Dundalk's poor showing points-wise in the Europa League group stages so far got Adrian Barry posing a big question on OTB AM this morning - is it time for a League of Ireland 'super-team'?
The Lilywhites fell to a 3-1 defeat against Norwegian outfit Molde last night, a result that leaves Filippo Giovagnoli's side still without a point in Group B after five games.
On Sunday evening Dundalk battered Athlone Town 11-0 away in the semi-finals of the FAI Cup, only serving to highlight further the gulf in class between Airtricity League of Ireland Premier and First Division teams.
There also remains questions as to how many teams can realistically challenge for domestic honours, given the financial advantages of teams like Dundalk and champions Shamrock Rovers.
Adrian spoke on the show this morning about his own views that perhaps a 'super-team' comprising of League of Ireland sides might better suit a big challenge in European competition.
"It’s great seeing Irish teams competing at this level but it’s way too sporadic.
"We’ve seen more of Dundalk this year than we’ve seen Republic of Ireland matches. This super-team would also feed players into the national set-up and offer quality football for the best and brightest - who can then be sold to the Premier League or wherever for top dollar having played European football rather than the pittance at the minute."
Radical Plan | How to make one Irish club COMPETITIVE in Europe every single year 🇮🇪@WhosAdrianBarry 💬 We need to reform the LOI and reimagine how we think about the league to make a proper leap forward in Europe ⚽#OTBAM with @GilletteUK | #MadeOfWhatMatters pic.twitter.com/tJQV7kTDlO
— Off The Ball (@offtheball) December 4, 2020
Is there a fair argument here? Could League of Ireland clubs ultimately get to the point where they accept that the money in Europe means it is a far more important competition than the domestic league?
It would certainly be a radical plan, but is it what the League of Ireland needs to take interest and European competitiveness to the next level?
We want to hear your thoughts - let us know in the comments what your solution for the League of Ireland right now would be!
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