WHEN there is a need for amendment, as indeed it is evident that major change is needed in the structure of the season in this country, especially relevant to less fragmentation in the All-Ireland league fixtures, then it is inevitable that not everyone (in this case, clubs), will be enthusiastic about the changes.

We are all well aware that you cannot please all the people all the time. But when one sees and hears some of the arguments, some coming from a very selective base, being put forward about the proposed new structure for next season and new format for the league, one is inclined to the belief that you cannot please some people or clubs any of the time.

There was unanimous agreement on one thing in relation to the league: the position that obtained this season was not deemed satisfactory to anyone. The huge gap in the league between October and March did help the provinces and, indeed, the preparations of the national team. But it was detrimental to the clubs. The attempt to fill the vacuum with provincial leagues was not deemed satisfactory by the clubs. And while those leagues were well contested and, in the case of Connacht and Ulster, are not yet over, they do not and did not provide the answer to the break in the national competition.

Had there not been anything done to rectify the situation it might be more easy to appreciate some of the activity currently going on in relation to the proposed new structure which will see 14 clubs in the first and second divisions next season. Another factor in the current series of meetings, here, there and just about everywhere, is the European dimension as envisaged by the chief executive of the Leicester club, Peter Wheeler, and his cohorts.

With regard to the new format for the league, that was decided after exhaustive discussions and consultations with the branches and after a president's review committee was set up and offered recommendations. One of the members of that committee was Frank Hogan, the chairman of Garryowen and now among the most vociferous critics of the new structure. With the increase in division one from II to 14 clubs, three instead of two clubs will be promoted from the second division and no relegation from the first.

I fully accept that it is unfortunate that the decision that there will be no relegation had to be made at this stage, with the league due to resume on Saturday week. But it was unavoidable and it would have been dishonest not to announce it at this stage. The urgent need to amend the league has been accepted unanimously and consequently the change has to be accepted.

It was either that or the change being made two years hence, and that would scarcely have been in anyone's best interests and certainly not in accordance with the clubs' wishes. The review committee's recommendation was to have just eight clubs in the first division who would play on a home and away basis.

Had that been accepted, and if the new structured is to be put in place as urgently required next season, then it would have meant three clubs being relegated instead of two. I wonder how the club that finished third from bottom would have reacted. That surely would have been grossly unfair.

I would have no problem with an eight club first division but others would, in the belief that many clubs would lose players to the eight.

NOR DO I accept for a moment that the league this season will not be competitive when it resumes. Hogan has stated that those clubs not in contention for the title and not in danger of relegation will have nothing to play for and that Shannon, among the five title contenders, have an unfair advantage because they will be playing clubs who are not in contention for the title. The reality is that a league means all clubs playing each other. Shannon have played six clubs and have four more to play. That means they play everyone. Nor do I expect any club to lie down and die because they cannot win the championship and cannot be relegated.

In any case, as a league progresses into its closing stages a point is reached where clubs are out of contention for the title and also not in danger of relegation. I can remember and give several instances of those clubs beating opposition who were in contention and others in danger of relegation. For instance, last season, Cork Constitution could not win the title and played Sunday's Well, who needed the points to avoid relegation. That did not diminish Constitution's endeavours and they won the match and Sunday's Well were relegated.

Then what about the league in 1992-93, when only one club was being relegated to the second division. That was a tremendous competition despite the fact that several clubs were safe before the end, but the matches were no less competitive.

When one looks at the remaining fixtures, there are some captivating matches in prospect in the first division. Garryowen, Constitution and St Mary's have all lost just one match, Shannon and Young Munster two. So five teams are in contention for the title. I would see that as competitive. Shannon have played all the other teams in contention and lost to two of them. I cannot see that they have got any advantage.

The new structure has much to commend it and should make for a better league. That is the bottom line. The provinces are catered for and clubs can prepare for the start of the All-Ireland League in December by playing in their provincial leagues.

Meanwhile, on the European front the activity goes on apace. There was a meeting of some first division clubs last Saturday week in Dublin and I gather Leinster clubs met last Saturday. Across the channel there will be some hectic activity this week. The English First Division clubs were due to meet last night and I gather Peter Wheeler was tendering his resignation as chairman of that body so that an independent person could be appointed. Tomorrow it is the turn of the Anglo-Welsh to meet, and on Friday Wheeler's brainchild, the European Clubs Association, gather.

They are the body proposing two European competitions next season, comprising 20 clubs and a second division of 32. Irish clubs are being courted to compete in this. I hope they resist it, not least in their own interests. Of course one does not want to see all the best players going to English clubs, but neither can anyone want to see Irish clubs used as fodder and makeweights. Entry into Europe division two will do nothing for Irish clubs and infinite damage to the provinces, despite the alleged promise of big money. Big money for whom? The finance is on offer from television - who else but Sky. The sky may be the limit for Wheeler and company, it could mean the depths for Irish clubs.

The fine print would be well worth a careful study. The implications for Irish clubs entering Europe would be immense. Nor in the long run will it keep a single Irish player at home, because Irish clubs will still be competing to keep their players away from the millionaire-sponsored English elite.