Advertisement
Derry City give their backing...

Sport

Derry City give their backing to all-island league proposal


Share this article


Derry City have offered their full support to the latest proposal for an all-island league. 

Last month, Dutch company Hypercube presented several models for how a cross-border league might look.

The majority of clubs are believed to support 'Scenario 4' from Hypercube's report, which would result in a split season.

Under that scenario, the SSE Airtricity Premier Division would expand from 10 to 12 clubs to mirror the Danske Bank Premiership.

Both leagues would have 22-games per team, played on a home and away basis.

The top 8 teams in the Premier Division after those 22-games would progress to a Golden Round with their points carrying over.

The bottom 4 would play a Silver Round with the top 2 in the First Division.

Progress to the Golden Round would also see clubs entered in a 'King of the Island' league table.

Points in that table are accrued from results in the respective golden leagues, which would then lead to a knockout phase involving clubs from both leagues.

A Derry City statement says, "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."

Derry add, "The consequence of the coronavirus has added to the difficulties of maintaining a football club.

"Continuing financial outgoings with no sustaining incomes makes it very difficult for most clubs to keep their heads above the financial waters.

"More than likely it will make it disastrous for some."

The Candystripes say the COVID-19 shutdown of the sport has "exposed the underlying fragility" of football as it currently exists on the island.

Hypercube's model claims that, "League prize money will be significantly improved, with minimum guarantees provided" for clubs prior to joining.

They describe as "creative and important" the news that both the FAI and the IFA are to examine the contents of the Hypercube report.

Derry's statement concludes, "We would encourage other clubs to acknowledge the fragility of the present arrangements and to join in supporting the possibilities that an All- Island League would release."


Share this article


Read more about

All Ireland League All Island League Derry City Hypercube Kieran Lucid SSE Airtricity League

You might like