Time for radical change

The blueprint proposals for developing the eircom National League, which were handed out to members of the management committee on Monday night, will now be taken to each club before coming up for debate at the next meeting in February.

The principal objectives of the proposals are to improve the standard of football within the league, increase attendances and improve facilities, and strengthen young player development along with European participation. They will also seek to improve club administration and financial viability.

One of the key elements is revising the league season, starting in August each year with the league championship. There would be an extended winter break from the third Sunday in December to the first Sunday in February (six weeks), and concluding in early June. Thus, there would be two equal breaks rather than the one extended break.

In addition, strategies to encourage youth development would include a requirement of three under-21 players in each 16-man squad and a national youth league for players under-18.

The blueprint also states that the proposals must be considered enbloc, and that a piecemeal approach would undermine most of the reforms. They are based on discussions with individuals in Ireland and abroad, including organisations in countries such as Norway - though not a complete copy of their structures.

Meanwhile, First Division side Monaghan United confirmed yesterday that they have accepted the resignation of manager Billy Bagster with immediate effect. The position will be filled by current first team player Bobby Browne, who will act as caretaker manager until the end of the season.

Bagster rejoined Monaghan as manager in February of last year after previously leading the club in the Premier Division during in the mid-nineties. But their dismal start to the season, with just two wins from 16 games, forced the mutual re-examination of Bagster's position.

Browne, 37, has played under a variety of managers in the national league, most significantly with Shelbourne, and also holds a UEFA B coaching badge.

Elsewhere, Kilkenny City have had three points deducted following the incomplete registration of a player who started their game against Limerick FC last month. Financial information on the registration was not completed, violating rule 16a (paragraph 2) of the league rules, and also resulted in a £300 fine.