Thats the problem with LOI soccer. They have not copped on that they are not competing against the premiership. People in Norway watch and support Premiership teams as much as we do. If it was that simple, the move to summer soccer would have solved a bit part of it. If clubs think that people are simply not turning up because there is a premiership game on TV, then they are deluding themselves. People are not turning up because the product is so poor. And I don't just mean the football which is of a decent enough standard now. The 'experience' of going to see a second string Leinster rugby team play a magners league game is a lot more enjoyable than most LOI games and I go to plenty of both. Even club rugby or GAA is more enjoyable.
I have seen a second string rugby team play Magners league in Musgrave Park and there would be 7,000 present despite there being a rickedy stand and 80% of the people standing on a terrace.
Compare that with Turners Cross where the ground is 8,000 all seater and we would average 1800 a game (was higher in the past few years but with the previous owner in place there was an unofficial boycott in place)
I think where LOI clubs have fallen down is organisation. Historically, clubs have been owned by an individual or a family where it had a one man band operational level who looked after everything... Tickets, advertising, signing of players, commerical sponsorship, etc...
FORAS who are now running CCFC have a BoM of 10 people, each with there own area of responsibility. There will be various committees (volunteer) who will report back to the BoM member in charge of that area.
It has worked well for Shamrock Rovers and we will do everything in our power to make it work for us. A business plan has been put into operation and each area knows their role.
Obviously, it will only succeed if the people of Cork row in behind us (like the people of Tallaght have with SR). We plan on giving it our best shot.
What we don't need is people sniping from the gallery saying "LOI is rubbish etc etc etc" (thats not a dig at you Sunny) at least go to a few games and give it a shot. Who knows, you might even enjoy yourself.