Messages

The current reserve leagues are not fit for purpose. They are a waste of time for everyone. Teams are not graded on merit or ability, so most matches are uncompetitive and meaningless. How can we expect young players on the fringe of senior teams to commit to a full season of training for only a small number of meaningless, one-sided games. And we talk about retention. Integrating reserve teams into the senior league structure is the only viable solution.

Totally agree. A proper structured league would be much better.

Why do you think Armagh 1a is meaningless? I would disagree. The team that finished 3rd won their championship. They do have a greater amount of teams who are competitive. And another reason why our leagues should be split. The amount of meaningless games in Div 1 and Div 2 in Antrim is mad. Sarsfields won Div 2 and the only difficult games they had were both against MG.

Armagh 1A isn't meaningless at all, it's perfect environment for clubs pushing for a SFC, no meaningless games. Clubs seeded for the championship. Teams still had something to play for in the last few rounds, including the two teams that were relegated.

Although the clubs in their infinite wisdom voted last week to remove all 2nds teams from the all county league/championship competitions so that might impact the league structure as well as dilute the standard with 9 teams given the boot.

The Peter's only started playing with 3 or 4 games to go in the league.

That's nonsense. They didn't hold back, they just started getting some positive momentum at the right time. Their main ambition this year was to stay senior, which they failed to achieve due to poor league results.

They actually got a new coach in that time period that coincided with them playing better! An Antrim coach too who they all rate very highly.  They've a few good young lads coming through so I'd be hopeful for St. Peter's but as you say that Div 1b is very competitive.

Why do you think Armagh 1a is meaningless? I would disagree. The team that finished 3rd won their championship. They do have a greater amount of teams who are competitive. And another reason why our leagues should be split. The amount of meaningless games in Div 1 and Div 2 in Antrim is mad. Sarsfields won Div 2 and the only difficult games they had were both against MG.

Armagh 1A isn't meaningless at all, it's perfect environment for clubs pushing for a SFC, no meaningless games. Clubs seeded for the championship. Teams still had something to play for in the last few rounds, including the two teams that were relegated.

Although the clubs in their infinite wisdom voted last week to remove all 2nds teams from the all county league/championship competitions so that might impact the league structure as well as dilute the standard with 9 teams given the boot.

I agree towards the end of the league there is more a push but that is the same in Antrim. But ask the majority of the teams in Division 1 Armagh if they're going balls to wall to win a Division 1 title they'd disagree. The CE seniors won the league a couple times with 1/4 of a team. Their goal keeper had to play outfield for most of the league. Tbf they are very fortunate that they had 3 excellent keepers to chose from. But I have watched them many times this year with 2 subs. The Peter's only started playing with 3 or 4 games to go in the league. Cross don't care about the league. Clans downed tools and got relegated. Maghery had half a team until the county men came back. The other divisions are very competitive with not much room for error. One loss early on in the league and it seems to come back to haunt teams at the end of the league so they're all must win games outside of Div 1A. I'd be interested to see what would happen if we had 2nds teams in our league. I remember playing against a very strong Cargin 2nds team for years in Division 2.

Derry league seems to be as crap as ours. Tyrone seems to be very competitive.

[The county boys missing is not an issue.]

Absolutely right nothing will change based on this thread. But worth the conversation imo to get people talking and bring it to club reps.

The county boys missing is not an issue. They still play half a season and if that's your excuse to get relegated to 1b then it's just an excuse. Cargin won 14/15, Creggan 12/15, St Brides 11/15 all last season whilst missing boys for half the year.

And to be honest, missing county players or tightly contested games that are the difference is a much better alternative than what we currently have. A fiercely contested league that probably any 8 teams could win makes the league certainly more meaningful and attractive to supporters.

In regards to supporters who's interested in Creggan beat St Paul's or Aghohill by 30 points. A 1a, 1b every single game worth a watch imo.

It is a massive issue for a club like Aghagallon. Last couple of seasons have been a shit show but in a normal year we have about 17/18 good quality players. When you're missing 5/6 of those with the county and then a couple injuries then you're down to the bare bones at the start of the season. Some clubs will be going full tilt trying to pick up points off teams early on in the league before county men get back. I just don't really see another way around it, the seasons overlap so you're always missing county players. Teams with the bigger numbers could nearly put out 2 teams that would compete in the early stages of Div 1 so missing a few county men doesn't affect them.  I would be in favour of a 1a and 1b and that is your senior championship. If that is not an option the drop it to 10 teams in Div 1. I definitely think 16 teams in Div 1 is far too many. If that means we drop to Div 2 then that's what it is.

Listen I get you would rather have county players. But you still have half a league to fulfil with them and if you aren't picking up enough wins to stay up then the issue is not missing your county boys. Every other team is in the same boat remember. 

But for the likes of yourselves then it's even more important there is a 1a, 1b structure. Yous would be 1b and without county players you should still be able to compete with all of the other clubs.

Armagh club structure is perfect for Antrim imo.

But they're not. As I said some teams with no county players are picking up wins early on. Then the bigger teams that have 40 senior players are able to get through a league until their main 2 or 3 players are back (that is if they aren't injured from county). But as I said, the seasons overlap and I don't know how it gets sorted.

I agree with you regarding Armagh's setup and I think it would be better but their Div 1a is as meaningless as Antrim's. They also have a greater amount of teams who are competitive. Armagh also has a number of 2nd teams playing throughout the divisions which helps prop up the quality of the leagues. Clann Eireann 2nd team weren't too far away from winning the intermediate after winning the junior a few years ago. I heard the other day though that a motion has been passed to not allow second teams play in the leagues so it will be interesting how that affects things.

[The county boys missing is not an issue.]

Absolutely right nothing will change based on this thread. But worth the conversation imo to get people talking and bring it to club reps.

The county boys missing is not an issue. They still play half a season and if that's your excuse to get relegated to 1b then it's just an excuse. Cargin won 14/15, Creggan 12/15, St Brides 11/15 all last season whilst missing boys for half the year.

And to be honest, missing county players or tightly contested games that are the difference is a much better alternative than what we currently have. A fiercely contested league that probably any 8 teams could win makes the league certainly more meaningful and attractive to supporters.

In regards to supporters who's interested in Creggan beat St Paul's or Aghohill by 30 points. A 1a, 1b every single game worth a watch imo.

It is a massive issue for a club like Aghagallon. Last couple of seasons have been a shit show but in a normal year we have about 17/18 good quality players. When you're missing 5/6 of those with the county and then a couple injuries then you're down to the bare bones at the start of the season. Some clubs will be going full tilt trying to pick up points off teams early on in the league before county men get back. I just don't really see another way around it, the seasons overlap so you're always missing county players. Teams with the bigger numbers could nearly put out 2 teams that would compete in the early stages of Div 1 so missing a few county men doesn't affect them.  I would be in favour of a 1a and 1b and that is your senior championship. If that is not an option the drop it to 10 teams in Div 1. I definitely think 16 teams in Div 1 is far too many. If that means we drop to Div 2 then that's what it is.

This could seriously end up going very badly and end up finishing behind Rangers and Hearts. They look totally hopeless. I don't understand why he just doesn't do the same thing Martin O'Neill did and steady the ship and at least being competitive with teams and playing for each other. He's trying to persist with these tactics that clearly aren't working! Did Martin O'Neill want to stay? If he did then it's absolute madness letting him go after he has turned the whole thing around in a month.
Can't wait for the Gaelic football to start back ffs

Celtic will still win the league. But it won't be pretty.

I am definitely not so sure of this now!!

Even if they come back from this, the manager hasn't a clue. Out of his depth.

Just a question.

How is the likes of a manager of Nancy sourced? Him being in Canada then MLS. Not exactly on the radar.

They probably go on jobfinders and select 'show cheapest managers first' then pick the first one that comes up.

I'm as disappointed as everyone and going over this Thursady nite (Roma) has me having bad dreams about it after Sunday's display. However, the man is only thru the door and we have to give him a chance. He will need a good Jan transfer window that's for sure and we all hope he has 3-4 good signings like Ange did that can really lift the team and how he wants to play...Judge him in May time lads

making so many changes probably didnt help him but yeah, give him the time and see where we are come may

This connect 4 board he has is ridiculous looking. Get him out!
Joking but I am finding it hard to believe this fella will make a good job of it.

Don't know if I'm joking after all! Get him out!

I've Tokyo at the start of March but struggling badly with patella tendonitis! Getting to the start line of these marathons is the tough part!

How many majors will that be? Fair play.

This will be major number 3 if I make it to the bloody start line. Was meant to have been in Chicago but had to pull out and defer until next year with this knee injury ffs. The big 6 medal is the aim but it's an expensive hobby and it's more of a novelty medal than any sort of achievement as such. I just love the buzz of the big city marathons. The New York marathon was one of the best days of my life. 2 million people on the streets cheering you on while you run (very slowly in my case) around all New York's famous landmarks and the yanks were so hyped up and supportive. Made a holiday of it and stayed for the week. Definitely something I would recommend to anyone.

Hip mobility is a big factor in knee pain.

My knee pain is coming from my ankle and weak hamstrings I think. I had 2 operations on that ankle years ago and it is always very stiff and poor mobility. Everything is linked somewhere along the way. I have found that if I am not consistent with my S&C then the knees start to go.

I'm as disappointed as everyone and going over this Thursady nite (Roma) has me having bad dreams about it after Sunday's display. However, the man is only thru the door and we have to give him a chance. He will need a good Jan transfer window that's for sure and we all hope he has 3-4 good signings like Ange did that can really lift the team and how he wants to play...Judge him in May time lads

making so many changes probably didnt help him but yeah, give him the time and see where we are come may

This connect 4 board he has is ridiculous looking. Get him out!
Joking but I am finding it hard to believe this fella will make a good job of it.

Celtic will still win the league. But it won't be pretty.

They are 3 points behind Hearts with a game in hand.

Celtic will still win the league. But it won't be pretty.

I am actually not convinced this year. This new manager could be a complete disaster!

Started a French show called The Bureau. It is about the French secret service and it is excellent so far. It's been mentioned in here a few times over the years I think.

Into season 4 now! Fantastic! Well worth getting into.