THE PROFESSIONAL Footballers’ Association of Ireland yesterday released an initial list of 120 players seeking new clubs as Simon Madden, who captained Dundalk last season, offered a glimpse of the uncertainty facing League of Ireland footballers.
Despite playing every minute of every competitive game (50 in total) at Dundalk last season, right-back Madden is now on the dole as he awaits offers of a new contract.
Stephen McGuinness, general secretary of the PFAI, said Madden is just one of over 90 per cent of domestic players whose one-season deal ended last month.
It’s a list that also includes PFAI player of the year Eamon Zayed, the Premier Division’s 22-goal leading scorer with Derry City, who hopes to be included in Libya’s squad for the African Cup of Nations finals in the New Year.
“You see teams in England giving players contracts for three or four years, you can see why they give everything – you see them kissing the badge,” said Madden (23). “Over here, you could be kissing 12 badges throughout your career. We need a bit of loyalty back from clubs. I think sometimes (respect) isn’t there.”
Madden is on the PFAI’s third training camp ahead of the second annual (winter) tournament for out-of-work professionals FIFPro (the international players’ union) arranges in Oslo, Norway. Former Shamrock Rovers coach Trevor Croly will take charge of an 18-man squad which will play Sweden, before a second 60-minute game against Norway or Finland, on December 16th.
Representatives from 22 clubs attended last year’s event which resulted in 16 of the squad earning contracts while Stuart Byrne and Glen Fitzpatrick opted to retire.
“I’d imagine some clubs will start to sign players, so some may drop out as they get sorted,” said Croly who will announce the travelling party closer to their departure on December 14th.
