DOMESTIC FOOTBALL clubs cannot be sustained on a full-time basis, according to St Patrick’s Athletic manager Pete Mahon, speaking ahead of his side’s home game with Sporting Fingal tomorrow.
At least a draw will see St Patrick’s, who restructured their set-up and reverted to part-time at the start of this season, regain the leadership of the Premier Division.
“It’s a pity in one sense because Bohs have been a full-time club since Roddy Collins was there,” said Mahon as he discussed the topic in the light of Bohemians’ humiliating exit from the Champions League this week.
“I was there as part of that. (But) I don’t think it’s sustainable. In spite of everybody’s best efforts, crowds are down. It’s still a unique league where every minute is intense. It’s a pity, but I don’t think full-time will work.
“Look at us here, we’ve gone back part-time. The full-time model was here for four years and didn’t really work . . . we’re doing every bit as much as we were last year as a full-time club. It’s not the budget you have, it’s the type of people you get in, the players you sign, the type of characters they are. All that can determine if you’re successful as a part-time club or if you need to be full-time.”
Mahon is missing suspended striker Vinny Faherty tomorrow, along with injured left back Ian Bermingham (foot) and winger Gareth Coughlan (broken leg). New signings midfielders Garreth O’Connor and goalkeeper Chris Bennion come into the squad.
Sporting Fingal must put their Europa League exit behind them as they remain without defender Colin Hawkins (ribs), while midfielder Keith Quinn is suspended. Defender Shaun Maher must shake off a slight hamstring strain if he’s to feature, though striker Gary O’Neill hopes to come back into the reckoning following a long-term groin problem.
Galway United have released defender James Creaney, who’s returned to his native Scotland to look for a club, as cost cutting continues at Terryland Park.
Manager Seán Connor is without striker Karl Sheppard due to suspension for the visit of Dundalk tomorrow. Midfielder Alan Murphy remains out injured, while Rhys Meynell and Jason Molloy need to prove their fitness.
Dundalk have winger Michael McGowan suspended. Manager Ian Foster waits on defenders Shaun Kelly and Liam Burns as well as midfielder Stephen Maher.
Due to their Europa League third qualifying round, first leg clash with Juventus at Tallaght Stadium next Thursday, Shamrock Rovers’ league game with UCD, scheduled for Monday night, has been postponed.
WEEKEND FIXTURES
Tonight – First Division: Mervue Utd v Shelbourne (7pm).
Sunday – Premier Division: St Patrick’s Athletic v Sporting Fingal (3pm); Galway Utd v Dundalk (7pm).
