|
Key 'Summer Soccer' debate in advance of vote By Tom Kelly A key debate on the future of association football in Mayo takes place at Milebush on Tuesday, February 10th. The 31 clubs in the county will discuss the prospect of introducing the 'Summer Soccer' concept on a permanent basis. A special meeting of club chairmen and secretaries has been called for the date to hear the views of delegates on the matter. It represents the final opportunity for clubs to air their opinions on the matter before the crucial vote is taken at the annual general meeting of the Mayo League in early March. Mr. John Durkan, secretary of the league, said it was decided to hold a full blown debate on the issue in advance of the annual meeting. "It is imperative that all clubs hold their annual general meetings before February 10th so that they can give a clear indication of their standing regarding Summer Soccer." The Mayo League made the controversial decision to move from the traditional Winter season in 1994. But it was decided at the time that the change would be fully reviewed at the end of the 1997 season following the completion of the three-season trial period. The general consensus in the county is that Summer Soccer will be given permanent sanctioning. But quite a number of clubs have yet to give a public indication of how they will vote. Each of the 31 clubs will have a vote at the annual meeting, as well as the 12 members of the league's management committee. The 'Summer Soccer' decision will be decided by a simple majority. It is an open secret that the whip will not be put on management committee members to vote in favour of the issue. The indications, in fact, are that at least two of the 12-man committee may be opposed to the concept on a permanent. On that basis, the proposal to retain 'Summer Soccer' would be guaranteed 10 votes before the clubs cast their votes. The members definitely in favour are Donal Benson, John Durkan, Tom Kelly, Ivan Carroll, Henry Downes, Michael Fox, Michael Lavin, Tom McDaniel, John McNicholas and Pat Quigley. Joe Butler has long expressed his preference for the traditional season, while Brendan Coyle may oppose the proposal if his club, Ballyvary Bluebombers, vote against it. If that proves to be the case, then a further 12 votes would be required by the pro-Summer lobby. At this point, it is fairly certain that at least 11 clubs will vote against returning to Winter. They are Ballina Rovers, Parkside Celtic, Ballyhaunis, Bangor Hibs, Castlebar Celtic, Crossmolina, Killala, Manulla, Snugboro, Straide & Foxford and Swinford. Ballyglass, Claremorris, Knock United and Ballina United are also likely to support the retention of the Summer season, but their positions are less clear. Also unclear, at this junction, are the attitudes of Charlestown Athletic, Castlebar United, Ballyvary Bluebombers, Erris United, Glenisland United, Hollister, Roundfort United and Urlaur. Those against 'Summer Soccer' include Conn Rangers, Glenhest Rovers, Lacken United, Moy Villa and Westport United. There has been some speculation of a compromise proposal. This relates to the season starting in June rather than April, giving clubs greater time to prepare their pitches after the Winter. As yet, however, there is no concrete proposal of that nature before the league.
|
