Derry City manager Declan Devine rages over SSE Airtricity league fixture scheduling
And the Derry boss has questioned how clubs can function with a six-week gap without a home game set to follow for his side.
The Candystripes were in Dublin last night for a rescheduled game with St Patrick’s Athletic – brought forward from July because of the Saints being involved in the Europa League.
But recent Under-21 call-ups have added to the problems of trying to fit in league games.
Clubs played nine times in a five-week period earlier in the season, while the UEFA Under-17 tournament also saw adjustments to league games in an already cramped programme.
Now the upcoming Toulon Tournament will see a number of matches postponed due to the involvement of several SSE Airtricity Premier Division players.
As a result, both Derry and Cork City will have no home games for six weeks, leaving a case of feast and famine once again.
Games have yet to be officially called off, but City’s game with UCD on 31 May and Waterford on 14 June are likely to be played later in the year.
This Friday. May 24, is a big North West derby night when Devine’s men host Finn Harps at the Ryan McBride Brandywell stadium (kick off 7.45 pm).
But their next game in the Brandywell in 5 July against Dundalk and that too will be moved due to the Lilywhites playing in the Champions League that week.
One of the postponed games is likely to be fitted in at some point before the clash with Sligo Rovers on 19 July but the situation has left Devine furious.
City lie fourth in the table with 27 points from 18 games having won seven, drawn six and lost five.
It leaves Derry four points behind third placed Bohemians and 13 behind league leaders Dundalk who sit proudly top with 40 points.
Devine told RTÉ Sport: “Without being controversial, it’s great we have so many games but ultimately two of the top clubs in Ireland are playing here and there is about 700 people at the game. Why is that?
“People don’t have the money to go to games every three days. It’s just ridiculous.
“Now we don’t have a home game for six weeks. What are we going to do? How are we going to survive?
“Where will the gates come from?
“It’s absolute madness.
“Without putting my boot into the league and all the rest, it’s just not on.
“Six weeks without a home game and fans are paying every two or three days to come and support us.
“It’s just unacceptable and ridiculous in the grand scheme of things.
“We’ll see where it takes us but in my opinion it’s just ludicrous.”
Sligo raised similar complaints last year after an 11-week period without a home game materialised.
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