Sir, - Could Mr Doyle seriously believe that Dublin cannot support one Premiership team? His statement is based, one presumes, on the idea that the current Wimbledon team will just move to Dublin and continue to display its drab football fare.
The investment required for a new stadium and all the associated facilities is so large than any investor will demand a footballing overhaul in order to guarantee the long term security of their investment. In the short term, one can assume that a large transfer reserve will be provided, as well as money to pay Premier League salaries to lure a number of stars to the club. A number of successful signings can transform any team, and success breeds the large crowds essential for such a venture to work - the "Jack's Army" phenomenon is proof of this.
In an age of entertainment and European expansion, why should the soccer loving public in Ireland be denied the opportunity to watch these games at first hand by the parochial views of the administrators in the respective counties? Noises made by the FAI about it killing the National League are ridiculous, as it is hard to kill the dead.
The turnouts at all "friendlies" shows the interest among people here in the Premier League. The development of a pan European League, which will happen sooner rather than later, is one very good reason for the FAI to encourage the setting up of a financially strong Premier League team, at no cost to itself. Otherwise we will be completely cut adrift from the future of top flight soccer.
People like Mr Doyle do not have to attend these matches; they can still go to Shamrock Rovers v Bohemians and write letters on equally relevant issues, such as the banning of the phrase "British Isles" as used by BBC/ ITV/Sky weather people. This would leave the rest of us to enjoy our Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays and Wednesdays at a Wimbledublin game, rather than sitting in listening to Radio 5. I, for one, am looking forward to the UEFA Cup first round home tie against Juventus in a few years. - Yours, etc.,
Cedar Square,
Blackrock,
Co Dublin.