discuss his findings and recommendations.

"I was delighted to see the term re-branding being used a lot. I do think that's exactly what the league needs. This term 'League of Ireland', I hate it. I've always hated it. I think it associates us with a time when football was awful, pitches were awful and the league was in the doldrums - that late '80s, early '90s feel about it. It's very much dated so I think the re-branding thing is hugely important," said Stuey of the topic of re-branding the league.

He also emphasised the need to build attachment between fans and players by "creating profiles for players". 

Stuey also made another point regarding the linkages between domestic soccer and the international setup.

"We are totally detached from the international setup," he said, adding that "needs to be a goal as well". 

"When the day comes - and it may not be that far away, believe it or not - if we can have one or two players in the international squad, that will be a huge jump forward."

 

 

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