League of Ireland clubs have been urged to follow Shamrock Rovers’ project to help the division become a more prominent league.
Johnny Ward and Daniel McDonnell joined Nathan Murphy to discuss the current state of the league and the FAI’s role in growing its reputation.
Shamrock Rovers sold striker Graham Burke to Championship side Preston North End for a reported €300,000 fee and are also expected to sell goalkeeper Gavin Bazuna with Premier League clubs said to be interested.
Prize money in the League of Ireland is not comparable to higher profile leagues in Europe and Ward has highlighted Shamrock Rovers’ project as a perfect example to follow.
“There’s basically no money for winning the league – there is no outside investment,” Ward told OTB.
"What you’re relying on is the Galway United proposed Saudi investment which now looks like it’s not going to happen.
“How do you value a League of Ireland club? From Bray Wanderers to Derry City to Shamrock Rovers. What are they worth? Because most of them are worth less than nothing.
“They’re all loss making but there is potential there. And I do think investment will come but when you look at the FAI and the financial mismanagement that has been involved there – and the suffering the League of Ireland has had to endure – it puts an emphasis on outward investment.
Gavin Bazunu is expected leave the club. Image: ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne
“Shamrock Rovers are going to make at least €700,000 from transfers when you put Graham Burke and Gavin Bazunu together. Rovers have the complete right idea with their project.
“The only two things you can make money on in the League of Ireland are selling players and European prize money. Nothing else really matters.”
Dundalk qualified for the group stages of the Europa League in 2016 and reportedly made close to €8million thanks to their encouraging performances.
The Lilywhites have since sold many of their prized assets which Dan McDonnell believes must be closely monitored in the interest of keeping teams competitive.
“The league wasn’t in rude health two years ago just because Dundalk were in the group stages of the Europa League,” McDonnell said.
“Teams from Luxembourg have done very well this year and they have invested into their league and they’re bringing in players from outside. And it’s striking.
“Cork City knocked out a team from Cyprus 10 years ago. And teams from Lithuania and Kazakhstan are progressing to another level.
“The biggest problem we have here is when we get a good team – they can’t keep it together.”
James Hopper
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