Still some rumblings about new regime

 On Soccer:As the League of Ireland sets about the business of establishing its new third tier, there are lingering signs of discontent amongst some members of the existing two regarding the direction being taken by the organisation as well as the speed at which it is travelling.

In the old days - good or bad, depending on your point of view - the agms provided a backdrop at which clubs from around the country could air their grievances. It's just one sign of the way things have changed that at last week's "club convention" representatives of a majority of the league's members felt the need to meet unofficially, away from the confines of an umbrella body, to discuss what many clearly see as the replacement of its democratic structure with a highly centralised and, some argue, authoritarian regime.

Estimates of how many clubs attended vary from 12 up to around 18 and, in truth, there seems to be little more agreement with regard to the most pressing issues amongst the clubs. There remains, however, an underlying feeling amongst those who expressed reservations prior to the merger being confirmed that their fears have proven well founded while even some of the enthusiasts express reservations about aspects of the league's transformation.

The issues raised last week in Dublin were fairly wide-ranging. Some clubs believe the league is too quick to fine its members for rather technical breaches of the participation agreement, others bemoan the fact that the new structures have left them remote from the decision-making process.

There are accusations of inflexibility, expressions of disappointment with the much-trumpeted marketing campaign, and even claims from some quarters that the attendance figures are being massaged.

Predictably, perhaps, the league's director, Fran Gavin, rejects much of all the criticism.

That's not to say he doesn't believe that some of the clubs are a little unhappy, but he attributes most of the dissatisfaction to the harking back by a minority to the days when they could seek to influence the affairs of their rivals while failing to properly take control of their own.

To some extent, he has a point. Certainly, the system whereby representatives of the league's membership tended to vote on issues and disputes involving other clubs was unhealthy and, all too often, counter-productive.

But a number of clubs who accepted that in principle, have, nevertheless, been disappointed with the way the issue has been addressed.

There is a feeling that players and managers now have more effective channels of communication open to them than clubs who, between them, spend millions each year employing those players and managers.

The clubs do have two elected representatives on the National League Executive - Paddy McCaul and Eamon Naughton - but it seems there is some dissatisfaction at what is perceived to be their failure to adequately represent their constituency.

The extent, meanwhile, of the centralisation of power with Merrion Square is repeatedly raised.

Many club officials remain wary of Gavin because of his previous role as a full-time official with the players union - a discomfort he acknowledges he is aware of in some quarters - or because of his perceived closeness to John Delaney. Then there are those who feel the calibre of the management team generally needs to be improved.

Equally, though, there are those who express frustration that administrators paid to administer, seem powerless to make even rather run-of-the-mill decisions because they lack the required authority.

Errors in the information issued regarding matters like suspensions or eligibility are mentioned by some while others grumble about the growing levels of bureaucracy attached to membership of the league.

Most of the issues raised are dismissed as "housekeeping" by Gavin who argues that those who do the most complaining are generally the last ones to get on the phone and take matters up directly with him. He insists that listening to the "customers", as he refers to the clubs, is a key priority. His willingness to engage is certainly acknowledged by his supporters but there remains a sizeable number of clubs who simply don't like the extent to which things have changed.

Gavin's answer is simple: "They signed up to the participation agreement." Theirs is equally so: "There wasn't an alternative national league to play in so what choice did we have?"

Whatever the reasons for their endorsement, those participation agreements do leave Gavin in a very strong position. Regardless of their size or the relative mildness of their views, not one of the clubs contacted yesterday would allow themselves to be mentioned by name because of the comprehensive ban on criticism contained in the agreements.

Is it a price worth paying? The confirmation yesterday that a tiny portion of Garret Kelleher's wealth had enabled John McDonnell to bring three new players into St Patrick's Athletic, the transformation of clubs like Drogheda United and Galway United over the last few years as well as the talk of substantial additional investment coming into the league during the months ahead, can all be seen as evidence that the business community, at least, likes what it sees.

For some the changes do not go far enough. There is impatience in some quarters, to press forward and to leave those who have struggled to adapt to either sink or swim.

For his part, Gavin maintains that the present level of movement is fair and that the new "A Championship" will prove an opportunity for each and every club to eventually find its own level.

"The clubs need to learn to be competitive when they're on the pitch while thinking a little more collectively off it," he says.

Few would disagree although in most real collectives it might be regarded as a sign of serious trouble when the members complain to a third party that they can't make their voices heard then ask for their identities to be concealed.